Rakitha Wickramasinghe

Led the product management of a diversified portfolio encompassing supply chain, manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce solutions. Responsible for defining strategic roadmaps, designing customer-centric products, and enhancing retail front-end experiences, including loyalty programs. Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams, clients, and external authorities to deliver innovative solutions aligned with market trends and client needs.

Role Focus / Key Achievements

• Strategic Roadmap Development: Defined and executed comprehensive product roadmaps outlining the future of e-commerce platforms and multi-channel retail strategies. Presented visionary plans to the board, aligning product development with business objectives and market opportunities to ensure long-term competitiveness.
• Customer Experience Enhancement: Spearheaded initiatives to understand in-store customer behavior, leading to the development of personalized user experiences and recommendation systems. Improved customer engagement and loyalty through tailored solutions, directly impacting sales and customer retention.
• Innovation in Retail Solutions: Maintained and sharpened the competitive advantage of retail products, including point-of-sale systems and promotion engines. Ensured these solutions met current market demands and anticipated future trends, securing continued use by existing and new customers over a five-year horizon.
• Stakeholder Collaboration and Validation: Engaged extensively with clients, internal teams, subject matter experts, and advisory groups to gather feedback, understand limitations, and validate solutions. Facilitated discussions with current clients to refine product offerings and ensure they met real-world needs.
• Regulatory Alignment and External Engagement: Interacted with external authorities such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and consumer regulatory bodies. Aligned product features with upcoming regulatory changes and future movements, integrating compliance into product development.
• Market Research and Trend Analysis: Conducted extensive research on international trends, particularly in the U.S. market, to inform product development. Analyzed industry changes to keep solutions ahead of the curve and maintain a competitive edge.
• Product Development Oversight: Directed the full development cycle and testing phases, identifying roadblocks and implementing scope adjustments as necessary. Established beta testing programs with select customers, utilizing survey feedback to refine products and ensure market readiness.
• Training and Documentation: Prepared comprehensive documentation and training materials for internal teams and clients. Delivered engaging presentations and demos during roadshows and industry events to showcase product capabilities and features.
• Return on Investment Analysis: Defined and analyzed ROI based on validated sources, building strong business cases for product initiatives. Communicated ROI projections and outcomes to the board, facilitating informed decision-making and securing buy-in.
• Risk Assessment and Management: Assessed potential risks throughout the product lifecycle, implementing mitigation strategies to address them proactively. Established ongoing feedback mechanisms with regular intervals to adapt quickly to new information and changing circumstances.
• Thought Leadership and Industry Representation: Represented the company at conferences and industry events, sharing insights on market trends and consumer behaviors. Strengthened the company's market presence and influenced product adoption through thought leadership.
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Collaborated with design, development, and advisory teams to ensure cohesive product delivery. Provided clear scopes to teams, reviewed progress, and validated outcomes to align with strategic objectives.
• Client Interaction and Relationship Building: Built strong relationships with clients by understanding their limitations and needs. Facilitated discussions to gather insights, ask probing questions, and validate solutions, ensuring products met client expectations and drove satisfaction.

Led the integration and implementation of ERP solutions for major retail clients, focusing on supply chain integration and customer engagement. Acted as the primary liaison for solution architecture and product development, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to deliver tailored solutions that exceeded client expectations.

