Claim OwnershipThe Manufacturing Edge - For Ops Leaders
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© Copyright 2026 TBM Consulting Group
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Where Ops Leaders Break Barriers, Drive Growth, And Redefine What’s Possible.
We are a global operations and supply chain consulting firm working with manufacturers, distributors, service organizations, private equity firms and their portfolio companies to accelerate value creation and resolve their toughest operations, supply chain and human capital challenges.
22 Episodes
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Many digital management system initiatives fall short — not because of the technology, but because organizations underestimate the human side of the transition. Moving from traditional paper-based boards to digital systems requires more than new tools; it demands changes in leadership behaviors, communication habits, and how teams engage with daily performance. When that change isn’t actively managed, adoption stalls and the expected ROI never materialize.In this episode of The Manufacturing Edge, TBM experts explore what it really takes to successfully evolve from TBM’s traditional management system to its Digital Management System. They discuss why effective change management — building buy-in, reinforcing new behaviors, and sustaining leadership engagement — is the critical link between digital investment and lasting operational results.tbmcg.com/contact/
This episode of The Manufacturing Edge explores how digital management systems have fundamentally transformed what’s possible compared to traditional, physical boards and manual tracking. The discussion highlights how real-time visibility, multi-site connectivity, faster escalation, and data-driven decision-making replace delayed rollups and siloed information—while still preserving the lean disciplines of daily accountability, problem-solving, and leadership engagement. It’s a look at why digital isn’t just a new format for the same boards, but a step-change in speed, scale, and impact for modern manufacturing operations.tbmcg.com/contact/
In a world obsessed with AI, automation, and digital transformation, the manufacturers that will pull ahead this year are doing something far more fundamental: they are mastering operational discipline.In this special multi-part episode of The Manufacturing Edge, TBM Consulting Group CEO Bill Remy sits down with regional leaders from the U.S., Europe, and Latin America for a candid, executive-level conversation on what truly drives results when markets are uncertain, costs are rising, and talent is scarce.The message is clear: technology is a force multiplier—but only when the basics are rock-solid. Leadership presence, daily management, problem-solving, standard work, and a bias for action are the real competitive advantages in the new year.Listen to this 6‑part series to sharpen your focus and reinforce the fundamental disciplines that drive sustained manufacturing performance.Part 6: Final Thoughts: The First Move Every CEO Should Make in 2026If given the reins for a day, each leader would do the same thing:Go to the gemba. Lead from the front. Re-establish daily management discipline. Invest in people's capability. Build a culture of standard work, visual control, and relentless problem-solving.The closing message is powerful:Technology will accelerate the future—but only operational excellence will sustain it. The companies that hardwire fundamentals in 2026 will move faster, execute better, and outperform in every market condition.If you want to assess where your organization stands—and how to strengthen the systems, routines, and leadership behaviors that drive results—now is the time to act.tbmcg.com/contact
In a world obsessed with AI, automation, and digital transformation, the manufacturers that will pull ahead this year are doing something far more fundamental: they are mastering operational discipline.In this special multi-part episode of The Manufacturing Edge, TBM Consulting Group CEO Bill Remy sits down with regional leaders from the U.S., Europe, and Latin America for a candid, executive-level conversation on what truly drives results when markets are uncertain, costs are rising, and talent is scarce.The message is clear: technology is a force multiplier—but only when the basics are rock-solid. Leadership presence, daily management, problem-solving, standard work, and a bias for action are the real competitive advantages in the new year.Listen to this 6‑part series to sharpen your focus and reinforce the fundamental disciplines that drive sustained manufacturing performance.Part 5: Why Doing Nothing Is the Riskiest Strategy At the executive and board level, the conversation turns to decision paralysis. In complex, uncertain environments, waiting for perfect clarity often results in lost momentum and cultural stagnation.The leaders reinforce the need for a strong bias for action—testing, learning, adjusting, and moving forward. Progress comes from disciplined experimentation, not endless debate. As one panelist put it: don’t let “best” get in the way of getting better.tbmcg.com/contact
