Management System + Operational Leadership

The 80’s Called and They Want Their Management System Back

By Bill Remy, Will Merriman

August 11, 2025

The Past Called. We Answered with the Future.

In this three-part series on The Manufacturing Edge Podcast, the host Will Merriman sits down with TBM CEO Bill Remy and Paul Culling, Territory Director for the Americas and Head of Global Alliances at iObeya, to tackle a challenge that’s holding too many manufacturers back: outdated, disconnected management systems.

The title is bold—and intentionally so. While manufacturing has advanced in nearly every area, many companies are still relying on legacy systems that haven’t evolved since the days of clipboards, whiteboards, and spreadsheets. It’s time for a reset.

This series explores what happens when you combine TBM’s proven, battle-tested lean management system with iObeya’s cutting-edge digital visual management platform. Together, they’re helping companies modernize operations, unlock real-time performance insights, and accelerate decision-making at every level.

Listen in to hear why this partnership is reshaping the future of manufacturing.

Part 1: The Partnership

Will sits down with Bill and Paul to discuss the new TBM–iObeya partnership and how it’s propelling TBM’s Management System into the digital era. They explore why this collaboration is so critical for manufacturers navigating today’s fast-paced environment—and why sticking with paper-based systems could leave you trailing behind the competition.

Part 2: Why Digitizing a Management System Is a Force Multiplier

Will, Bill, and Paul dive deeper into why digitizing your management system is more than a tech upgrade—it’s a catalyst for transformation. They explore how integrating TBM’s tiered management system with iObeya’s digital capabilities boosts speed, visibility, and collaboration, sharing real-world examples of faster decision-making, stronger problem-solving, and more aligned execution across teams and sites. If you’re still stuck in siloed communication and collaboration on ops processes and , this episode will change how you think about what’s possible.

Part 3: Getting It Right – How to Succeed (and Why Many Don’t)

In the final episode of “The 80’s Called and They Want Their Management System Back”, Will, Bill, and Paul tackle the real-world challenges of implementation. From overcoming resistance to change to avoiding common pitfalls, they share best practices that ensure your digital management system doesn’t just launch—it lasts.
You’ll hear practical advice on how to build buy-in across all levels of the organization, why starting small leads to bigger success, and how the TBM–iObeya partnership helps manufacturers scale without adding unnecessary complexity.

If you’re ready to modernize but unsure where to start, this episode will give you the roadmap.

Learn more about TBM + iObeya partnership → 

 

TBM-Digital-Management-Systsem-iobeya

 

TBM Consulting Group

Frequently Asked Questions

How are TBM and iObeya partnering to modernize manufacturing management systems?
The series explains how combining TBM’s lean management system with iObeya’s digital visual management platform modernizes operations, unlocks real-time insights, and accelerates decision-making.
What implementation advice do the guests share for going digital?
They share practical guidance on overcoming resistance, starting small, building buy-in at all levels, and ensuring digital management systems scale and last—not just launch.
What risks do manufacturers face if they keep relying on 1980s-style management systems?
Plants that stay with manual, siloed tools will struggle with slow communication, limited visibility, and missed improvement opportunities compared to competitors using connected digital systems.

Meet the Experts

Bill Remy

Bill Remy

Email Bill
Will Merriman

Will Merriman

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