Field Notes: Articles

Ideas worth building on

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

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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Comparison visualization of traditional AI and agentic systems showing autonomous decision-making and workflow automation
October 7, 2025
Agentic Systems vs Traditional AI: Which Is Right for Your Startup in 2025?

Discover the key differences between traditional AI and agentic systems for startups. Learn which approach fits your business goals, budget, and growth plans in 2025.

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Abstract AI circuit and network visualization representing agentic systems
September 18, 2025
2025 Guide: Agentic Systems with AI Augmentation

Beginner-friendly guide to agentic AI systems and practical AI augmentation for real business impact in 2025.

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FTC regulatory enforcement on AI marketing claims and compliance requirements for digital product teams and SaaS companies
September 11, 2025
FTC Cracks Down on AI Marketing Hype: What It Means for Digital Product Teams and SaaS Founders

The FTC has launched an aggressive crackdown on misleading AI marketing with Operation AI Comply. Learn what this regulatory shift means for digital product teams, how to avoid compliance issues, and why transparent AI development is now mandatory.

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