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How manufacturers can get ahead: the shift to decision agents. By Keith Moore
In the modern manufacturing environment, volatility isn’ t a seasonal challenge; it’ s the baseline. Margins are thinning, customer expectations are hitting all-time highs, and the tolerance for missed commitments has effectively vanished. On top of that, we are all grappling with a labor crisis that won’ t quit; shortages, skill gaps, and rising wages have made staffing and stabilizing a production line feel like a daily gamble.
The reality on the floor is often a battle against supply variability. Materials show up late, incomplete, or with inconsistent quality. These aren’ t just minor hiccups; they are‘ micro-disruptions’ that stack up and ripple through the entire plant. Even the most meticulously crafted morning plan rarely survives until lunch, forcing teams to spend their shifts firefighting instead of executing.
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