How Industrial Engineering Expert Onkar Nerkar is Leading Change in Global Manufacturing

Onkar Nerkaris fast becoming a dynamic force for change in complex logistics and manufacturing. His background combines technical prowess in industrial engineering with strategic insight into supply chain management. His work as the director of continuous improvement and industrial engineering places him at the front and center of operations strategy and reliability improvement, where his influence has proven to be transformative.

From implementing intricate, large projects to championing a culture of efficiency, Onkar Nerkar’s strategies are more than just industry-standard. His approach, combined with his extensive industry experience, introduces a fresh perspective to the manufacturing world.

A Foundation Built on Excellence

Onkar Nerkar’s journey to leadership in manufacturing is built on a strong academic background and extensive experience. After earning a master’s in Industrial Engineering from the University of Illinois, Chicago, he excelled in roles with increasing responsibility in the global environment. Strong Electrical Engineering background and early exposure in technical fields helped him to decode fundamentals of Electronics and Instrumentation which later played a crucial role in his career.

“Industrial engineering is more than processes and workflows,”Onkar Nerkar emphasizes. “It’s about creating an ecosystem that works efficiently and smartly. Each process should add value and gear toward customer satisfaction and business growth.” This philosophy has guided his approach to transformation, resulting in implementations that have generated millions in cost savings while enhancing operational agility and resilience.

Champion of Operations Excellence

Throughout his two-decade career, Onkar Nerkar has demonstrated the transformative power of lean and agile manufacturing along with Six Sigma techniques. In the capacity of operations leader for the site at one of the leading Tier-I automotive suppliers he led green field projects from design to install end to end supply chain, his leadership of strategic initiatives yielded exceptional results and set new industry standards for engineered material flow and logistics.

In another capstone achievement, Onkar led the team at the distribution center to improve customers experience by reducing claims and thereby enhancing the company’s brand image in the region. His success at multinational companies stems from his ability to integrate Industry 4.0 advancements with traditional lean principles. By leveraging automation and data-driven processes, he has created manufacturing environments that are both highly efficient and adaptable to change.

Onkar Nerkar emphasizes a human-centric approach that he believes should define modern manufacturing. “The core of lean manufacturing is respect for every individual. When you respect each link in the chain, you find ways to make every step more efficient and meaningful,” he says.

This philosophy has proven remarkably effective in practice. Under his guidance, organizations have achieved significant reductions in operating expenses and sustained improvements in business and employee engagement. His implementations have consistently delivered results that exceed industry benchmarks, with some facilities reporting multifold productivity gains.

Innovating Toward Sustainable Manufacturing

Sustainability has become an industry imperative, adding significance to Onkar Nerkar’s work. In his current and previous roles, he has implemented practices that minimize waste, optimize energy use, and reduce operations environmental footprint. His approach to sustainable operations often involves rethinking workflows and embracing innovative technologies that align with environmental goals.

He explains that sustainability goes beyond regulatory compliance; it involves positioning the entire supply chain as a responsible global citizen. “Sustainability is not just about reducing emissions or energy consumption. It’s about building a resilient industry that can adapt to changing environmental and economic landscapes,” he states.

Elevating Industry Standards

Onkar Nerkar envisions the integration of digital technologies in the future, sustainable practices, and an increased focus on agility. As manufacturing undergoes a massive transformation with smart factories, data analytics, and AI-driven processes, he sees a unique opportunity to elevate industrial standards.

“Industry 4.0 is necessary, not just a mere trend,” he says. “Manufacturers who embrace digital transformation will have the ability to adapt to global shifts, whether economic volatility or supply chain disruptions.”

A Catalyst for Change

Onkar Nerkar’s impact extends far beyond the companies he has served. His innovative approach to operations and supply chain transformation has influenced industry practices across multiple sectors and continents. At his current assignments and in his previous roles, he has demonstrated that successful transformation requires a delicate balance of technological innovation, human insight, and sustainable practices.

“Sustainability and progress are complementary aspects of responsible manufacturing,” Onkar asserts. “These are responsibilities we owe to future generations.” His leadership and innovation are shaping a more efficient, sustainable, and human-centric manufacturing future, demonstrating that operational excellence can coexist with a commitment to environmental stewardship and human development.

Contribution to the Field of Research

With his extensive experience in the industry, Onkar Nerkar is now sharing his knowledge through articles and research papers. He recently published an article where he proposed strategies to enhance business profitability through qualitative analysis. Currently he is researching human interaction with collaborative robots (Cobots) and how it affects Cobot’s efficiency. His findings aim to emphasize the importance of building trust to improve user experiences with Cobots.

“We are constantly asking, how can we do this differently and better? It’s not enough to keep up with standards; we need to set them,” he explains. Through the systematic studies of digital and data science technologies available in today’s world, he has fostered a culture of technological excellence that permeates every aspect and function of operations, from predictive maintenance to quality assurance.

Onkar has been recognized with accolades throughout his professional career span for his efforts in different times, initiatives, and organizations. He has been recognized for his significant contribution towards profitability, managing the clients beyond expectations and outstanding achievement in improving asset reliability.