Throughout my career in industry and as an independent consultant, I have noticed a recurring theme, even in successful companies.

That theme is one of failure of products, failure of processes, customer disappointment, and a lack of understanding of why these things seem to recur continually.   We solve the same problems over and over, yet they always seem to come back.  We launch products that are not fully tested or ready for market and are then amazed when they need to be recalled, repaired, or modified soon after launch.