Akhila NS
Chennai
Summary
Accomplished and strategic Labware LIMS Subject Matter Expert with over [6+ years] of experience leading global implementations, system validation, and workflow optimization across pharmaceutical, biotech, and healthcare industries. Adept at designing and harmonizing laboratory processes in alignment with standards, ensuring seamless compliance and operational excellence. Proven track record of guiding enterprise-wide deployments, driving digital transformation initiatives, and enabling cross-functional collaboration between laboratory teams, QA, and IT. Recognized for stakeholder management, governance, and change leadership, with a passion for enabling scientific organizations to achieve efficiency, data integrity, and long-term scalability through robust LIMS solutions.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Product Architect / Project Manager
Cognizant Technology Solutions
04.2024 - Current
- Led global Labware LIMS implementation across 8 sites, standardizing workflows and reducing turnaround time.
- Directed system validation and compliance initiatives, ensuring full alignment with standards, resulting in zero audit findings.
- Optimized laboratory workflows by configuring custom modules and automating reporting, improving data accuracy and reducing manual entry errors.
- Managed cross-functional teams of scientists, QA, and IT professionals to deliver enterprise-wide LIMS deployments.
- Implemented several system enhancements increasing operational efficiency tremendously.
- Collaborated with business, QA, and IT teams to translate laboratory requirements into scalable LIMS configurations.
- Provided SME guidance during enhancements, and issue resolution, improving system reliability and user satisfaction.
Sr. Product Specialist / Project Manager
Cognizant Technology
07.2021 - 02.2024
- Led analysis of customer requirements and provided actionable recommendations through direct client interactions.
- Collaborated with onsite teams and clients to gather requirements and clarify functionalities; identified and implemented value-add enhancements to resolve recurring issues during deployment.
- Coordinated deployment activities including thorough review of deliverables against checklists and conducted mock testing to ensure quality.
- Monitored design, development, and testing phases to maintain strict alignment with customer requirements and compliance standards.
- Directed customer review meetings on design progress and performed root cause analysis on defects and process issues to drive continuous improvement.
- Identified and designed reusable components and solution enablers; authored product knowledge transfer documentation to support customer understanding.
- Proposed process improvements based on project implementation and team feedback; documented best practices for project and product enhancement.
- Updated knowledge assets regularly and conducted knowledge transfer sessions for new team members to ensure smooth onboarding.
- Mentored team members and delivered training through corporate academy and new hire induction programs.
Senior software engineer
HCL Technologies
04.2019 - 06.2021
- Led master data building and testing in LabWare LIMS V7, managing workflows, tests, samples, and instruments as per business requirements.
- Supporting first-level staff with deeper technical knowledge and mentoring.
- Creating technical guides for recurring issues.
Technical offshore
HCL Technologies
08.2011 - 12.2016
- Supported and maintained critical GxP applications ISOtrain and MyCIMS, ensuring compliance with GxP standards and validation requirements.
- Provided offshore support for TrackWise, enhancing issue resolution and business continuity.
- Executed monthly patch testing and managed L1 and L2 application changes, ensuring smooth system operations and change control adherence.
- Implemented major, maintenance, and minor changes successfully, supporting periodic reviews and validation processes.
- Performed root cause analysis on ISOtrain, reducing ticket volume and improving application stability.
- Led offshore support for three major applications (GEMS, STELA, Master Control), ensuring smooth operation and issue resolution.
- Managed multiple applications in Research and Development including CTMS, 3D, and STaRR, supporting critical lab workflows.
- Performed root cause analysis and resolved major and minor issues in IRMS, a critical call center application in the medical sector, enhancing system reliability.
- Automated daily monitoring tasks for the Learning Management System in SHIRE, reducing manual effort and improving efficiency.
- Provided efficient, client-centric support to maintain business continuity and service excellence.
Acrobat Plugin Developer
HCL Technologies
10.2010 - 07.2011
- Gathered and documented requirements to align development with client needs.
- Coordinated with team and clients through regular meetings to ensure clear communication and project alignment.
- Developed and maintained Acrobat JavaScript code to meet functional specifications.
- Prepared and executed test scripts to validate software functionality and quality.
- Authored comprehensive user manuals to facilitate end-user adoption and support.
Education
Electronics and Communication Engineering -
Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering and Technology
Skills
LIMS Configuration
LabWare LIMS Configuration and Development
Workflows
Enhancements
User Training
Master Data Management
Crystal Reports and ELN
GxP Compliance
Validation
Change Control
Deviations
Periodic Reviews
LIMS Upgrades
Issue Resolution
Collaboration
Communication
Stakeholder Engagement
Independent Working
Accomplishments
- Customer Recognition: Received formal appreciation from clients for delivering value-added solutions that enhanced operational efficiency.
- Client Commendation: Acknowledged by customers for proactive support and innovative process improvements beyond standard responsibilities.
- Value Addition: Earned customer appreciation for implementing enhancements that improved workflow accuracy and reduced turnaround time.
- Achievement Highlight: Recognized by clients for consistently providing value-added contributions leading to improved satisfaction and retention.
- Performance Excellence: Awarded customer appreciation for exceeding expectations through tailored solutions and continuous process improvements.
Certification Training
- Trained on Business etiquette HCL Technologies Ltd
- HCL Certification in Pharmaceutical Regulations
- HCL ITIL Certification
- Good Laboratory Practices
- Good Clinical Practices
- Good Manufacturing Practices
- Pharma domain training
Personal Information
Nationality: Indian
Personal data processing
I hereby declare that the above-mentioned particulars are true to the best of my knowledge.
Timeline
Product Architect / Project Manager
Cognizant Technology Solutions
04.2024 - Current
Sr. Product Specialist / Project Manager
Cognizant Technology
07.2021 - 02.2024
Senior software engineer
HCL Technologies
04.2019 - 06.2021
Technical offshore
HCL Technologies
08.2011 - 12.2016
Acrobat Plugin Developer
HCL Technologies
10.2010 - 07.2011
Electronics and Communication Engineering -
Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering and Technology