Wipro emerging quality consultant

Wipro Ltd may be well-known to set the benchmark for quality standards. However, the time has come when it intends to spread its tentacles and infuse these standards into its clients.

Wipro Technologies is increasingly getting Quality Consulting assignments where it is drawing out the blueprint for many of its customer organisations to improve their quality standards.

Though the Quality Consulting business of Wipro is just a little over two-years-old, it is interesting to note that the division is fast emerging as a key contributor to the company's revenues.

Within the first 7-8 months of its operation, the division contributed $1 million. During the previous fiscal, this increased to $3.5 million and is on track to double its business to $7 million in the current fiscal.

Speaking to Business Standard, Sambuddha Deb, chief quality officer, Wipro Technologies, said, "This initiative began when our customers wanted us to help them improve their quality. When we got into the act, we realised that the customer wanted our guidance only on smaller processes. The problems were very specific. By adapting ourselves to their needs, we have built up immense customer loyalty."

All 12 MNCs that have received the expertise of the quality consulting division are Wipro customers. From inception till date, this division has had about 30-35 engagements where it has fine-tuned various processes for companies.

These include processes like software testing before roll-out to enabling companies to move towards CMM Level 5 or Six Sigma. Overstaffing Wipro's quality team has taken care of the quality consulting division, said Deb.

"Wipro's quality team is nearly 150-strong. Of this nearly 55-60 people are purely for the quality consulting business. Overstaffing will ensure that many of the one-time assignments are attended to," Deb added.

In the near term, the quality consulting team expects more business from the US.