Strategy #3: Beware of Technology FOMO: Implementing Technology to Drive Productivity.

TBM’s CEO, Bill Remy, and Managing Director of Supply Chain and Analytics, Brian Cromer, sit down for a discussion focused on challenges and considerations for technology adoption as a lever to boost productivity in manufacturing.

“Avoid Technology FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)” is strategy #4 of Bill’s article, “Five Ways Manufacturers Can Bolster Agility” where they talk about thinking about manufacturing technologies in a more strategic way rather than the silver bullet for success.

Read the summary below or view the video above to discover challenges, benefits and a pragmatic approach for leveraging technology and data to propel productivity toward growth.

Bill steered the conversation towards understanding why organizations often fail at implementing technology successfully or show resistance to adopting new technologies. He questioned the underlying reasons for such barriers, indicating a broader interest in exploring both the psychological and operational hurdles companies face.

Brian responded by emphasizing resistance to change as a fundamental issue, often rooted in past failures of technology implementations. He argued that failure is typically a consequence of inadequate planning and preparation, rather than the technology itself. He advised that leaders must set clear objectives and ensure technology is correctly aligned with business needs.

Bill further inquired about data management challenges, acknowledging that improper data preparation can sabotage technology initiatives. Brian agreed, pointing out that the integrity of incoming data is crucial for deriving value from any technological solution. Companies with bad data coming in will get bad data coming out resulting in poor decision making. He warned that companies often expect technology alone to be the “silver bullet” to solve their problems, overlooking the significance of data quality and user engagement in achieving successful outcomes. The reality is that user and the data integrity are the critical elements to determine that the right technology solution is working effectively, and the value is realized.

The conversation shifted towards the benefits technology can offer manufacturers, with Brian highlighting speed and competitive advantage as key outcomes. He advocated for technology as a tool for rapid response to market changes and for gaining an edge over competitors. This requires a willingness to embrace change and a strategic approach to technology adoption. Brian recommended a gradual, phased approach to avoid the pitfalls of rushing into technology investments without a solid foundation. He stressed the importance of understanding operational requirements, ensuring data integrity, and establishing effective processes before proceeding with technology implementation. Both Brian and Bill agreed that there is common oversight of manufacturers in underestimating the importance of process optimization and data management prior to technology integration.

The videocast was wrapped up by Bill expressing appreciation for Brian’s insights and teasing upcoming discussions on supply chain risks and the value of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives for businesses.

Tune in to Bill’s next discussion in the series around how to establish a more productive supply chain with Chip Barth, Managing Director of Global Supply Chain practice.

Check out the other episodes of Bill Remy’s “Five Ways Manufacturers Can Bolster Agility” video series.

Strategy #1: Labor Strategies Reimagined for a More Productive Workforce

Strategy #2: Level Up Productivity In Manufacturing

Strategy #3: Beware of Technology FOMO: Implementing Technology to Drive Productivity

Strategy #4: Supply Chain Risk and Mitigation Strategies in Manufacturing

Strategy #5: Find Hidden Opportunities in ESG

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “technology FOMO” and why does it hurt manufacturing productivity?

Technology FOMO refers to the pressure organizations feel to adopt new digital tools simply because competitors are doing so. The video explains that this fear‑driven approach often leads companies to invest in technology without a clear productivity problem to solve. When tools are implemented without execution discipline or process readiness, they distract teams, add complexity, and fail to deliver meaningful productivity gains.

Why do productivity gains fall short when technology is implemented too quickly?

Productivity gains fall short because technology amplifies existing processes—good or bad. The video emphasizes that when unstable, inefficient, or poorly managed processes are digitized, problems become faster and more visible but not resolved. Without clear standards, accountability, and daily management, technology becomes another reporting layer rather than a driver of improved execution.

How should manufacturers approach technology investments to truly improve productivity?

Manufacturers should approach technology investments by starting with execution fundamentals instead of tools. The video highlights stabilizing processes, clarifying decision‑making, and strengthening management systems before introducing new technology. When technology is applied to well‑understood problems and embedded into daily management routines, it reinforces disciplined execution and becomes a powerful enabler of sustained productivity improvement rather than a reaction to FOMO.