Manufacturing KPIs That Actually Matter (And the Ones That Don’t) And Why Most Companies Skip Operational Readiness.

Most manufacturers track dozens of KPIs — but very few track the ones that actually drive performance. In this episode of The Manufacturing Evolution: AI, Ops & The Future of Work, Brad breaks down the difference between vanity metrics and true performance drivers. He explains why metrics like activity levels and isolated efficiency numbers often create a false sense of progress, while critical indicators like Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), lead time, throughput, and first-pass yield reveal what’s really happening inside your operations. But metrics alone aren’t enough. Brad connects KPIs to a bigger issue most manufacturers overlook: operational readiness. Without process maturity, leadership alignment, data discipline, and the ability to execute change, even the best metrics won’t lead to better outcomes. If you want to move beyond reporting and start driving real performance, this episode will help you focus on what actually matters — and avoid the metrics that don’t.