In a world obsessed with AI, automation, and digital transformation, the manufacturers that will pull ahead this year are doing something far more fundamental: they are mastering operational discipline.In this special multi-part episode of The Manufacturing Edge, TBM Consulting Group CEO Bill Remy sits down with regional leaders from the U.S., Europe, and Latin America for a candid, executive-level conversation on what truly drives results when markets are uncertain, costs are rising, and talent is scarce.The message is clear: technology is a force multiplier—but only when the basics are rock-solid. Leadership presence, daily management, problem-solving, standard work, and a bias for action are the real competitive advantages in the new year.Listen to this 6‑part series to sharpen your focus and reinforce the fundamental disciplines that drive sustained manufacturing performance.Part 4: Leadership at the Point of ImpactStrong technical performers are often promoted without being prepared to lead, resulting in weak supervision, limited coaching, and higher turnover. The team emphasizes that performance and retention start with leaders on the shop floor—building trust, developing skills, and reinforcing standards through daily coaching and problem-solving.The message is clear: investing in frontline leadership and true capability development is essential to building stable, engaged teams that can execute with discipline and deliver results.tbmcg.com/contact
In a world obsessed with AI, automation, and digital transformation, the manufacturers that will pull ahead this year are doing something far more fundamental: they are mastering operational discipline.In this special multi-part episode of The Manufacturing Edge, TBM Consulting Group CEO Bill Remy sits down with regional leaders from the U.S., Europe, and Latin America for a candid, executive-level conversation on what truly drives results when markets are uncertain, costs are rising, and talent is scarce.The message is clear: technology is a force multiplier—but only when the basics are rock-solid. Leadership presence, daily management, problem-solving, standard work, and a bias for action are the real competitive advantages in the new year.Listen to this 6‑part series to sharpen your focus and reinforce the fundamental disciplines that drive sustained manufacturing performance.Part 3: The Critical Basics Every Plant Must Start NowWhat are the non-negotiables?
Leaders must be present on the floor, not managing from spreadsheets and offices.
Hour-by-hour, plan-versus-actual visibility must drive fast response.
Standard work, short-interval control, and simple KPIs must replace data overload.
Trust in frontline teams and structured problem-solving must become daily habits.
Execution speed is built through routine, clarity, and accountability—not heroic firefighting. tbmcg.com/contact/
In a world obsessed with AI, automation, and digital transformation, the manufacturers that will pull ahead this year are doing something far more fundamental: they are mastering operational discipline.In this special multi-part episode of The Manufacturing Edge, TBM Consulting Group CEO Bill Remy sits down with regional leaders from the U.S., Europe, and Latin America for a candid, executive-level conversation on what truly drives results when markets are uncertain, costs are rising, and talent is scarce.The message is clear: technology is a force multiplier—but only when the basics are rock-solid. Leadership presence, daily management, problem-solving, standard work, and a bias for action are the real competitive advantages in the new year.Listen to this 6‑part series to sharpen your focus and reinforce the fundamental disciplines that drive sustained manufacturing performance.Part 2: Technology Only Works When the Fundamentals Are Right AI, automation, and digital tools dominate headlines—but the panel warns against confusing investment with improvement.Without standard work, visual management, closed-loop problem solving, and trained leaders at the gemba, technology often automates waste, increases complexity, and overwhelms the workforce. The group emphasizes “creativity before CapEx,” aligning people, processes, and management systems first so that digital investments actually deliver sustainable results. tbmcg.com/contact/
