ByteSized

Monolithic vs. Microservices: Why It’s a Business Decision, Not an Industry One

Is monolithic always the safe bet for compliance-heavy industries like healthcare, or should organizations lean into microservices for flexibility? In this episode, we break down where each approach creates real value and where the hype falls short.
We explore industry examples like healthcare, aerospace, and energy, while focusing on the trade-offs of standardization, governance, and scalability. Most importantly, we show why technology choices must align with your business stage, growth trajectory, and operational needs rather than competitor systems or vendor marketing.
If you are deciding between monolithic and microservices, this conversation will help you frame the choice around what truly matters: your business strategy.
 
Watch The Full Episode Here: https://youtube.com/live/EPuSiQb-aXk?feature=share
 
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The Hidden Risks of Modular ERP

Big software vendors are rushing to rebrand monolithic systems as “modular” or “composable” to match market demand. But is it true flexibility, or just old software in a new wrapper? In this episode, we dig into how ERP giants package acquisitions as modules, why mismatched code and clunky interfaces create hidden integration headaches, and what it really takes for hybrid solutions to deliver value.
We explore the promises and pitfalls of modular ERP, the due diligence leaders need to protect their organizations, and why sometimes that shiny new “module” is really just the same old system with a new logo.
 
Watch The Full Episode Here: https://youtube.com/live/EPuSiQb-aXk?feature=share
 
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The ROI Myth of ERP

ERP systems promise efficiency and standardization, but they are not direct revenue generators. In this episode, we unpack common misconceptions about ERP, including the assumption that a bigger investment guarantees bigger returns. We explore why chasing ROI metrics for ERP is misleading, what total cost of ownership really looks like, and how the real value lies in how the system is used to support smarter decisions and stronger business performance.
 
Watch The Full Episode Here: https://youtube.com/live/EPuSiQb-aXk?feature=share
 
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Modular Architecture vs Monolithic Rollouts

Large-scale ERP implementations often create the illusion of control while slowing down real progress. In this episode, we examine the technical and cultural trade-offs between monolithic rollouts and modular, phased deployments. From identifying root causes in legacy systems to prioritizing pain points with targeted workstreams, we highlight how a micro-move approach reduces risk, accelerates value, and builds a more resilient digital architecture.
 
Watch The Full Episode Here: https://youtube.com/live/EPuSiQb-aXk?feature=share
 
Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kylercheatham Connect with The Confluencial https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-confluencial Follow The Confluencial on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.confluencial

The Monolithic ERP Trap

Many manufacturers default to ERP as the answer to every problem, but that mindset often creates more issues than it solves. In this episode, we discuss how to spot when your organization is stuck in an ERP obsession, why diagnosing process-level challenges matters, and how aligning solutions with end user needs leads to real performance gains.
 
Watch The Full Episode Here: https://youtube.com/live/EPuSiQb-aXk?feature=share
 
Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kylercheatham Connect with The Confluencial https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-confluencial Follow The Confluencial on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.confluencial

Driving Cultural Alignment on the Shop Floor Through Process Engagement

Introducing new systems and continuous improvement initiatives in food and beverage plants is never just about tools and templates. Success depends on building trust where it matters most on the shop floor. In this episode, we explore how to engage operators who may see change as extra work and how to bridge generational and cultural gaps with authenticity and respect. From adapting communication styles for different audiences to creating psychological safety, showing results, and working side by side with operators, we break down the leadership behaviors that turn skepticism into buy-in and create lasting alignment across the plant.
 
Watch the full episode here: https://youtube.com/live/7iBwoq49D-Q?feature=share
 
Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kylercheatham Connect with The Confluencial https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-confluencial Follow The Confluencial on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.confluencial

Identifying Hidden Resistance in Manufacturing

In manufacturing and food and beverage operations, the loud complaints are easy to spot. It is the quiet resistance that can quietly derail process optimization efforts, cause rework, and slow down transformation. In this episode, we discuss how to detect non-vocal resistance by tracking behaviors, monitoring compliance gaps, and creating multiple feedback loops. We also explore how leaders can balance efficiency and quality by engaging frontline teams, documenting standards, and addressing concerns with empathy. The conversation highlights how early detection and proactive management of resistance can protect both operational excellence and long-term ROI.
 
Watch the full episode here: https://youtube.com/live/7iBwoq49D-Q?feature=share
 
Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kylercheatham Connect with The Confluencial https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-confluencial Follow The Confluencial on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.confluencial

Leading with Accountability and Compassion in Food and Beverage

Strong leadership in food and beverage operations is not about strict control. It is about building consistent mindsets, creating clear standards, and holding people accountable in a way that inspires trust. In this episode, we explore how documented processes, empathetic conversations, and service-based leadership help teams stay aligned while respecting the realities of each shop floor. The result is a culture where accountability feels fair, leadership feels human, and performance is sustainable.
 
Watch the full episode here: https://youtube.com/live/7iBwoq49D-Q?feature=share
 
Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kylercheatham Connect with The Confluencial https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-confluencial Follow The Confluencial on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.confluencial

Lean Leadership in Food and Beverage

In food and beverage manufacturing, lean cannot just be another checklist exercise. It has to work in the real world of production lines, quality standards, and daily challenges. In this episode, we explore how leaders can adapt lean to the realities of food operations by focusing on the voice of operators, tying processes back to value, and keeping teams aligned around shared goals. The result is a culture where lean practices improve efficiency, food safety, and employee ownership instead of becoming paperwork that no one uses.
 
Watch the full episode here: https://youtube.com/live/7iBwoq49D-Q?feature=share
 
Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kylercheatham Connect with The Confluencial https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-confluencial Follow The Confluencial on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.confluencial

Why ROI in Manufacturing Is Never One Size Fits All

Operational excellence looks different in every plant, and chasing cookie-cutter solutions rarely delivers results. In this episode, we unpack why mid-market manufacturers are often underserved by big consultancies and how compliance, efficiency, and competitive advantage must be balanced differently in each organization. From the importance of honest assessment to avoiding the trap of shiny solutions, we discuss how manufacturers can right-size strategies, tailor continuous improvement to their environment, and achieve ROI that actually fits their business.
 
Watch the full episode here: https://youtube.com/live/7iBwoq49D-Q?feature=share
 
Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kylercheatham Connect with The Confluencial https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-confluencial Follow The Confluencial on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.confluencial