Akila Wedasinghe
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Akila Wedasinghe
My Journey from Sri Lanka to SAP Solution Architecture
The Beginning of My Journey
My story begins in Sri Lanka, where I completed my degree in Physics, Statistics, and Mathematics along with an Associate Diploma in Computer Science. In 2008, I decided to take a leap of faith and migrate to the United States, seeking new opportunities and challenges that would shape my professional life.
When I first arrived in Los Angeles, California, I started working at LAX International Airport with Airserv Corporation serving United Airlines as a data analyst. It was my first professional experience in the US, and though it wasn't directly related to my future SAP career, it gave me valuable insights into American workplace culture and helped me develop my analytical skills in a practical setting.
Discovering My Passion for SAP
After two years at the airport, a pivotal opportunity came my way in 2010 when I joined QTrade Teas & Herbs International, America's largest organic tea exporter. This was where my SAP journey truly began, and it would forever change my career trajectory.
At QTrade, I stepped into the role of Supply Chain Manager and SAP ByDesign Administrator. It was a comprehensive learning experience, managing a complex inventory of nearly 6,000 materials and 2,000 Bills of Materials (BOMs) with intricate purchasing requirements. Working closely with both the supply chain operations and the SAP system gave me a unique dual perspective that many SAP consultants don't have – I understood both the business needs and the technical solutions.
Over five years, I immersed myself in every aspect of the supply chain process, gaining hands-on experience as an SAP end-user. This practical experience would prove invaluable in my future consulting career, as I could relate to the challenges and needs of the end-users I would later support.
The Evolution into SAP Consulting
My transformation from an SAP end-user to a consultant came in 2017 when I joined Nobl Q (formerly ERP Logic) as a Senior Consultant for SAP ByDesign. This role allowed me to leverage my deep understanding of supply chain processes and SAP systems to help other companies optimize their operations.
The transition felt natural – I had lived through the challenges my clients were facing and could speak their language. During my time with Nobl Q, I've successfully implemented over 25 SAP ByDesign projects, each with its unique challenges and learning opportunities.
As my expertise grew, so did my responsibilities. In recent years, I've expanded my skills to include SAP S/4HANA, leading two complete implementation projects as a Senior Solution Architect. I've also earned multiple certifications in S/4HANA public and private cloud environments, specializing in Materials Management and supply chain processes.
One of the most enriching aspects of my SAP consulting career has been working with clients across diverse industries. My client portfolio includes companies from:
Each industry brings unique supply chain challenges and requirements. This cross-sector consulting experience has been invaluable in developing flexible, adaptable solutions tailored to specific industry needs.
My Career Timeline
My first professional role in the US, working with airline operational data at LAX International Airport.
Managed complex inventory and gained comprehensive understanding of supply chain processes while administering the SAP ByDesign system.
Successfully led 25+ SAP ByDesign implementations and 2 end-to-end SAP S/4HANA MM implementations, becoming a certified expert in multiple SAP modules.
Looking Back and Looking Forward
When I reflect on my journey from Sri Lanka to becoming a Senior SAP Solution Architect in the United States, I'm reminded of how far I've come. Those early days of adapting to a new country while building my career foundation have shaped my approach to problem-solving and my ability to adapt to changing technologies and business environments across multiple industries.
What I'm most proud of isn't just the successful implementations or certifications, but the real-world impact my work has had. From reducing operational costs by 15% through strategic system configurations to training over 50 key users and streamlining data migration processes with zero data loss, each achievement represents challenges overcome and value delivered to organizations.
Today, with 12+ years of SAP experience spanning both ByDesign and S/4HANA, I continue to be passionate about helping organizations optimize their supply chain processes. My journey has taught me that the most elegant solutions come from deeply understanding both the technical capabilities of SAP systems and the practical business needs they serve.