Outsourcing Data Processing to India

What is Data Processing?

Data Processing is a category of IT Enabled Services pertaining to capture, digitization and processing of data emanating from various sources. Traditional data processing services comprise of punching data from manually filled forms, images or publications; preparing databases and integrating them. However, with the advent of multimedia and internet, the scope and range of data processing has grown. Sources have widened to include manually printed documents, images, sounds and video. Equally diverse are the new output media which include databases on servers, hard copy publications, CD-ROM authoring and managing records emanating from internet based queries.

Organizations with extensive data turnover and customer interface can use high speed datacom links for their back office and data processing operations. This enables them to save costs and valuable resources.

Data Processing - The Process

Data Processing services cater to companies / organizations, which receive or generate large quantities of information that is handwritten/ typed and time sensitive. These forms can be sent either physically or can be scanned and transmitted to the vendor's facility. The data processing may be done using high speed, automated systems reading hand print, check-boxes, mark sense, reader response, bar codes, and most data slots that are on a form. Information can be processed from hard copy, fax or scanned version.

Many companies enter data manually (from image or paper) or through computer assisted data capture, using

 

• OCR (optical character recognition),
• ICR (intelligent character recognition),
• mark sense ,
• MICR and
• Bar code.

Information is checked by validation routines including table look-ups, data/range checks, and relationship validation. Processed documents are then sent to verification stations where experienced operators verify the accuracy of processed information. This product is then turned into Data, and properly formatted Data (record layout) is quickly transmitted to the client's computer.

Outsource Data Processing to India

Data processing is an essential process , which any organization requires. However, not many companies have either the expertise or resources to carry out this work in house. In such a scenario, outsourcing your data processing work is a wise option.

India is one of the most popular outsourcing locations. With it's vast pool of educated and professional resources, wealth of knowledge in several domains especially its growing prowess in the information technology field, and cost effective solutions, it is no surprise that several global companies have chosen India for their outsourcing needs. Indian Service Providers in the data processing and other Information Technology enabled service fields are highly qualified and can cater to a vast array of data processing requirements.

Data Processing India - Services offered

There are several information technology enabled services related to data processing that are offered by Indian Service Providers.

Data Digitization

Digitization is the process by which physical or manual records such as text, images, video, and audio are converted into digital forms. This is of paramount importance when projects need directions based on already established facilities and the implementing agency needs to find the scope for expansion.

Digitized data offers the following benefits: Long term preservation of documents, orderly archiving of documents, easy & customized access to information, easy information dissemination through images & text, CD-ROMs, internet, intranets, and extranets.

The digitization process includes:

• identification of customer needs and the intended use of the digitized records.
• translating customer needs to digitizing objectives by means of requirement specifications, system analysis, and designing the system for the planned product.
• A pilot application of technology for approval and testing is then developed. On its approval by the customer, a data source chart for the source material is developed. The source material may include printed forms, images, sounds, and video. The printed format requires maximum processing, as other formats can be easily converted into digital form.
• The documents are now printed so that their accuracy can be checked manually. These are scanned using special Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software and the historical documents are keyed in. The output is checked manually by proofreaders before being converted to the desired format (ASCII, HTML, PDF, MS-Word).
• The images are scanned; old and faded images are recovered using advanced digital correction software. The sound and video data are captured through a data capturing software and hardware and converted into digital form; the quality of the digital version may be enhanced by filtering through an editing software.
• The digitized data are integrated into an easily accessible form by incorporating indexes and tables of contents. These are now authored on CD-ROMs or other suitable media depending on the intended use of the data.

Accuracy is achieved through a double keying system where every coding entry is made twice and automatically compared with proprietary software. Any discrepancy is rejected and the coding is done afresh for the rejected set of files.

E-Cataloging

E-Cataloging is a technology of processing paper catalogs to digitized data for the web. As virtual shopping is gaining ground throughout the world paper catalogs are no more a good approach to selling your products. E-Cataloging is a new technology that manufacturers and distributors throughout the globe are adopting to sell their products.

The process involves:

• Paper Catalog from the manufacturer/distributor is collected.
• Duplicating(Documenting) the catalog for Analysis.
• Database Analysis to prepare the catalog database structure.
• Approval for the database structure from the client.
• Production of the catalog.
• Quality Assurance.
• Deliver.

There are several other related information technology services that India Service Providers offer.

• Web content development
• Animation
• Payroll processing services
• Write up services
• General Ledger services
• Financial Statement Preparation
• Tax Preparation
• Desk Top Publishing

Data Processing in India - The Advantages

India offers many advantages as an IT Enabled Services destination for major global companies. These include:

• 12-hour times zone difference with USA and other major markets for IT Enabled Services.
• A huge pool of English speaking and computer literate manpower who can continue to cater to the growing demand for professionals in IT Enabled Services. These professionals are skilled as well as quality conscious.
• Labour costs are significantly lower than in most other countries.
• Stable legislative and economic framework.
• Support of Government of India for all IT led industries - Many State
• Governments in India offer special incentives and infrastructure for setting up IT Enabled Services.
• India enjoys strong brand equity in major markets, thanks to its growing and globally competitive software industry.

Indian Service Providers are professional, quality conscious, and offer cost effective solutions. They have:

• expertise
• a dedicated 24x7x365 support and a single point of contact
• a very reliable Quality Assurance System and a time bound project completion record.
• a full life cycle solution, which ensures your systems keep pace with your business, while providing saving in total cost of ownership.
• Flexibility whether it involves making necessary changes when situations for change arise or handling each project based on the requirements of the client
• Personalized service as a team is assigned to each project. Apart from possessing an accurate knowledge of information technology services they offer valuable ideas, distinct service and complete solutions.
• Strict adherence to deadlines