Bridging Legacy Systems and Digital Transformation
#WomenAcesOfManufacturing #ProMFGMedia #WomenInSTEM #ManufacturingLeaders #MakeInIndia #Industry40 #WomenInManufacturing #LeadershipSpotlight #CumminsIndia #SupplyChainExcellence
April 2026 : From the rhythmic hum of the assembly line to the high-stakes world of global supply chains, women are no longer just participating in manufacturing - they are redefining it. Pro MFG Media is proud to present "Women Aces of Manufacturing," a year-long editorial spotlight on the visionary leaders driving India’s industrial evolution. In this interview, we have Ruchika Sharma, General Manager - Manufacturing Functional Excellence at Cummins.
With a career established in the real physical world of machines and materials, Ruchika’s journey is one of sheer grit - from being the first female engineer in her family to leading factory operations and championing Industry 4.0. In this interview, she breaks down the myths of the shop floor, the power of assertive leadership, and why the human element remains the most critical gear in the engine of progress.
What inspired you to pursue a career in manufacturing ?
Raised in an environment shaped by farming and defense, I developed a lifelong fascination with the synergy between people and machinery. This early curiosity anchored my commitment to Mechanical Engineering and a career in core manufacturing. Navigating diverse roles across the supply chain, I’ve found immense fulfillment in the "real physical world," where technical precision meets operational excellence.
What is one leadership lesson manufacturing taught you?
People are your biggest asset and your biggest bottleneck. The manufacturing industry is constantly evolving alongside the legacy cultures, systems and processes. As a leader you must drive results and transformation which involves change management. Whether you are driving digital and / or people transformation, it is extremely important that your intent is clear, supported by consistent communication and a helpful attitude. This builds the required trust to propel manufacturing organisations forward.
What keeps you committed to the manufacturing sector despite challenges?
Manufacturing serves as a vital mirror to our daily lives and national competitiveness. The constant evolution of industrial ecosystems offers a 360-degree perspective, fostering a culture of continuous learning and total quality. By staying at the forefront of technological applications, I find daily stimulation in driving tangible value. This diversity of experience ensures that every challenge in the sector is a fresh opportunity for growth.
Which competencies are most critical for women to thrive in plant operations?
Apart from technical know-how in the domain, as a woman, you must also have courage to speak your mind, assertive communication skills, and the resilience and mindset to deal with diverse people, ranging from management to machine operators to contractors. One of the key skills is also to make your team feel included and drive collaboration with transparency, especially when dealing with unions having highly experienced and senior skilled resources. A woman must be fearless in driving decisions with the right data, technical and people perspectives. Ability to handle conflicts and get to an amicable resolution is also a critical skill for this sector.
A moment in your career that made you most proud?
My manufacturing journey is defined by groundbreaking milestones: from being my family’s first female engineer to becoming the first female factory head at Kirloskar Oil Engines. Leading diverse teams and piloting second-shift operations at Cummins instilled a deep sense of pride and resilience. These achievements, coupled with awards for Corporate Responsibility, have fueled my commitment to proving that technical grit and social impact go hand-in-hand.
What is one misconception about women in manufacturing you would like to break?
One major misconception I want to address is the assumption that women only look for softer, back-office roles and lack the capability to work in shop floors or field operations. The challenge associated with this myth is that the ecosystem must be designed to support women not only in making these choices but also in succeeding in these roles.
What advice would you give young women entering manufacturing today?
Build technical depth- Manufacturing is becoming more digital and data driven (Industry 4.0, automation, analytics). Strength in these areas makes you stand out. Build Your Network - Inside and Outside the Plant - Women are often underrepresented in manufacturing - your network becomes your support system. Manufacturing environments can be fast-paced and male-dominated- Communicate with Confidence and assertively. Step Into Stretch Roles Early- Manufacturing rewards initiative, don’t wait until yo are 100% ready
How do you see the impact of AI in the manufacturing industry?
AI is a disruptive force that manufacturing must embrace to evolve. I see its impact in two key areas: augmenting cognitive decisions in supply chains and HSE, and empowering shop-floor operators to reduce defects through automation. However, true value lies at the intersection of Capacity and Capability - ensuring that our people and processes are fundamentally ready to scale these digital benefits effectively.
Any initiatives being run in your company for increasing women’s participation in manufacturing?
Some key initiatives include programs like Women-in-Supply Chains and Women in Learning and Leadership (WILL). Programs like this are well-rounded initiatives intended to impart learning, development, and competence to the women workforce in supply chain, logistics, manufacturing and procurement functions. This aims to help them evolve into future leaders after receiving mentorship/coaching from a diverse set of global leaders with functional expertise and experience.
In one sentence: what does being a ‘Woman Ace of Manufacturing’ mean to you?
To me, being a “Woman Ace of Manufacturing” means leading with skill, sheer grit, resilience, and innovation in an industry that builds the backbone of progress while inspiring many more women to shape its future.
About Ruchika Sharma:
With over 17 years of experience and an academic foundation from the Army Institute of Technology and IIM Ahmedabad, Ruchika has mastered the intricate "manufacturing DNA" that exists at the intersection of people and machines. From her early days on the shop floor with Mahle Filter Systems to navigating complex union environments at Cummins, Ruchika has consistently proven that true leadership is forged in the real physical world.
Her career reflects a rare, 360-degree perspective - spanning strategic sourcing and finance-backed decision-making to high-speed execution at Amazon and leading facility-wide cultural transformations at Kirloskar Oil Engines. Today, as she spearheads cost optimization and digitalization at Cummins India, her focus remains anchored in a blend of purpose and performance. Driven by a natural inclination toward giving back and a passion for data-driven innovation, Ruchika continues to lead with the grit of her roots and the vision of a digital future, ensuring that progress in the manufacturing ecosystem is both inclusive and enduring.
Women Aces of Manufacturing is more than an editorial series; it is a dedicated movement by Pro MFG Media to bridge the visibility gap in the industrial sector. By spotlighting the strategic impact of women leaders, we are building a narrative where diversity fuels innovation and operational excellence. Highlighting these journeys is essential to inspiring the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs. To nominate a leader or share your own leadership journey, contact amita@promfgmedia.com to be featured in this ongoing celebration of excellence.
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