Case Study: Embedding MOS into the Culture at Vertex Precision Manufacturing
Vertex Precision Manufacturing, a producer of high-tolerance components for the aerospace industry, had previously implemented a Management Operating System (MOS) to improve production consistency and team accountability. While initial results showed slight improvements in metrics such as downtime and throughput, the system began losing momentum over time. Teams treated MOS elements—such as daily huddles, action logs, and KPI reviews—as check-the-box exercises, rather than integrating them into how they naturally operated. Without true cultural adoption, production teams reverted to old habits, and continuous improvement initiatives stalled.
Recognizing the need for a mindset shift, Vertex leadership launched a campaign to fully embed MOS into the company’s culture. They re-engaged teams at all levels, emphasizing that MOS was not just a series of tools but the foundation for how Vertex would manage operations and solve problems moving forward. Leadership role-modeled the behavior by actively participating in daily tiered meetings, reinforcing problem-solving routines, and celebrating success stories tied to MOS-driven improvements. Teams were empowered to adapt MOS tools to their specific work areas, creating ownership and aligning the system with daily workflows.
Within four months, the cultural transformation yielded substantial operational benefits. Vertex reported a 19% improvement in first-pass yield and a 14% increase in overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Team members became more proactive in raising and resolving issues, while action items were closed at a faster rate due to higher engagement with the MOS process. KPIs were no longer reviewed as a formality but were actively used to guide discussions, solve problems, and plan for continuous improvement. MOS became “the way we do things here,” leading to greater consistency and fewer surprises on the production floor.
Beyond productivity gains, the cultural shift fostered stronger collaboration and a sense of ownership across all levels of the organization. Employees felt more connected to operational goals and empowered to make decisions aligned with MOS principles. Supervisors noted that problem-solving became more team-driven and less reliant on leadership intervention. By embedding MOS into its culture—not just its processes—Vertex Precision Manufacturing created a sustainable foundation for operational excellence and continuous improvement, setting the company up for long-term success..