Abhilash Sridhar

About Abhilash Sridhar

I am a Strategic Technology Leader with 13+ years of experience designing and delivering end-to-end Discrete Event Simulation (DES), Operations Research (OR), and AI-driven automation solutions for complex global manufacturing ecosystems.My core strength lies in architecting scalable simulation and optimization models that improve factory throughput, resource utilization, and decision quality—translating complex technical insights into clear, executive-ready outcomes. I have led enterprise-scale digital transformation initiatives, delivering $6M+ in simulation impact and $1.5M+ in code modernization savings through data-driven optimization and GenAI-enabled automation.I have deep expertise in- Discrete Event Simulation & Digital Twins for capacity planning, logistics, manpower, and throughput optimization- Operations Research for system-level optimization and constraint-driven decision making- AI / GenAI & LLMs for test automation, reporting, and large-scale TCL-to-Python modernization- Advanced analytics & visualization using Python, Tableau, and Spotfire to drive actionable insightsI have successfully partnered with cross-functional engineering, product, and leadership teams, influencing strategy and enabling intelligent, data-driven decisions at scale. My work consistently bridges the gap between deep technical modeling and business impact.With global manufacturing exposure across wafer fabs (US), storage device manufacturing (Malaysia, Thailand), and automotive production plants including Mercedes-Benz (Germany & US) and Tata Motors (India), I bring a strong understanding of advanced manufacturing, lean principles, and large-scale system complexity.I am passionate about building intelligent, adaptive systems that combine simulation, optimization, and AI to future-proof manufacturing operations and deliver measurable business value.

Experience

1. Analytics Business Partner

   WD

   Dec 2024 — Present · Bengaluru, TH

   In my current role at Western Digital, I serve as the Analytics Business Partner for enterprise-wide initiatives, ensuring alignment across GenAI infrastructure, Firmware engineering, and IT teams. I drive QMS Analytics and GenAI proof-of-concept initiatives, collaborating with global engineering, manufacturing, and supplier partners. My responsibilities include building advanced wafer production simulation models to support strategic capacity planning and high-value business decisions, as well as developing integrated dashboards to enhance project governance and visibility. I identify process bottlenecks and recommend data-driven improvements to enhance operational efficiency while leading capability development programs on simulation methodologies and analytics tools.Achievements: I successfully delivered the TCL → Python GenAI transformation program, resulting in $1.5M cost avoidance and was awarded the Platinum Award for this achievement. Additionally, I executed wafer simulation initiatives that had a ~$6M business impact, earning the Diamond Award. My efforts in building enterprise dashboards were recognized with the Cheers Award for significantly improving project tracking efficiency. I also optimized AGV requirements through simulation, saving the company $600K, and improved team productivity through structured training and mentorship.Awarded Trade Secret Recognition for designing a proprietary AI-driven simulation management framework integrating RAG, MCP, dynamic model generation, and conversational AI to modernize enterprise Digital Twin (DES) capabilities.

Education

• Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani

  Master’s Degree, Manufacturing Management

  2014 — 2016

• Malnad College of Engineering, Hassan (Visvesvaraya Technological University, Karnataka )

  Bachelor's Degree, Industrial Engineering

  2008 — 2012

• 1% Club

  Personal finance Mastery

Skills

• Flexsim
• Simulations
• Operations Management
• Discrete Event Simulation
• Process Optimization
• Industrial Engineering
• Product Lifecycle Management
• Lean Manufacturing
• Genetic Algorithms (Plant Simulation)
• Vda Automotive Library Plant Simulation
• Plant Simulation