Architecting the Digital Shop Floor
#WomenAcesOfManufacturing #ProMFGMedia #Industry40 #DigitalTransformation #WomenInEngineering #SmartManufacturing #IndustrialAI #ManufacturingExcellence #WomenInTech #IoTLeadership
March 2026 : The landscape of Indian manufacturing is undergoing a profound digital evolution, and at the helm of this transition are visionary leaders redefining the status quo. As part of Pro MFG Media’s year-long editorial series, Women Aces of Manufacturing, we are proud to feature Mohini Kirane, Senior General Manager and Lead - Digitalisation at TKIL Industries Pvt Ltd.
From her roots as the first woman engineer in her family to spearheading complex IoT-based solutions across the cement and energy sectors, Mohini’s journey is a masterclass in curiosity and grit. In this candid technical deep dive, she breaks down the synergy between AI and industrial automation, dismantles long-standing misconceptions about women in heavy industry, and shares why the most critical competency for the modern factory floor is a relentless drive to reskill. Dive in to discover how this "Woman Ace" is proving that excellence in manufacturing truly knows no boundaries.
What inspired you to pursue a career in manufacturing ?
I’ve always been driven by challenges. While many chose conventional paths, I picked instrumentation engineering because it demanded both courage and curiosity. Coming from a middle‑class family in Ahilyanagar and being the first woman engineer in my family; I wanted to push my limits. Manufacturing and industrial automation gave me exactly the space to do that.
Which competencies are most critical to thrive in evolving digital technologies in manufacturing ?
A strong blend of hardware and software fundamentals is essential - instrumentation engineering demands both. Combine that with the ability to constantly reskill. Technologies like IoT, cloud, and edge computing evolve rapidly, so curiosity and adaptability are not optional; they’re critical.
A moment in your career that made you most proud ?
Becoming Senior General Manager in the Digitalisation department at TKIL and leading IoT‑based solutions across cement, energy, sugar, and material handling sectors. For someone from a small town, and the first woman engineer in her family, this journey is a source of deep pride. However the dream moment is yet to come, I am chasing it!
What is one misconception about women in manufacturing you would like to break ?
That manufacturing wasn’t meant for women. When I started in the early 2000s, women in engineering were rare. Today, that landscape is changing. The capability was always there - the opportunities are finally catching up.
What advice would you give young women entering manufacturing today ?
Aim high, trust your abilities, and don’t fear unfamiliar terrain. I began as a lecturer, joined industry as a fresher with no exposure, and built my path step by step. The journey won’t be linear, but persistence and self-belief will carry you through.
How do you see the impact of AI in manufacturing ?
AI is the next layer atop the DCS and IIoT foundations we’ve built for years. The sensor‑level data collected through PLCs and edge devices becomes far more powerful when AI extracts patterns we couldn’t detect - enabling predictive maintenance, adaptive control, and smarter, data‑driven decision‑making.
Any initiatives in your company for increasing women's participation in manufacturing ?
At TKIL, we’re focused on improving representation in technical roles. This includes early‑stage outreach, mentorship programs, and showcasing real career paths in automation and digitalisation. The aim is not just symbolic inclusion but creating an environment where women in technical careers can thrive without barriers.
How do digitalisation and lean practices help in manufacturing processes ?
Digitalisation brings real‑time visibility through IoT monitoring, dashboards, and connected plant systems. When combined with lean principles, it enables faster identification and removal of waste. Together, they transform plants from reactive to proactive and continuously improving.
In one sentence: what does being a "Woman Ace of Manufacturing" mean to you ?
“Being a Woman Ace means proving that excellence in manufacturing has no boundaries.”
About Mohini Kirane:
Beyond her technical expertise, Mohini’s trajectory is a testament to the power of continuous evolution. From her early days as a Lecturer in Instrumentation Engineering to her current role as Senior General Manager and Lead of Digitalisation at TKIL Industries Pvt Ltd, she has consistently bridged the gap between academic rigor and industrial application. Her credentials - including a Master’s in Process Instrumentation and an Executive MBA from the Indo-German Training Institute - are matched by a relentless drive for innovation. This is best exemplified by her leadership in developing the iCOPter (Intelligent Conveyor Optimizer), a filed patent that achieved a remarkable 15% energy saving in conveyor operations and earned her the 2023 Leadership Excellence Award.
Recognized as an outstanding performer at TKIL for three consecutive years, Mohini is a formidable voice in the Industry 4.0 landscape. Whether serving as a Session Chair at IEEE international conferences or acting as an Advisory Board Member for engineering institutes, she remains deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of "Womanufacturing" talent. Her journey from Pune University to the forefront of AI-driven smart manufacturing proves that with analytical thinking and a "heart of gold," one can not only navigate the digital shift but actively define its future.
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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