Balachandar Ramalingam

Manager - IT Digital Business

• Led and delivered the Digital Product Thread initiative by integrating PLM, ERP, MES, and CPQ systems, resulting in a 30% reduction in data silos and a 60% improvement in decision-making speed. The connected PLM brings together all critical information to track the product and its digital assets from concept, design, manufacturing, and quality, seamless data transfer between systems enhancing cross-functional collaboration and driving efficiency across the organization. o Pioneered innovative digital solutions in PLM space such as CAD Automation toolkits(Smart Design), Product Data Analytics (PowerBI), Model Based Enterprise (MBE), Technical Data Package (TDP), Drawing Validator, Laboratory Information management System (LIMS), PLM Collaborator for PPAP, Optimization tools and AI based shape-based product search (Similarity search), Role based app for data access, accelerated time to market in Product Development leading to an 80% efficiency improvement by providing Right Information to the Right people on time. o Simplified PLM systems (Teamcenter & Windchill) for multi-CAD applications by consolidating and eliminating outdated legacy systems(SolidWorks PDM, Autodesk Vault, SharePoint and file folders) reducing upgrade and maintenance costs by 40% and increasing innovation capacity in the PLM space, leading to a 25% improvement in system efficiency. o Developed a restricted substances list (RSL) and prohibited substances list (PSL), providing clear guidelines for material selection and procurement. Implemented a supplier compliance program to ensure that all suppliers adhered to REACH, RoHS, and other relevant regulations (SVHC, Circularity) meeting industry standards and avoiding potential fines, thus saving the organization significant costs. o Successfully implemented 3D online Product Dynamic Configurators and Modular Configurators for discrete and parametric products (ETO, CTO, ATO & AATS) at scale, enabling support for unlimited real-time variants and reducing ordering errors by 25%. Integrated on-demand WebAR (AR & VR) and high-definition renderings (HDR), enhanced the customer experience and increased profitability for organization. o Led the development and implementation of HNI’s Product modularization strategy, breaking down complex systems into smaller, self-contained modules to offer highly customizable products and decreased production cost by 15% through efficient assembly initiative. o Spearheaded the Global standardization and classification of key components across multiple product lines, and achieved a 20% reduction in inventory costs, and improved supply chain efficiency by 18%, resulting in a 10% increase in profitability. o Worked with newly acquiring companies to integrate systems, processes, ensuring needs and capabilities, architecture and backend requirements, conducting regular audits and assessments to identify areas for improvement and implemented corrective actions to enhance PLM processes. o Partnered with Manufacturing Excellence team and implemented several manufacturing applications, Smart factories by leveraging advanced technologies such as IoT, AI, and automation, shopfloor digital twins to support strategic vision and help company executives, and others make better decisions.