Field Notes

A production line stops because a critical fastener isn't available.

Most manufacturers don't wake up expecting to deal with a stockout.

When manufacturers think about inventory, the conversation usually starts with counts.

A line goes down. A shipment is late. A critical part is missing. The team jumps in to solve it... Again. For many manufacturers, this pace feels normal. In fact, it often gets framed as responsiveness, agility, or even strength. But constant firefighting isn’t a competitive advantage. It’s a sign that the system isn’t working the way it should—and it’s quietly driving up costs across your ...