August 22, 2003	Friday	Jumadi-us-Sani 23, 1424

ISLAMABAD, Aug 21: The Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) has completed computerization of 35 SME sector manufacturing units to improve their efficiency under its Industrial Automation Programme (IAP).

The programme has been launched for automation of 100 domestic manufacturing industries from the SME sector for improving their capability and quality of work, an official of the PSEB told APP here on Thursday.

He said in the first phase of the project, 51 units were planned for automation, but due to various reasons computerization of seven was withdrawn.

The official said out of the remaining 44 units, the automation process of 35 had already been implemented and work on the rest nine units would be completed by end of this month.

He said in the second phase 50 more units would be computerized to introduce the automation culture in SMEs. Work has already been initiated to this respect, the official said.

The official said Rs29.419 million project would help decrease the operational pilferage, enhancement in output and quality of productivity.

Under the project SMEs from domestic manufacturing industries, including textile, engineering and pharmaceutical are automated in management, reporting, finance, admin/work flow, e-commerce and applications.—APP