In a world obsessed with AI, automation, and digital transformation, the manufacturers that will pull ahead this year are doing something far more fundamental: they are mastering operational discipline.In this special multi-part episode of The Manufacturing Edge, TBM Consulting Group CEO Bill Remy sits down with regional leaders from the U.S., Europe, and Latin America for a candid, executive-level conversation on what truly drives results when markets are uncertain, costs are rising, and talent is scarce.The message is clear: technology is a force multiplier—but only when the basics are rock-solid. Leadership presence, daily management, problem-solving, standard work, and a bias for action are the real competitive advantages in the new year.Listen to this 6‑part series to sharpen your focus and reinforce the fundamental disciplines that drive sustained manufacturing performance.Part 1: Getting Back to the Basics to Tackle UncertaintyThe discussion opens with the global reality facing manufacturers: geopolitical instability, tariffs, inflation, labor shortages, and cautious capital spending. Across regions, executives are prioritizing cash, resilience, and predictable execution.The leaders agree that in times of uncertainty, the companies that win are those that double down on fundamentals—stabilizing processes, making performance visible, standardizing work, and building daily problem-solving routines. Operational discipline, not bold bets on “shiny objects,” is what creates control, confidence, and speed. tbmcg.com/contact/
Getting It Right – How to Succeed (and Why Many Don’t)In the final episode, Will, Bill Remy, and Paul Culling tackle the real-world challenges of implementation. From overcoming resistance to change to avoiding common pitfalls, they share best practices that ensure your digital management system doesn’t just launch—it lasts.You’ll hear practical advice on how to build buy-in across all levels of the organization, why starting small leads to bigger success, and how the TBM–iObeya partnership helps manufacturers scale without adding unnecessary complexity.If you're ready to modernize but unsure where to start, this episode will give you the roadmap.For more information about the TBM Digital Management System, click here →
Why Digitizing a Management System Is a Force MultiplierIn this second part of the series, Will, Bill Remy, and Paul Culling dive deeper into why digitizing your management system is more than a tech upgrade—it’s a catalyst for transformation. They explore how integrating TBM’s tiered management system with iObeya’s digital capabilities boosts speed, visibility, and collaboration, sharing real-world examples of faster decision-making, stronger problem-solving, and more aligned execution across teams and sites. If you're still stuck in siloed communication and collaboration on ops processes and , this episode will change how you think about what’s possible.
In this three-part series on The Manufacturing Edge Podcast, the host Will Merriman sits down with TBM CEO Bill Remy and Paul Culling, Territory Director for the Americas and Head of Global Alliances at iObeya, to tackle a challenge that’s holding too many manufacturers back: outdated, disconnected management systems.In this part one of the series, Will sits down with Bill and Paul to discuss the new TBM–iObeya partnership and how it’s propelling TBM’s Management System into the digital era. They explore why this collaboration is so critical for manufacturers navigating today’s fast-paced environment—and why sticking with paper-based systems could leave you trailing behind the competition.
Is Your Global Sourcing Strategy Still Fit for Purpose?In this episode of The Manufacturing Edge, host Daniel Bobik sits down with TBM experts Brian Cromer and Nasir Emadi to tackle the urgent need for manufacturers to rethink their sourcing strategies. With rising geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and cost pressures, relying on yesterday’s playbook is no longer an option.What You’ll Learn:
How to proactively manage sourcing risks
Real-world examples of successful onshoring and diversification
The role of SIOP (Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning), analytics, and supplier collaboration
Top 3 actions to future-proof your supply chain
Whether you're in supply chain, operations, or procurement, this episode offers practical insights to help you build resilience and agility into your sourcing strategy.Learn More About TBM Consulting Solutions →
Even as global tariffs surge, supply chains strain, and costs climb, the pressure on manufacturers to deliver on Annual Operating Plan (AOP) goals remain a priority—often with fewer people and tighter budgets. In this episode of The Manufacturing Edge, TBM experts David Pate and Brian Cromer share how manufacturers can shift from survival mode to rapid progress—advancing confidently toward their AOP targets. Tune in to learn the bold moves that drive results fast—without sacrificing agility, efficiency, or competitiveness.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Smarter Sourcing & Supply Chain Agility: How to reassess your sourcing strategy to navigate tariffs, reduce inventory costs, and build resilient supplier partnerships that support long-term success.
People & Process Optimization: Explore how cross-training, employee engagement, and continuous improvement can drive agility and reduce human capital costs—without increasing headcount or overtime.
Operational Cost Control Tactics: From waste elimination to process standardization, discover how small changes can lead to significant savings and help you stay on track with your AOP.
