From Data to Drive: Why People, Not Tech, Will Power Manufacturing’s Next Leap with Vince Sassano

Manufacturing’s next big leap won’t come from machines, it’ll come from mindset. In this episode of The Manufacturers Network, Lisa Ryan talks with Vince Sassano, President of Strategic Performance Company and creator of Proto Track, about how manufacturers can build trust in data, connect generations, and drive meaningful change on the shop floor.

With more than 30 years at the intersection of technology and operations, Vince explains how AI, automation, and analytics only work when people do. He shares what happens when leaders stop treating digital transformation like a software install and start treating it like a human one.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the real barrier to AI adoption isn’t tech—it’s fear of losing control.
• How generational mindsets shape how fast teams adapt to change.
• What it takes to move from a 10% gain in productivity to 30%—and why that leap starts with culture.
• The difference between data and trusted data, and why both matter.
• How to connect culture to hard metrics like throughput, retention, and profit.
• Why turnover is now a more critical KPI than margin.

Action Steps for Manufacturers:

1. Lead with people. Culture drives capability; tech follows.
2. Clarify KPIs. Make sure everyone—from operators to execs—knows what success looks like.
3. Build trust in data. Transparency beats dashboards.
4. Invest in cross-training. Multi-skilled teams adapt faster than machines.
5. Reframe “productivity.” Faster isn’t better unless it’s smarter.

Listen now to learn why the future of manufacturing belongs to leaders who combine data discipline with human courage.