While most companies invest heavily in optimizing physical assets, refining processes, and implementing data systems, they consistently undervalue the most powerful variable in operational excellence: human elements. Through experience, I've identified four core human elements that fundamentally shape performance: skills & capabilities, behavioral patterns, incentive structures, and communication patterns. Learn how to analyze and optimize these elements to unlock breakthroug

Most distribution companies are drowning in data while starving for insight. Dashboards multiply and reports pile up, yet leaders struggle to answer fundamental questions about their operations. By applying first principles thinking to operational metrics, we can transform data from something we merely collect into essential elements we intentionally design. Discover the five core data elements every distributor must master and how to implement balanced metrics that drive rea

While physical components like inventory and equipment are visible in any distribution center, the true architecture of operational excellence lies in something far less visible: process elements. These invisible structures—workflows, decision points, handoffs, communication channels, and exception handling—determine how efficiently materials flow and how profitably your operation runs. Learn how to identify, map, and optimize these critical elements using first principles th

Instead of asking "How do we improve this operation?" try asking "What would guarantee this operation fails?" This shift seems subtle, but the results can be transformative. Inversion thinking bypasses our optimism bias and helps build more resilient operations by systematically identifying and preventing failure points before they occur.

Mental models are frameworks for thinking that help us understand how systems work. For operations leaders, they become powerful instruments for cutting through complexity and finding solutions that others miss. Discover the essential mental models that transform operational problem-solving.

Physical elements form the foundation of distribution operations, yet they're often overlooked when solving performance problems. This post introduces a systematic framework for identifying, analyzing, and optimizing the five categories of physical elements: inventory, facility, equipment, material flow, and interface elements. Learn how to map these elements, assess their performance, and implement targeted improvements that create measurable results, as demonstrated in the

Break down distribution operations into five fundamental elements to transform complexity into clarity through first principles thinking.