A couple months ago, Printing Industries of America opened nominations for the 2016 Managing for Improvement Award. The award is bestowed on a manager in the printing industry who has demonstrated the ability to create real and lasting improvement for his or her company. The continuous improvement of processes and products—as well as innovative breakthroughs—is a business imperative. By improving quality, productivity, safety, and customer satisfaction, companies reap the rewards of prosperity and a safe workplace. But, what does managing for improvement look like in a real-world setting? For this answer, we’re taking a closer look at the 2015 recipient, Cary “Parrot” Ripsch, value stream manager at The Ovid Bell Press, Inc. Over a career of 45 years, Cary honed his management skills in such positions as finishing supervisor, customer/service/quality manager, process manager, and plant manager before assuming responsibility as Ovid Bell’s value stream manager. Along the way he became a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt. According to CEO John Bell, Cary’s direction maneuvered the company to a path of improved morale, safety, efficiency, and repair costs through pre-maintenance, quality, and profitability. “We have created a path to a bright future and a future that can be sustained in our difficult and challenging times,” said Bell. To reach this new level of improvement, Cary relied on a foundation of employee engagement and acceptance of the continuous improvement philosophy. The implementation of 5S throughout the plant organized production into an efficient flow using all visible tools at their disposal. Then, results were reviewed with a focus on improvement from baseline performance and establishment of future goals that drive business plans and objectives. Management then analyzed variations in performance in a Six Sigma methodology to ensure obstacles were removed and improvements sustained. Numbers certainly do not lie—Ovid Bell Press saw exciting results to their bottom line due to Cary’s commitment to Lean practices. You can find statistical improvements for the company over a 12-month period from Oct. 1 2011 through Sept. 30, 2012 below.   1.     Production Efficiency Press makeready time Decreased by 16% Press run time   Increased by 16% Press makeready waste Reduced by 19% Press run waste                Reduced by 28% Bindery throughput        Increased by 18% 2.     Delivery Efficiency On time delivery completion rate Increased from 92% to 96% 3.     Quality Efficacy External customer complaints Decreased by 31% Internal customer complaints Decreased by 40% 4.     Profit Gross profit margin year over year           Increased by 8.1% 5.     Safety Year Recordable Injury Frequency                Workers Compensation Claims                2011 6.36 $116,505 2012 5.72 $7,803 2013 1.91 $3,471 Many people at Ovid Bell Press, Inc., credit Cary’s work as a big part of the improvements made over the...

The following post was submitted by Color 2015 sponsor, HELIOS Software.   Carlos Gonzalez, plant manager of Proquinal S.A. installed HELIOS Soft Proofing Solution in his plant. Here’s what he had to say: “Proquinal S.A. in Bogota, Colombia has more than 400 employees, with customers in many countries. Ever since Grafix World installed the HELIOS Software PrintPreview soft proofing and annotation solution, we have drastically reduced our conventional hard color proofs, increased our production and quality, and reduced our waste. Today, our files are 100%-secured and controlled—our customers can now access the files securely via HELIOS WebShare and iPad Document Hub to make changes and annotations remotely from anywhere in the world.” For more information on HELIOS Soft Proofing Solution, contact Tom Hallinan at...

The following post was submitted by Color 2015 sponsor, HELIOS Software.   Carlos Gonzalez, plant manager of Proquinal S.A. installed HELIOS Soft Proofing Solution in his plant. Here’s what he had to say: “Proquinal S.A. in Bogota, Colombia has more than 400 employees, with customers in many countries. Ever since Grafix World installed the HELIOS Software PrintPreview soft proofing and annotation solution, we have drastically reduced our conventional hard color proofs, increased our production and quality, and reduced our waste. Today, our files are 100%-secured and controlled—our customers can now access the files securely via HELIOS WebShare and iPad Document Hub to make changes and annotations remotely from anywhere in the world.” For more information on HELIOS Soft Proofing Solution, contact Tom Hallinan at...

