Member Spotlight
Dr. Krishnan Krishnaiyer
Krishnan tell us a little about yourself and your IE and lean journey.
I am a humble process improvement human. I am passionate about developing and sustaining efficient, vibrant, and innovative processes. In my 28-year career, I have played many roles: as a thought leader, simplified complex processes, developed innovative strategies for global process excellence, accelerated value-creation, and empowered others with tools to do so. My award-winning lean process improvement applications span legal, human resources, customer service, research & development, supply chain, operations, information technology, and finance. I volunteer in schools to inspire the next generation of leaders to be improvement agents & innovators. I hold a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, with a focus on Design and Manufacturing, from The University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas, USA. I am on a mission: (1) to help learners to find their purpose and (2) to Solve hair-ball problems for the enterprise using an improvement and innovation approach.
My IE journey started as a Graduate student. I first saw IISE ideals put into practice in 2001. I was one of several volunteers with the Wichita State University Student Chapter. We collaborated to paint a house for a needy family. It inspired me to serve the profession and the community.
My Lean journey started early in my undergraduate years. During my junior year internship, I learned Lean and Total Productive Management fundamentals in a fastener manufacturing facility. It was inspiring to watch the basic principles of lean put in place. It took off when I moved on to be the Manufacturing Engineer for the largest heavy-equipment manufacturer. I enjoyed the joy of solving process problems with teams and cherished the opportunity to inspire a generation of learners in four continents.
What interests you most about serving as the IISE LSSDS chair and serving on the board?
I am honored to serve as the chair. In the BC (Before Covid) world, I believe operational excellence (lean) was the golden standard. In the AC(After Covid) world, I believe unleashing data brings is the catalyst to shine on the gold. The 2nd IISE Conference on Lean Six Sigma and Data Science brings together the best of the Lean Process Excellence world and the exponential growth world of Data Science. Two reasons interest me to serve on (1) the expert conference organizing committee and (2) The uniqueness of the five essential tracks. The tracks are (Lean & Operational Excellence, Six Sigma, Big Data and Data Science, Embracing Technologies for Digital Transformation, Leadership in the Future of Work, Culture & Training Innovation, Engagement, and Environmental Governance.
What is your vision for this year's conference?
The vision for this year is to narrow the academic and industry practitioner gap. We have the tracks designed to share individual researched and organization's journeys, strategies, transformations, and research.
If you were new to the conference, what would you want a new person to experience? As a new person, come with an open mind and be ready to walk away with a better way for process excellence and innovation. I am sure you will find nuggets to implement new concepts in your personal and professional life. We have a newly formed Senior Undergraduate and Graduate-focused track where Dr. Rupy Shawney is bringing a talented global team. If you want to hire talent, this is the place to find the budding IE's.
Finally, Krishnan, tell us about some of the work you're currently engaged professionally.
I serve as the principal Commercial engineer for an integrated, downstream energy company. I strategize and lead various strategic value-added projects for the organization. My work involves building a culture of innovation, improvement and process excellence with joy.
