Uthaman Kalidas stands as a distinguished figure in the domain of print manufacturing systems and enterprise solutions. With over two decades of industry experience, he currently serves as a Senior Solution Architect at Five Star Management, where he is instrumental in optimizing packaging and printing operations through the ePS Radius Packaging Suite ERP. Kalidas’s leadership is characterized by a harmonious blend of deep technical expertise, cross-functional collaboration, and a transformative vision for automation in the manufacturing ecosystem. His journey offers an inspiring look into how relentless curiosity and commitment to excellence can shape a dynamic and influential career.
Early Life and Academic Foundation
Kalidas’s passion for print and manufacturing sciences began early. He earned a Diploma in Printing Technology from the Maharashtra Institute of Printing Technology, where he graduated with a stellar GPA of 3.8. This foundational education was followed by a degree in Printing Engineering and Graphics Communication from the University of Pune, where he again excelled academically.
Determined to deepen his technical acumen, Kalidas pursued a Master of Science in Paper and Printing Science at Western Michigan University, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA. During this time, he actively contributed to technical innovation, presenting his undergraduate project at the prestigious TAGA Annual Technical Conference. These academic experiences not only refined his expertise but also prepared him for the multifaceted challenges of enterprise systems design and implementation.
Professional Journey
Kalidas’s professional trajectory has seen a steady evolution through increasingly senior roles at respected organizations. Beginning as a production trainee at The Times of India, he quickly progressed to leadership roles within their print division, where he introduced cost-saving measures and streamlined press operations.
He then transitioned into roles that spanned both software and hardware implementations in print environments. At Insoft Automation and later at EFI India, Kalidas honed his technical skills in ERP system testing, support, and configuration, becoming an integral part of EFI’s global operations.
Notably, at EFI/ePS US LLC, Kalidas led solution design and delivery for print MIS systems, demonstrating how enterprise software could be customized to meet nuanced manufacturing needs. At Zebra Technologies and HCL America, he oversaw large-scale MES/ERP integrations, successfully aligning IT infrastructure with business strategy particularly for WestRock, one of the world’s largest paper and packaging companies.
Across these roles, Kalidas has led systems supporting thousands of users across multi-plant operations in North America, Asia, and EMEA, delivering scalable and measurable operational transformation
Leadership and Innovation
Kalidas is widely respected for his hands-on, analytical, and user-centered leadership style. His ability to distill complex technical challenges into strategic solutions has allowed him to lead teams through high-stakes system upgrades, integrations, and rollouts with minimal disruption.
He emphasizes mentorship, process optimization, and collaboration, often bridging gaps between engineering, operations, and business stakeholders. His leadership fosters a culture of innovation, where automation isn’t merely implemented but optimized to enhance productivity and efficiency. Kalidas is known for building systems that are not only robust and scalable but also intuitive and adaptable to changing business needs.
Notable Achievements
Among Kalidas’s standout accomplishments is the seamless implementation of the ePS Radius ERP suite across multiple facilities, enabling real-time data capture, automated reporting, and measurable performance gains. His work at The Times of India led to a 12% reduction in startup time and a 10% cost savings an early indicator of his potential as a systems innovator.
One of his most transformative contributions is the development of the Price Update Management Application at Five Star Management, which automated a tedious pricing process that previously required two weeks of manual effort per user. Kalidas’s solution now processes 2,000 records in under 60 seconds, a 99% time reduction, while eliminating errors and improving auditability through real-time logging and an intuitive admin dashboard.
His leadership has been instrumental in managing full lifecycle MES programs for major clients, setting benchmarks in quality assurance, training, and change management. These achievements have not only transformed operational outcomes but also elevated industry standards in print MIS.
Academic Contributions
Kalidas continues to bridge theory and practice through academic contributions such as papers on ‘DNA Inks’ and ‘Grating Light Valve in CTP,’ which were presented at national-level symposiums. His work on gray level optimization in print parameters remains a reference point for students and professionals alike.
These academic pursuits reinforce his commitment to continual learning and innovation, blending classroom insights with real-world impact.
Future Vision and Impact
Kalidas’s current role is focused on deploying tailored MES/ERP solutions that align with the rapid evolution of smart manufacturing. As the print and packaging industry embraces Industry 4.0, his expertise in automation, data integration, and system configuration places him at the forefront of this transformation.
With a career marked by thoughtful innovation and inclusive leadership, Uthaman Kalidas continues to influence the future of enterprise systems. His journey reflects not only a mastery of technology but also a commitment to shaping scalable, efficient, and intelligent solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.
