Is Tradition A Hindrance To Progress?

In this modern, contemporary living, how relevant is tradition? Does it have a place at all?
Most traditional products may have little use, they are being replaced by new, more efficient ones. Some become obsolete altogether as we change our way of life, our environment, and our pattern of living.
Practice, however, should not be affected much. As much as possible it should be preserved, and maintained in its original form. The importance of doing so is to instill discipline. If something is labeled as traditional, it should follow strictly the traditional way. It should not be modified to cut cost.
The proverb, 'biar mati anak jangan mati adat' is harsh if taken literally. I believe it could also be taken to mean that whatever we do in traditional sense must faithfully adhere to traditional specifications and methods in order to earn the label traditional. It is the quality control, the quality assurance, not taking corners or taking shortcuts. That is hardly hindering progress. Discipline, QA, QC are all essential to progress.