Role Focus / Key Achievements

• Strategic Product Development: Spearheaded the design and implementation of a new loyalty program for AutoBarn, a leading Australian auto and car parts retailer. Aimed to acquire 2 million loyal customers within five years but surpassed this goal in just one year due to the solution's success, significantly boosting customer acquisition and retention.
• Supply Chain Integration Excellence: Led the integration between AutoBarn's ERP system (Pronto Xi) and their retail front-end systems across multiple environments. Focused on enhancing supply chain efficiency and seamless customer experiences, resulting in streamlined operations and increased sales.
• AI-Driven Warehouse Management: Managed the integration of a fully robotic distribution center, consolidating disparate processes into a single, AI-driven warehouse management solution. Coordinated systems integration involving Manhattan (Warehouse Management System), Pronto Xi (ERP), and Mopro (Retail Point of Sale) from different vendors. This innovation led to enhanced efficiency and prompted the client to open an additional warehouse in Queensland.
• Solution Architecture Leadership: Acted as the go-to expert for solution architecture, providing strategic guidance on integrating complex systems to meet client needs. Worked closely with PMO, consultants, designers, development teams, business analysts, and the CTO to deliver integrated solutions.
• Process Simplification and Customization: Simplified business processes by adopting industry best practices and customizing ERP solutions to address unique client requirements. Assisted business stakeholders in designing customizations to fulfill specific processes within Pronto Xi.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborated extensively with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project delivery. This collaboration was key in addressing diverse business needs and ensuring the solutions were effective and user-friendly for a broad range of users.
• Training and Mentorship: Conducted comprehensive user training sessions and developed training materials for effective system adoption. Mentored and trained new consultants within the Professional Services Group, promoting a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Client Engagement and Support: Provided functional support during high-volume transaction periods to ensure system reliability and performance. Maintained high client satisfaction by demonstrating operational excellence and responsiveness to client needs.
• Innovation and Product Growth: Collaborated with R&D teams to enhance Pronto Xi's functionality based on new process discoveries and client feedback. Contributed to the product's growth and adaptability, ensuring it remained competitive and aligned with industry advancements.

Led the design and implementation of ERP solutions using MYOB Greentree and SAP for clients in the construction and maintenance services sector, specializing in gas, irrigation, and water industries. Developed innovative field solutions that streamlined operations, reduced paperwork, and enhanced data accuracy. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve performance tracking, cost management, and reporting capabilities.

Role Focus / Key Achievements

• Innovation in Field Solutions: Developed a mobile field solution utilizing iPads and other devices, eliminating the need for physical documents. Integrated SAP and MYOB systems to provide real-time data access for field technicians, improving efficiency and reducing data entry errors.
• SLA Compliance and Priority Management: Implemented systems to prioritize critical tasks such as leak repairs to meet Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Enhanced job assignment processes to minimize delays and ensure timely completion of essential services.
• Operational Efficiency Enhancement: Addressed slow paperwork and data entry processes by introducing digital solutions, leading to significant time savings and improved data accuracy across operations.
• GPS Tracking Implementation: Integrated GPS location tracking into field solutions to monitor technician locations, optimize routing, and improve overall field service management.
• Performance Tracking and Reporting: Designed and developed Qlik dashboards for internal teams and external clients to monitor contract performance and key performance indicators (KPIs). Provided actionable insights to leadership teams for informed decision-making.
• Automation of Financial Processes: Developed automated invoicing processes for Accounts Payable (Recipient Created Tax Invoices) and overnight invoicing to asset owners, streamlining financial operations and reducing manual workload.
• Client Solutions Design and Support: Designed and supported ERP solutions for leading gas distributors in Victoria (United Energy – Multinet Gas, APA Group Gas) and water asset owners in New South Wales (Sydney Water Network Repairs, New South Wales Irrigation Project).
• Training and Documentation: Conducted comprehensive user training sessions and created detailed training materials. Facilitated effective system adoption and proficiency among end-users.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Worked closely with various departments to tailor ERP modules such as job costing, manufacturing, and warehousing to meet specific business needs. Collaborated with teams to track real-time performance in every business unit using Qlik Sense reporting.
• Cost Management and Business Insights: Managed costs effectively and provided business insights using Qlik reporting tools. Enabled leadership to make strategic decisions based on accurate and timely data.
• Process Improvement: Identified bottlenecks and implemented solutions to enhance data entry speed and accuracy. Improved overall efficiency by reducing reliance on manual paperwork and streamlining workflows.

Developed and supported business intelligence solutions for RSEA, a leading supplier and retailer of safety equipment in Australia and New Zealand. Worked extensively with Pronto Xi ERP system and IBM Cognos BI to enhance reporting capabilities and integrate third-party solutions.