Whether you're a plant manager, supply chain leader, or executive decision-maker, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately. Hear real-world examples, expert advice, and actionable strategies to help your organization thrive—even when budgets are tight.Learn More About TBM Consulting Group Solutions here.Keep pushing the Manufacturing Edge.
In this episode of The Manufacturing Edge podcast, host Daniel Bobik sits down with Bill Remy, CEO of TBM Consulting Group, to explore the evolving role of Lean Manufacturing in a digital world. The discussion highlights how lean principles remain a powerful tool for driving efficiency, eliminating waste, and fostering agility.Bill shares insights on overcoming implementation challenges, integrating AI and automation while staying true to lean fundamentals, and how companies can leverage lean as a strategic enabler for revenue growth—beyond operational efficiencies, it unlocks new sales opportunities by freeing up capacity and improving service levels.Whether you're a manufacturing leader or a continuous improvement professional, this episode provides practical takeaways on sustaining lean transformations, optimizing capacity, and staying competitive in an ever-changing and uncertain market.Listen now to gain expert insights on the future of Lean Manufacturing!
In this episode of The Manufacturing Edge podcast, "Beyond Cost Savings: How Network Optimization Drives Growth in Manufacturing," host Daniel Bobik sits down with Brian Cromer, Managing Director of Global Supply Chain Practice, and Dave Hicks, VP of Maintenance Excellence Practice at TBM Consulting Group. Together, they explore how network optimization goes beyond just cutting costs—it’s a powerful strategy for boosting both efficiency and profitability.Key discussion points include:- Optimizing Assets: Strategic equipment placement to enhance efficiency and productivity.- Reducing Changeovers: Faster changeovers and optimized sequencing to lower costs and increase output.- Holistic Optimization: Evaluating the entire manufacturing and distribution network for maximum efficiency.- Cost vs. Service: Finding the right balance between cost savings and maintaining high service levels.- Expert Insights: How external consultants bring fresh perspectives and industry best practices.- Ongoing Improvement: The importance of continuous review to stay competitive in a shifting market.This episode highlights why strategic planning and continuous evaluation are essential for manufacturers looking to improve efficiency, control costs, and enhance service levels—all while driving sustainable growth and profitability.
In this two-part podcast episode, Daniel Bobik speaks with experts Harry Moser, Founder of the Reshoring Initiative and David Pate, VP of TBMs Operational Excellence Practice, about the pressing issue of tariffs and their wide-ranging impacts on the US manufacturing sector, the financial benefits of reshoring by assessing total cost of ownership, and the short-term tactics and long-term strategies leaders must start now.This podcast is essential for manufacturing executives looking to understand the strategic implications of tariffs and the growing movement towards reshoring.
In this two-part podcast episode, Daniel Bobik speaks with experts Harry Moser, Founder of the Reshoring Initiative and David Pate, VP of TBMs Operational Excellence Practice, about the pressing issue of tariffs and their wide-ranging impacts on the US manufacturing sector, the financial benefits of reshoring by assessing total cost of ownership, and the short-term tactics and long-term strategies leaders must start now.This podcast is essential for manufacturing executives looking to understand the strategic implications of tariffs and the growing movement towards reshoring.
In this episode our CEO, Bill Remy talks with the host of Lean Blog, Mark Graban, about the transformative power of Lean leadership and operational excellence.Bill shares insights from his extensive career, including how he first encountered Lean principles at Allied Signal and the dramatic improvements achieved through lead time reduction and flow. They explore the critical role of communication and employee involvement in overcoming resistance to change, the deep connection between safety and quality, and the importance of leadership in both driving transformation and sustaining long-term improvement. The podcast concludes with Bill’s and Mark’s reflection on how organizations can leverage Lean as a strategic advantage to drive growth and profitability while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
While high inflation will drive down demand and allow supply to catch up, companies will need to shift to a more competitive mind-set to win in this environment. This means improving lead times and consistently meeting service promises compared to the competition. Dan Sullivan explains how traditional operational excellence practices is the smartest, fastest, and most efficient way to win.
Shannon shares her perspective on the labor market over the next 6-12 months amid inflation and potential recession and how manufacturers should address the rising costs of employment and talent shortage.
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