New Delhi, Dec. 15 -- As publishers and digital platforms move decisively to digital-first models, the pressure to deliver content faster-without compromising compliance or accessibility-has intensified. Mumbai-based Lumina Datamatics, a subsidiary of Datamatics Global Services Limited, and a digital transformation partner for publishers and retailers, is betting on AI-driven automation, modular platforms, and 'accessibility by design' to drive the next phase of growth. Sameer Kanodia, Managing Director & CEO, Lumina Datamatics, and Vice Chairman & CEO, TNQTech (the Chennai-based company it acquired in December last year), explains how AI-led platforms, born-accessible content and India-led innovation are reshaping global publishing and commerce workflows. Edited excerpts.
How is digital-first publishing changing workflow expectations?
Digital-first publishing has redefined quality. Speed alone isn't enough-publishers now need intelligent workflows that scale, ensure compliance, and deliver accessibility from day one. At Lumina Datamatics, AI and automation are embedded across editorial and production, significantly reducing turnaround times. Accessibility is built in early through a Born Accessible approach. The future lies in adaptive systems that learn continuously and simplify publishing at scale.
How is AI reshaping core editorial functions?
AI has evolved from a support tool into an active collaborator in publishing. Tasks like proofreading, tagging, metadata creation and assessment generation are now faster and more consistent. Importantly, AI enhances-not replaces-editorial judgment. At Lumina Datamatics, AI is integrated across editorial layers, especially in education publishing. Going forward, systems will proactively flag structural and stylistic issues. Our proprietary platform BluPencil is already moving in that direction.
What is the business impact of faster cycles, compliance and accessibility?
Speed, compliance and accessibility must move together in this business. Faster production cycles help publishers respond to market demand, but speed without compliance or accessibility can be counterproductive. To address that we've built workflows where automation, validation and accessibility checks run in parallel. This cuts cycle time while ensuring global standards compliance. The payoff is clear-quicker go-to-market, lower regulatory risk and broader audience reach. Over time, this builds trust and operational resilience.
How has quick commerce changed the role of cataloguing?
Quick commerce has raised the stakes for accuracy. When customers expect near-instant delivery, cataloguing becomes a frontline growth driver rather than a back-office function. Product descriptions, attributes, and images directly influence discoverability and conversion. We work with large global retailers to manage product data at scale, ensuring every SKU is accurate, enriched and optimised. Our AI-driven catalogue platforms combine automation with human quality checks to maintain consistency across millions of listings. The next shift will be predictive cataloguing-systems that adapt to buying trends and local preferences in real time, turning catalogues into growth engines.
How do modular, API-first platforms help publishers scale?
Scalability depends on interoperability. Our modular, API-first platforms-XEditPro, BluPencil and RightsPlatform-integrate seamlessly into existing ecosystems. Clients can modernise incrementally while retaining control. We're now adding AI layers that make platforms self-optimising. Our goal is to enable global scale without sacrificing stability or precision.
What are your India expansion priorities over the next 12-18 months?
India is central to our strategy-as a talent base and innovation hub. Over the next 12-18 months, we're expanding delivery locations and building teams in content technology, data science and accessibility engineering. From a global perspective, our India operations anchor delivery across the US, UK, Europe and the Philippines, providing scale, resilience and flexibility. Our long-term goal is to position India not just as an execution engine, but as a core innovation hub for global clients.
What lies ahead for the company in terms of investments and scale?
We've seen steady growth across publishing and ecommerce, supported by strong client relationships and acquisitions like TNQ Technologies. Adoption of our proprietary platforms is driving recurring revenue. Going forward, investments will focus on AI-led platforms, R&D and talent. Our ambition is to build Lumina Datamatics into a globally trusted brand for digital content, commerce and accessibility.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from TechCircle.