Dean Sperry Dean Sperry

Demystifying AI in Manufacturing: A Pragmatic Approach to Digital Transformation

In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) promises groundbreaking changes. Yet for many manufacturers, the challenge isn’t just about embracing AI—it’s about knowing where to start and how to proceed. During a recent discussion, Michael Hoagland and Dean Sperry from Hoagland Management & Consulting (HMC) joined John Galbraith and Brock Rowlands from The Data Integrators to share actionable insights for leveraging AI in manufacturing.

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Scott D. Welsby Scott D. Welsby

Driving Innovation: The Role of New Product Development in Competitive Markets

In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving business environment, innovation is no longer just an advantage—it's a necessity for survival. New product development (NPD) plays a critical role in helping businesses navigate this landscape, enabling them to adapt to changing market dynamics, meet customer needs, and explore new growth opportunities.

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Rick Mangone Rick Mangone

Charting the course to ISO success

In today's competitive business world, maintaining high-quality standards, efficient processes, and customer satisfaction is essential for long-term success. One of the most recognized ways to ensure this is by achieving ISO certification. But what exactly is ISO certification, and how can your organization benefit from it? In this blog, we will walk you through the process of getting ISO certified, its benefits, and how it can take your business to new heights.

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Michael Hoagland Michael Hoagland

A Strategic Approach to Post-Merger Integration

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are pivotal moments in the life cycle of any business, presenting opportunities for growth, market expansion, and increased operational efficiencies. However, success is far from guaranteed and according to the Harvard Business Review, a staggering 70-90% of mergers fail to achieve their intended goals.

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Rick Mangone Rick Mangone

Understanding Supplier Quality

In today's complex and interconnected global supply chains, supplier quality has emerged as a crucial determinant of organizational success. Supplier quality is not merely a checkbox exercise but a strategic imperative that directly impacts an organization's Quality, Cost, and Delivery (QCD) performance.  It represents a comprehensive approach to ensuring that suppliers meet and exceed the critical quality standards required to maintain competitive advantage.

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Anthony Cardinale Anthony Cardinale

More Tariffs Are Coming

With the results of the November 5th election, it’s clear that changes to global trade are on the horizon. While the exact nature of new tariffs and the direction of the trade war remain uncertain, one thing is for sure—businesses need to prepare for potential increases in tariffs, especially on imports from China. Experts predict that we could see global tariffs rise by 10-20%, which will inevitably affect the cost structure of companies across the U.S.

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Dean Sperry Dean Sperry

The Factory Floor Meets Artificial Intelligence

A ‘good’ way to think about AI in Manufacturing:

As manufacturing leaders navigate the complex landscape of digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a potential solution to longstanding industry challenges. In a recent in-depth conversation between Michael Hoagland of Hoagland Management & Consulting LLC (HMC) and David Uram, CEO of Factory Bucket (now CohesivAI), the two industry veterans shared crucial insights about implementing AI in manufacturing environments. Their discussion revealed both the immense potential and practical pathways for manufacturers looking to embrace AI technology.

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Michael Hoagland Michael Hoagland

Managing Complex Programs: Insights on Avoiding Costly Pitfalls

Without clear boundaries, program management can feel like a circus act. Don't let scope creep and shifting requirements turn your project into a juggling act. Learn how strong contractual discipline and strategic adaptability can keep your program on course.

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Dean Jorgensen Dean Jorgensen

A Brief Note on ‘Business Development’

If you’re expecting some Aristotelian treatise on the function of business development that will provide you with a new key to rapid growth, please stop reading right now. Rather, this is a rambling compendium of my own observations from four decades in the aerospace and defense sector designed to establish a common understanding of the very meaning of ‘Business Development.’

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Michael Hoagland Michael Hoagland

Bridging the Skill Gap

Interim management is not just a stopgap measure during times of change - it is a strategic tool for building capability within an organization. In today's fast-paced business environment, organizations face numerous challenges that require specialized skill sets and expertise. Whether it's navigating a complex project, managing strategic changes, or addressing unforeseen leadership transitions, companies often find themselves lacking the necessary internal capabilities to handle these critical situations effectively. This is where interim management plays a pivotal role.

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Anthony Cardinale Anthony Cardinale

Building Resilient Supply Chains

In today’s unpredictable world, supply chains face more challenges than ever. Over the past decade, events like geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters, pandemics, and labor shortages have created constant disruptions. Many businesses are stuck reacting to issues as they arise instead of building long-term resilience. But here’s the good news: you don’t need big investments to create a resilient supply chain. Below are some simple, affordable strategies to help reduce risks and improve flexibility.

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