An overview: C# or 316 SS the series

After a lengthy hiatus, I am once again starting to work on this series. I have only generated a single entry about a year ago after first conceiving of this idea. One data point does not make a trend, so I am motivated to publish additional articles on this subject. This is a new jumping off point to reestablish my vision for this project and product management exploration.

I am currently approaching my 3 year anniversary at Martin Sprocket & Gear. In that time this new career path started with Production Control in our Material Handling (MH) division, then moved into Estimating for sales in the Power Transmission (PT) division at the company HQ. Currently my position is Assembly Supervisor, returning to our MH division and expanding on my initial employment environment while taking it to another level.

During this career progression, I have comprehensively explored our product offerings along with a broad exposure to manufacturing. The challenges compared to software are diverse and so very interesting. Complexities derive from the supply chain constraints to teams and skills, then such elements as physical product delivery compared to digital products.

As a lifelong learner, this new career path is as much educational as it is employment. I am confident that there are not extensive available viewpoints capable of providing this overarching comparison across these two environments. As a practical statement, not many people will make the leap from software to physical manufacturing. There are any number of barriers impeding this transition, from physical to financial. I consider myself fortunate to be able to overcome any barriers to this road less traveled and then share a unique perspective across these mutually distinct career trajectories.

My initial thoughts have been confirmed, while the differences are vast the similarities are just as extensive. In this series I will strive to highlight how skills and abilities can be applied to both. In addition, I will also look to expand on the differences in product and project management for software and manufacturing environments.

Perhaps few or no people will be interested in this distinct journey and its unique observations. As a career based academic, I will document my observations and seek to find those that share my vision. We spend so much of our life learning existing systems and paradigms for externally applied conformance, taking a chance to find a new path can provide an opportunity to create rather than conform.

Let's take a journey together.