Sustainability
I want to revisit the notion of information from a cybernetic viewpoint, drawing primarily from Gregory Bateson’s well-known formulation that information is the difference that makes a difference. This definition doesn’t merely redefine information. It quietly displaces information from where it…
During the last couple of decades working in quality, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen the same pattern play out: A strong launch. Tight focus. Great early results. People doing the right things for the right reasons. Controls are followed. Issues are surfaced quickly. Leaders are…
The manufacturing industry is undergoing a transformation driven by rapid technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and evolving regulatory frameworks. Manufacturers everywhere face unprecedented challenges as they seek to remain competitive, profitable, and sustainable in the…
Performance rarely collapses with fanfare. More often, it flatlines quietly; sales soften, productivity slows, priorities blur, and yet teams run hard without moving the needle. In 2025, the RSM U.S. Middle Market Business Index slid from the low 140s into the low 120s in a short period, with…
Quality has always been a defining metric in manufacturing when it comes to industry trust, brand longevity, and customer loyalty. Manufacturers are already expected to abide by stringent regulations. But as economic complexity rises and experienced operators retire, maintaining consistent…
In 2021, container ships idled for weeks outside the Port of Los Angeles, a stark visual reminder of just how fragile modern supply-chain reliability had become. The backlog sent shockwaves across industries. Factories stalled, shelves emptied, and businesses scrambled for alternatives. It was a…