In the heart of Illinois, CK RubberTrack hums with purpose—delivering durable rubber tracks for heavy construction and agricultural machinery. Behind that production, Project Manager Todd Kassal is quietly redefining how work happens. Instead of overseeing operations through spreadsheets and experience, he’s introducing quantum‑inspired thinking—algorithmic tools modeled on quantum principles—to tackle complex challenges in planning, logistics, production, and product design. And the results are transforming what success looks like in industrial manufacturing.

Quantum Thinking, No Quantum Hardware Required

Quantum computing remains beyond reach for most manufacturing firms—but Kassal found a clever solution. He adopted quantum-inspired algorithms, software frameworks designed to mimic quantum logic and optimization without needing quantum processors. These tools excel in analyzing interconnected variables—like demand patterns, supplier reliability, scheduling constraints—often running thousands of scenarios within minutes. The outcome: fast, data-driven decision-making embedded into real-world operations.

This isn’t futuristic experimentation—it’s industrial intelligence at work today.

Forecasting That Embraces Uncertainty

Traditional forecasting at CK RubberTrack relied on last year’s data and seasonal cycles. But rapid shifts in commodity prices, infrastructure spending, planting season timing, and global trade volatility revealed fragility in that approach.

Kassal introduced a probabilistic forecasting system capable of factoring in dozens of dynamic variables—weather patterns, lead times, regional demand signals, material costs—and outputting demand scenarios ranked by likelihood. With this shift:

• Forecast accuracy improved by up to 35%

• Inventory mismatches dropped 25%

• Emergency orders and expedited purchases fell sharply

Earlier slowdowns and bottlenecks became opportunities for proactive inventory management, not reactive scrambling.

Agile Supply Chains Powered by Optimization Logic

CK RubberTrack sources materials globally—from Europe, Asia, and North America—exposing operations to volatility in shipping schedules, regional disruptions, and shifting cost dynamics. Kassal tackled this complexity with quantum-inspired supply chain modeling capable of evaluating route alternatives, suppliers, costs, and timeliness in real time.

When regional port congestion struck Asia, the system permitted instant rerouting through partners in Mexico and Turkey—preserving on-time production and avoiding significant logistical expense. Proactive sourcing decisions helped CK RubberTrack prevent over $200,000 in delay-related losses.

Scheduling That Thinks Ahead

Scheduling multiple production lines, changeovers, machine availability, and rush orders used to overwhelm legacy systems. Kassal deployed quantum‑annealing-style scheduling tools that continuously recalibrate workflows as conditions shift—like late deliveries, machine downtime, or labor changes.

With real-time optimization:

• Machine utilization rose by 20–25%

• Reschedules dropped by nearly 40%

• Rush jobs fulfilled more reliably

Productive days became synchronized ones, with fewer bottlenecks and better coordination between teams.

Empowering People with Clear Insights

Even the best scheduling or forecast model fails if people can’t act on it. Kassal focused on human-centered interfaces—offering staff simple prompts:

• “Approving this adjustment saves $3,200 in shipping—proceed?”

• “Reorder jobs to avoid tooling conflict—yes or no?”

• “Switch supplier for a two-day delay but cost saving—approve?”

This approach keeps cognitive load low while preserving agency—and ensures adoption across production, procurement, and mission-critical roles.

Accelerating Product Development with Virtual Testing

Kassal is already exploring quantum chemistry simulations to predict compound behavior—heat resistance, wear dynamics, or flexibility—without costly physical prototypes. These simulations cut development cycles in half and produced a new, 20% more durable rubber compound with zero lab time.

The future of product R&D at CK RubberTrack looks more digital, more agile, and far faster than trial-and-error labs.

Building a Culture of Co-Innovation

Transformative tools need collaborative adoption. Kassal led department pilots, interactive workshops, and real-time feedback sessions. Staff learned to interpret simulation outcomes in operational terms—turning technical models into business language.

Cross-functional dashboards show outcomes—saved costs, throughput gains—anchoring quantum logic in day-to-day operations. This engagement builds trust and makes advanced computation feel strategic, not alien.

Tangible Business Impact

Since deploying quantum-inspired tools, CK RubberTrack has seen:

• Inventory costs drop by ~30%

• Logistics savings in the hundreds of thousands annually

• Throughput efficiency gains of 18–25%

• On-time customer delivery consistently above 95%

• R&D cycle fast-forwarded with virtual testing cutting prototyping time in half

These are real improvements tied directly to cost, reliability, and performance.

A Roadmap for Intelligent Manufacturing

Kassal’s plans include:

• Building a digital twin of operations for safe simulation

• Integrating IoT sensor data for live system feedback

• Modeling sustainable, recyclable rubber formulations using eco-friendly inputs

• Extending intelligent decision support into ERPs and CRM systems

All based on the same principle: smarter tools driving better outcomes, while staying grounded in the realities of industrial labor.

Redefining Operational Leadership

What sets Kassal apart isn’t hype—it’s clarity. He fuses advanced computational logic with everyday operational challenges. His leadership proves that quantum thinking isn’t high-cost or high-concept—it’s problem-solving at scale, executed through accessible tools and processes.

For manufacturing operations everywhere, the lesson is clear: embrace complexity with intelligence. Use better models to think faster. Empower people—not overwhelm them—with insights that help decisions, not just data.

Final Thoughts

Quantum computing is still in its infancy—but quantum thinking is making an impact now. Todd Kassal’s work at CK RubberTrack proves that even in traditional industry, forward-thinking operations leadership can generate reliable, measurable gains.

Forecasts become scenarios. Supply chains adapt dynamically. Schedules recalibrate instantly. Products evolve through simulation. Every decision taps into computational depth.

The future of manufacturing isn’t just automated—it’s optimized. And in rural Illinois, Todd Kassal is already building it—one smart decision at a time.