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.

In this episode, Lisa Ryan sits down with Moustafa Moursy, founder of Push Analytics and a top-tier HubSpot agency partner, to break down what’s really holding manufacturers back from operational excellence, and how to fix it. Drawing on his hands-on manufacturing background and expertise in sales and project management, Moustafa Moursy reveals the most common process traps, why data-driven operations matter, and how aligning tools with culture can give your business a serious edge.

Key Topics Covered:

- Why manufacturing companies must treat their business processes like their product lines—with clear inputs, outputs, and controls

- The real culprit behind ineffective sales processes (hint: it’s not just paperwork or CRM overload!)

- How to strike the perfect balance between over-complicating and under-complicating systems, especially for sales teams

- The importance of stakeholder involvement when designing or revamping business processes

- Ways successful manufacturers build robust supply and value chain relationships

- The most overlooked opportunities for digital transformation in manufacturing

- How manufacturers routinely leave money on the table—and simple strategies to capture it

- Why culture, not just technology, is crucial for real transformation

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Map Your Processes First: Don’t jump straight to adopting new tools; start by zooming out and mapping your current workflows, obstacles, and business goals.

2. Engage Key Stakeholders: Involve the people actually using the system, especially sales reps, in the design and refinement of your processes to drive buy-in and better results.

3. Find Your CRM Sweet Spot: Focus on the CRM features that directly support your goals—instead of chasing 100% utilization, identify the tools your team really needs.

4. Follow Up Relentlessly: Make quoting and order follow-up a non-negotiable habit; most revenue leaks happen because opportunities fall between the cracks.

5. Build Process-Centric Culture: Remember, the best technology won’t help unless your team is trained, supported, and committed to continuous process improvement.

6. Connect Sales and Production: Create seamless handoffs between sales and post-sales/project management to prevent friction and ensure great customer experiences.

Resources & Contact:

To learn more or connect with Moustafa Moursy

Resources & Contact:

To learn more or connect with Moustafa Moursy and the Push Analytics team, email hello@pushanalytics.com and mention The Manufacturers Network Podcast.

Tune in and discover how process alignment and smart technology adoption can drive your manufacturing business forward—one actionable step at a time!and the Push Analytics team, email hello@pushanalytics.com and mention The Manufacturers Network Podcast.

On this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan welcomes Joe Bockerstette, the leader behind Business Enterprise Mapping, a Phoenix-based consultancy renowned for helping manufacturers rapidly document workflows, identify bottlenecks, and implement impactful change. With four decades of experience in operations and supply chain management—including senior roles at PwC and private equity—Joe shares the proven strategies that separate good manufacturers from great ones.

Key Topics Covered:

- What Sets High-Performers Apart: Discover why synchronizing supply to demand and aligning internal processes with customer needs is the foundation of manufacturing excellence.

- Red Clouds vs. Quick Wins: Learn how to identify operational bottlenecks (“red clouds”), categorize them for action, and prioritize quick wins that can be solved in less than 90 days.

- Process Mapping for Impact: Understand how process mapping can directly enhance customer value and streamline departmental workflows through a unique, education-driven methodology.

- Getting Buy-In From Teams: Strategies for engaging even the most change-resistant employees and fostering effective workshops where frontline teams contribute real solutions.

- Mistakes to Avoid in Lean Initiatives: Why managers often miss the mark by zooming in on details without looking at the whole system, and how to refocus efforts for greater impact.

- Tech’s True Role: Insights into how automation and data tools help—and when they complicate—workflow improvement.

- One Metric Manufacturers Ignore: Why measuring the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness (“ACT”) of key deliverables can drive results where it matters most.

- Balancing Efficiency With Culture: Practical advice on maintaining a strong company culture while driving performance and staying compliant.

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Map the Process, Not Just the Issues: Start improvement efforts by mapping your workflows holistically. Focus on how each process delivers value to the customer and supports upstream/downstream requirements.

2. Prioritize Quick Wins to Build Momentum: Identify red clouds that can be solved without senior-level approval or major budget and tackle these first to show rapid progress.

3. Involve Frontline Teams Early: Use workshops and collaborative sessions, not just interviews, to engage your staff and source powerful insights and buy-in from day one.

4. Don’t Automate Before Simplifying: Clean up your foundational processes before introducing new tech—automation only amplifies existing problems when processes aren’t robust.

5. Measure What Matters: Use the ACT metric (Accurate, Complete, Timely) to assess non-product deliverables like specs and handoffs—they’re critical to smooth operations and customer satisfaction.

6. Balance Efficiency and Responsibility: Pursue both operational excellence and a supportive culture; treat people well, ensure compliance, and leverage your assets wisely.

Connect with Joe Bockerstette:

- Website: businessmapping.com

- Email: joe@businessmapping.com

- LinkedIn: Joe Bockerstette

Ready to drive performance and customer value in your manufacturing operation? Tune in and get the tools and strategies to make your next workflow transformation a success!