Leading with Intention, Building for Tomorrow

Welcome to "Intersections," your bi-monthly guide to navigating the complexities of leadership and industrial processes. Each edition provides essential tips on the critical intersections of your business—technology, strategy, leadership, and operations—to drive your success in today's competitive landscape. Join us as we explore these paths together, sharing the expertise and experiences from the Interstates team that can help steer your projects and leadership decisions toward excellence.

Leader’s Compass

Leader Tip: Leadership isn’t about being available 24/7/365; it’s about knowing when to disconnect to give your family and friends your best, and then return to work recharged so your team and clients get your best.

True leadership balances presence with intentional absence. By modeling healthy limits—blocking off time to recharge—we set a standard that empowers our teams to do the same. It’s not a compromise; it’s a strategic investment in wellbeing, resilience, and sustained performance. See how one of our leaders learned the value of balance through personal experience.

Roadmap to Results

Transforming Production at Country Maid

When Country Maid needed greater visibility into their production performance, Interstates stepped in to help transform their plant operations. Using PLEX Production Monitoring, Interstates replaced manual data tracking with real-time dashboards that turned daily numbers into actionable insights.

Key improvements included:

• Real-Time Visibility: Shift and downtime data is now tracked live, enabling teams to identify trends and act quickly.

• Streamlined Reporting: Automated dashboards eliminated spreadsheet chaos and created a single source of truth for KPIs.

• Empowered Teams: Operators and supervisors now use data daily to improve performance, resolve issues, and drive accountability.

See how data and dashboards made a real impact at Country Maid—read the full story

Solutions Along the Route

I-Control 7: A Future-Ready MES Solution

As production demands grow more complex, manufacturers need smarter tools to keep pace. Interstates’ I-Control manufacturing execution systems (MES) and process control platform is a modern, web-based solution designed to streamline operations, support regulatory compliance, and prepare for future innovations like AI and predictive maintenance. And it just got a makeover! This system provides the flexibility to scale and adapt for industries like feed, flour, and pet food.

Key benefits of I-Control include:

• Real-Time Visibility: Live dashboards and lot traceability tools offer clarity and confidence in daily operations.

• Modular Design: Manufacturers can roll out features like guided workflows or automated pellet mill tuning as needed—without overhauling their system.

• Compliance Built-In: With robust audit trails and digital records, staying inspection-ready becomes simpler and more reliable.

Technical Tip: Upgrading to a modular MES like I-Control can reduce operator error, improve batch consistency, and save time during audits. Start with what you need now—then scale when you're ready.

Interested in what else I-Control has to offer? See how this flexible solution is helping manufacturers modernize their operations. Get the full scoop!

End of the Road

Progress is often about intention—choosing balance over burnout, clarity over complexity, and future-readiness over short-term fixes. Whether you’re stepping back to refocus your leadership, equipping teams with actionable data, or upgrading systems to meet tomorrow’s demands, each choice moves you forward.

As you navigate your own path, ask yourself: What’s one intentional change I can make today to lead more effectively or operate more efficiently?

Explore more leadership tips, project stories, and resources to see our accomplishments and discover inspiration for what’s possible.