Field Notes: Articles

Ideas worth building on

Thinking on operational software, AI systems, and the craft of building complex products.

Manufacturing operations dashboard showing real-time margin tracking across production lines
April 30, 2026
Where Your Margins Actually Go: Why Manufacturers Can't See What's Costing Them

Manufacturers routinely lose 15-20% margin between quoting and fulfillment. The problem isn't pricing - it's visibility.

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Manufacturing operations floor with digital data streams connecting machines and workstations
April 23, 2026
The AI Readiness Gap: Why Your Operations Need Better Software Before They Need AI

Why 40% of AI projects fail in manufacturing. The AI readiness gap: spreadsheets, disconnected data, and why you need custom operational software before agentic AI.

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Operations manager reviewing data across multiple disconnected software systems on a factory floor
April 20, 2026
The Integration Tax: What Disconnected Software Really Costs Your Operation

Every system you bolt on adds a hidden cost. Here's how the gaps between your ERP, spreadsheets, and point solutions are bleeding margin - and what to do about it.

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Manufacturing floor with digital overlay showing connected operational software systems
April 16, 2026
After the Failed ERP: Why Manufacturers Are Building Custom Operational Software

Why ERP implementations fail manufacturers: the dump truck problem, spreadsheet workarounds, and the $1T digital transformation waste. How custom operational software (Laravel/Vue.js) delivers ROI.

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Illustration of manufacturing systems with visible gaps between them representing disconnected data flows
April 13, 2026
Why Disconnected Systems Cost Manufacturers More Than Bad Software

The biggest drain on manufacturing operations isn't a bad ERP or clunky spreadsheet. It's the gaps between systems that don't talk to each other.

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Manufacturing floor worker in hard hat reviewing operational data on a tablet with dashboards visible in the background
April 12, 2026
What AI Actually Looks Like Inside Your Operation

Forget the robots. AI in your operation looks like a quoting engine that remembers every job you've ever run, a dashboard that tells you where margin is leaking, and a floor that finally talks back. Here's a walk through what changes.

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Abstract visualization of ERP systems transforming into standalone software products in manufacturing operations
April 6, 2026
ERP Extensions to SaaS for Manufacturers: Turning Internal Tools into Commercial Products

Discover how ERP extensions are evolving into SaaS products for manufacturers. Learn the signs your internal tools could become commercial offerings.

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Abstract digital visualization representing Building Flex Into Your Factory: The Manufacturing Facility Design Shift Happening Right Now in operational software context
April 2, 2026
Building Flex Into Your Factory: Design Shifts in Manufacturing

Learn how to enhance flexibility in your manufacturing operations by replacing spreadsheets with custom software. Real-world examples show the impact on efficiency and productivity.

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Abstract visualization of manufacturing plant data flows showing the gap between reported and actual operational data
March 30, 2026
Show Mode vs. Real Mode: Why Your Plant Floor Data Lies to You

When plants perform for leadership visits and audits, the data your systems collect reflects theater, not reality. Here's how to build systems grounded in actual workflows.

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Abstract visualization of manufacturing data flows and spreadsheet management
March 29, 2026
Replacing Spreadsheets in Manufacturing: When Workarounds Become the System

Your spreadsheets started as temporary fixes. Now they're the system. Here's what happens when workarounds become permanent, and how to fix it without ripping everything out.

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Abstract digital visualization representing The Communication Infrastructure Gap: Why Your Manufacturing Upgrade Stopped at the Machines in operational software context
March 29, 2026
The Machinery Upgrade Missed Humans: Why Manufacturing Still Struggles

Learn why upgrading your manufacturing machines didn't solve operational bottlenecks. Discover how closing the communication gap can unlock true efficiency.

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Founder wearing multiple hats managing product development, customer interviews, feature prioritization, and shipping decisions as founder-as-PM in early-stage startup
January 6, 2026
Product Management for Entrepreneurs: How to Do the Job When There's No PM

A practical product management guide for entrepreneurs who are also the PM — how to triage features, run user interviews on zero budget, and know when to hire your first real PM.

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