In the Student Spotlight Series, we chronicle the effect of PGSF scholarships on the lives of everyday graphic communication students. This edition features Danielle Wood, a third-year graphic communication student at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.   Danielle Wood is an aspiring graphic communications student who is excited about the world of print. However, finding funds to continue her education came as an unwelcome roadblock in her plans. Like many students, she only pays for school with funds she earned herself and through various government grants and loans. “I was stressed beyond words trying to figure out how to pay for it,” said Danielle. “I was so worried about how I was going to come up with that money every year.” Luckily, some of the weight lifted off Danielle shoulders when she learned she had won a scholarship through PGSF. “I can still remember the day when I got the reward letter in the mail, and how I was so excited that I cried,” she said. “Being able to stress a little less about money really allows me to focus more on my studies and the career path I want to take.” Danielle sends her thanks to all those who’ve helped take the financial strain off her back and allowed her to concentrate on her education. “Thank you again. I am eternally grateful for all you do for me and all the other college students in situations similar to mine!” Because of generous donors, PGSF has awarded in excess of $410,000 in scholarship funds to students like Danielle all over the country. In honor of PGSF 60th anniversary, we encourage you to make a $60 donation to our fund. If you’d like to make a difference in the life of someone like Danielle, visit...

In the Student Spotlight Series, we chronicle the effect of PGSF scholarships on the lives of everyday graphic communication students. This edition features Danielle Wood, a third-year graphic communication student at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.   Danielle Wood is an aspiring graphic communications student who is excited about the world of print. However, finding funds to continue her education came as an unwelcome roadblock in her plans. Like many students, she only pays for school with funds she earned herself and through various government grants and loans. “I was stressed beyond words trying to figure out how to pay for it,” said Danielle. “I was so worried about how I was going to come up with that money every year.” Luckily, some of the weight lifted off Danielle shoulders when she learned she had won a scholarship through PGSF. “I can still remember the day when I got the reward letter in the mail, and how I was so excited that I cried,” she said. “Being able to stress a little less about money really allows me to focus more on my studies and the career path I want to take.” Danielle sends her thanks to all those who’ve helped take the financial strain off her back and allowed her to concentrate on her education. “Thank you again. I am eternally grateful for all you do for me and all the other college students in situations similar to mine!” Because of generous donors, PGSF has awarded in excess of $410,000 in scholarship funds to students like Danielle all over the country. In honor of PGSF 60th anniversary, we encourage you to make a $60 donation to our fund. If you’d like to make a difference in the life of someone like Danielle, visit...

  When you operate on your own, plunging into financial pitfalls is all too easy. That’s why conversing with a group committed to industry financial success is paramount for a strong business. Year after year, PIFE members benefit from exceptional opportunities afforded to them. During meetings, they explore potential investments to grow their business, find new ways to save money, and gain insight into the current marketplace. “New participants are always amazed at how open and honest the discussions can be. I have left every peer exchange session with at least one great idea to try back at my company,” said Terrie Rubac, Heritage Press. Next year, PIFE will once again provide an excellent opportunity for collaboration. At the 2016 President’s Conference, PIFE professionals will meet to discuss current economic trends and strategies for effective financial planning. However, rather than planning an isolated event, the new and improved PIFE gathering will put CFOs and other financial executives right next to CEOs and other critical profit leaders in the graphic communication industry. At the 2016 President’s Conference, business owners, presidents, CEOs, and their immediate executive management teams will learn about new and improved leadership skills and unlock essential business strategy transformation methods. The event kicks off with a golf tournament and bocce tournament followed by three days of leadership-focused sessions and networking opportunities. This is your opportunity to unite with your CEO and bring your business the extra boost it needs to succeed in the current marketplace. Although there will be no specific PIFE Conference, finance executives can still expect the utmost in educational, networking, and collaborative opportunities. You’ll hear from knowledgeable industry speakers as they examine issues such as strategic planning, projection models, economic trends, and much more! Not to mention, you can relax with exciting networking opportunities where you’ll rub elbows with all the other “who’s who” in print. Because we’re all money people, we all love a good discount. Right now, you can save a significant amount on the registration price when two or more people from the same company sign up for the 2016 President’s Conference. Don’t miss your chance to collaborate and learn from the best of the best in print. Find out more by visiting...