The Panzer Tank was one of the most highly engineered weapons of World War 2.  Some experts now say that if Germany could have produced enough of them quickly enough that might have turned the tide of the entire war!  In contrast the Soviet T34 and the US Sherman tanks were crudely engineered - but they could both be mass produced quickly and in a time of war that statistic matters.

The main wheel Bearing, for example, on a Panzer tank was an amazing piece of engineering. When you look at the way it was designed and put together it is impressive even to the non-engineer.  This bearing was made in such a way that it could last for 15 years. The production time was naturally longer and this was the case with other marvels of engineering - all part of the panzer; the engine, the turret, the tracks and the barrel.  Quality was paramount, and that is usually a good thing.

However the allied Tanks, although not as impressive, could be mass produced at almost 10 times the speed of the intricately engineered Panzer. Yes, the Panzer would probably last for 20 years and never need maintained during a time of peace.  But this was a time of war and the average lifespan of a tank was 3-6 months.

That said you are probably able to see the dilemma.  The best engineered product in the world is useless if it doesn't fit the needs required at the time by the market.  Additionally there are things that companies hang onto as being important or even vital when in reality they are not ! Just like the Germans inability to shed their debilitating need to engineer - some companies, CEO's and Sales Organizations are hindered by negative paradigms that they refuse to leave behind.

What is causing your company to lose it's sales bearings?