When is this constant state of change and upheaval going to end and everything return to normal? One political party says the return is underway and things are getting better. The other says to trust them, help is on the way. Who is right? What is normal? Well, here is some uncommon sense: There no longer is a "normal." The only constant is continuous, life-altering change. Look at the economies, politics and constant turmoil in most of the European, Middle Eastern and Far East countries for proof.
Companies in the United States have been relatively complacent for many years. Suddenly, a series of bad years have hit us. Instead of confronting the situation, manufacturers have run for cover. We think that we have to wait until the time is right to make changes. Productivity improvements have been put on hold until the situation improves. News flash: We are now part of the global family. The events of the past years have brought us into the fold. The right time to make change happen is now, or we will be way behind the power curve when the economy moves forward again. The good news: Many improvements do not require a large capital investment, and many will drive a payback in a relatively short period of time.