Role Focus / Key Achievements

• Custom BI Reporting: Designed and developed custom reports using IBM Cognos, utilizing advanced techniques like triggers and bursting for automated delivery to store managers, sales representatives, and senior management.
• Data Extraction and SQL Development: Created complex data extracts and custom data schemas using SQL to support detailed analytics and reporting needs.
• Dashboard Enhancement: Modified existing analytics dashboards and developed new ones, providing managers with insightful data visualizations to improve decision-making processes.
• Third-Party Integration: Integrated external systems like Syrinx rental software and Mailchimp with Pronto Xi using Pronto Integration Engine (PIE) and custom APIs developed in C#, enhancing functionality and streamlining operations.
• Pronto Xi Support and Customization: Provided support for various Pronto Xi modules including Point of Sale, General Ledger, Accounts Receivable and Payable, Payroll, and HR. Developed customized modules to meet specific business requirements.

Developed customized ERP modules and business intelligence reports using Pronto Xi and IBM Cognos for a diverse client base. Led system upgrades and integrated third-party solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and reporting capabilities.

Role Focus / Key Achievements

• ERP Customization and Development: Designed tailored ERP modules to meet specific client requirements across various industries.
• Business Intelligence Reporting: Created financial and operational reports using IBM Cognos tools, providing clients like Optus and OfficeChoice with valuable insights.
• System Upgrades: Managed Pronto Xi upgrades for major clients, ensuring seamless transitions with minimal disruptions.
• Third-Party Integrations: Integrated external systems with Pronto Xi using Pronto Connect and custom APIs developed in C#, enhancing system functionality.
• Software Development Projects: Developed programs to connect biometric devices with ERP systems and created remote server connection tools using Java and C#.
• User Support and Training: Provided technical support and conducted training sessions, improving user proficiency and system utilization.

Worked part-time as an Analyst Programmer in Melbourne, contributing to R&D, programming, and testing across major projects.

Role Focus / Key Achievements

• bizcubes.com Development: Contributed to development and support tasks for bizcubes.com, a customizable web hosting solution for small businesses. Designed custom websites using the platform's wizards and templates. Performed usability and QA testing. Utilized C#.NET, ASP.NET, and SQL databases.
• Shopping Cart Module for Bizcubes: Involved in all stages of the project lifecycle—analysis, design, and programming. Developed a shopping cart module in C# supporting multiple currencies, postage calculations, cross-selling, up-selling, and other features to meet customer needs.
• localblue.com Development: Assisted in developing and supporting localblue.com, a web-based business search engine for Local Blue Pages Pty Ltd. Worked with Visual C# and SQL Server databases to enhance search functionalities.

Contributed to the development of asset analysis software for a major project, utilizing VB6, VB.NET, Java, and SQL databases. Involved in all phases of the software development life cycle, including design, development, testing, and implementation.

Role Focus / Key Achievements

• Full SDLC Participation: Engaged in all stages of the software development life cycle, ensuring the delivery of a robust and efficient asset analysis application.
• Multilingual Programming: Utilized VB6, VB.NET, and Java to enhance application functionality and performance.
• Database Integration: Worked extensively with SQL databases to effectively manage and analyze asset data.
• Quality Assurance: Conducted thorough testing to ensure software quality, leading to a successful implementation.

Developed and tested banking software solutions, InBank and SkyBank, for merchant banks and financial institutions. Worked on modules including leasing application management, deposit management, loan management, real estate management, and integrated general ledger systems.

Role Focus / Key Achievements

• Financial Software Development: Contributed to the creation of comprehensive software solutions for the banking sector, enhancing operational efficiency for clients.
• Web and Windows Applications: Developed web-based solutions using ASP.NET, Java, JavaScript, and JSP, and Windows-based applications using Progress 9.1D.
• Module Development: Focused on critical financial modules, improving functionalities in leasing, deposits, loans, and real estate management.
• Software Testing: Performed rigorous testing to ensure reliability and performance, contributing to high-quality product delivery.