Musings of an Analyst

The interaction between management, numerical analysis, engineering, physics, and organizational structures remind me of the the allure of a unified field theory and alchemy. It feels like an explanation that unites the big ideas is so close, but just out of reach.

Today it seems like there is great potential in seeking to apply some of the approaches that made the Arsenal of Democracy possible. The ideas of Big Bill Knudsen and the Toyota Production system don’t seem to be in conflict. And, perhaps they are ideas that work together in a way that is enabling rather than conflicting.

Big Bill was a titan. His knowledge of production and how to manage production systems was the result of a lifetime of learning and struggle. It frustrates me that I can’t have everything that was in his brain in my brain right now. In times like this, the idea of being able to instantly upload information to my head similar to the method portrayed in the first Matrix movie is something that I wish was a possibility.

My personal impatience is amplified by the recognition that there is another huge step to take after getting to where I know enough of what Big Bill knew to start doing what Big Bill did. It is a huge endeavor to try to make even a portion of the progress that Big Bill made.