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Letter from Anna

Welcome to the Build Better Handbook – a work in progress documenting what I’ve learned from admired leaders, my experiences, and observations from over 100 NPIs.

When Samuel Weiss and I founded Instrumental in 2015, we aimed to eliminate inefficiencies in electronics manufacturing. Starting with a bold idea, minimal funding, and professional credibility, we sought to create tools to build the best products. Today, our mission is broader: empowering engineering and operations teams to excel.

Through years of industry experience, I’ve seen that challenges aren’t just technical but cultural. Leaders learn best from peers, and this Handbook aims to share their insights and frameworks. Divided by product lifecycle stages, it includes leadership lessons, tactics, and practical content for daily operators.

Chapters

GETTING CULTURE RIGHT

NPI: A HOW TO GUIDE FOR ENGINEERS & THEIR LEADERS

PRODUCTION: A PRIMER FOR OPERATIONS, QUALITY & THEIR LEADERS

THINKING AHEAD: HOW TO EVALUATE NEW TECHNOLOGIES