The biggest barrier to innovation just may be the site managers at a given mill.  I visit many suppliers.  On a recent visit, I heard something I have heard many times before.  This particular supplier has a very innovative consumable product.  It has been proven in over twenty years of continuous use.  This product is solid, as trouble-free as anything in your mill.

So what happens when they attempt to break into a new mill with this product? The resistance is often a very surprising string of logic. I'll paraphrase: "We are making our profit numbers. Things are running pretty smoothly. Why would I take a risk of making more profit when no one is pushing me?"

Senior managers and CEOs--you have a problem.  This is a barrier to improving your business. Time to bring some folks in for a talk.