<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="true">In operational settings, deploying a tool doesn’t guarantee impact; results stem from continuous adoption aligned with the tool's intent.Product thinking in physical, distributed environments demands a focus on getting things done over delight or stickiness.Operational PMs must ensure tools are used as intended and still deliver the required outcomes, addressing usage divergences promptly.Designing for behavior in operational contexts is essential, considering factors like time pressure and varying user experience levels.Op-tech challenges involve building systems that triangulate truth amidst noise, bias, and human inconsistency.Product design should aim to improve outcomes through clear mechanisms, coaching, and system enhancements.Forecast overrides and computer vision-based solutions exemplify the need for high-confidence input and system integrity in operations.Alignment across stakeholders and persistent product leadership are crucial for maintaining tool effectiveness and performance over time.Product thinking is essential throughout the life cycle of operational systems to prevent adoption drift and ensure sustained success.The article emphasizes the importance of product leadership in operational domains for continued tool usage and system effectiveness.