Idaho Falls Alphagraphics Opts for Heidelberg Speedmaster SM52 Anicolor
KENNESAW, GA—Sept. 7, 2012—Sometimes the solution to a problem stares you in the face, daring you to act. Until recently, such was the case with an Alphagraphics franchise in Idaho Falls, ID, which has since mapped out a clear path to…
read moreQuality Is the Servant
This article, contributed by John Compton, Master Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt, looks at the relationship between technology and the practice of continuous improvement. He demonstrates why, although technology drives your business, maintaining quality is essential to gaining a competitive edge. John is an independent consultant for Printing Industries of America, conference consultant for its Continuous Improvement Conference, industry veteran with executive-level experience, and professor emeritus of Rochester Institute of Technology. I learned early in my career a simple but important truth about the practice of quality: technology is the master and quality is the servant. By that I mean the goods and services we are able to provide to the marketplace are profoundly impacted by technology and its influence on our materials and equipment. It could be said that technology is what permits us to have a business. Our customers buy the printed products we produce and the benefits those products bring to their businesses. That’s why we call ourselves printing and or packaging companies, not quality companies. On the other hand, quality is the servant in that there will always be a need to improve whatever systems that technology has allowed us to create. There will always be a need to produce products with fewer defects, shorter lead times, and fewer mistakes. And there will always be a need to deliver our services with fewer errors and in a more customer-friendly manner. All systems need improvement on a continual basis. None of our processes and operations—for as technologically advanced as they may be—are free from mistakes, errors, downtime, and other cost-generating problems. Yes, technology is the giant that drives our industry, but the practice of continual process improvement is what serves to achieve and sustain competitive position and profits. Quality improvement practices such as Lean manufacturing, six sigma, and ISO9000 bring needed discipline and structure to our businesses. Numerous presentations made at the recent Printing Industries of America Continuous Improvement Conference provided evidence of just how well they do apply to our industry. One case in particular involved a company that had recently moved to a new all-digital workflow. The new technology was providing benefits in time and cost reduction but was failing to achieve the levels they had originally targeted. The quality improvement manager and his staff diagramed the workflow, identified the critical control points, established measures of performance, and employed a PLAN-DO-STUDY-ACT approach to continually improve this state-of-the-art digital production process. Significant gains in productivity were attained and sustained. A simple example of how technology is the master and quality is the servant. Remember, any company can buy equipment and the technology that drives it. But without a strategy and structure to continually improve upon its performance, a company’s rate of improvement is limited by that same technology. Think of it this way: your ability to achieve rates of improvement in your systems and processes that are greater than your competitors’ may be your only path to sustainable competitive advantage. That’s why I’m such a strong proponent of quality improvement as a discipline that no business can do without. It’s the servant that exists to help us achieve rapid, continual improvement regardless of our materials, processes, or technology. If continuous improvement is a priority in your business, Printing Industries of America has resources for you: Printing...
read moreSustainability Matters. Become SGP-Certified (before your clients demand it).
To better serve our members and industry, Printing Industries of America is proud to support Sustainable Green Printing (SGP) Partnership. The SGP Partnership is an industry-specific, voluntary program designed to reduce the environmental impact and increase social responsibility of the print and graphic communications industry. The Partnership certifies printers against specific criteria and requires printers to commit to making continuous improvement in the product, process, and envelope areas of the graphic arts industry.The following is contributed by SGP. SGP-Certified Printers Make a Difference SGP Certification does more than reduce your environmental footprint. Your business will operate more efficiently and save you money. Use SGP Certification to satisfy your current customers and increase opportunities to win new ones. Become Certified. Preference Certified Facilities. Support SGP. “Printing is renewable, reusable, and recyclable. Last year we printed enough materials to plant well over half a million new trees, and we are 100% landfill free, thanks to SGP. This has resulted in tremendous savings and efficiencies, while doing our part to improve the environment. Our SGP Certification is just one more reason why our customers choose us as their partner.” — Sharon Tucker, Alcom Printing, A leading provider of print, direct mail marketing and business development solutions “As a land conservation organization, it’s very important that our publications are produced as “green” as possible. We are extremely impressed by Alcom’s commitment to sustainability. They carefully analyze and manage every part of their processes, including sourcing sustainable papers and inks, managing a net-zero landfill contribution plant, using software-based proofing systems to minimizing the use of fuel, and using ultra-energy-efficient equipment and building design. And they’ve been able to expertly guide us to ensure that the printing process of our publications reflects our own commitment to be good stewards of the earth.” — Willistown Conservation Trust Learn more: Register now for our next EHS workshop Safety Matters: OSHA Compliance for Printers on September 18–19, 2012. Certifying Sustainable Print Facilities in the Graphic Communications Industry ...
read moreThink Printing Marks Business Turnaround with Investment in Heidelberg Solutions
KENNESAW, GA—August 31, 2012—While his volume has always been high and his business steady, David McGinnis, owner of Think Printing in Richmond, VA, said he wanted to wait for the economy to begin to recover from the recession before…
read moreExcell Color Graphics Finds Single-Source Advantage in Heidelberg Solutions
KENNESAW, GA—August 27, 2012—By January 2012, Excell Color Graphics (Fort Wayne, IN) had reached a point where management felt that despite the company’s excellent reputation and business success, it was high time for a change….
read moreTake Your Seats, Printers, and Prepare for Economic Turbulence!
It’s here—that scenario you thought your business would not encounter. What do you do now? It is better to prepare for the worst than be left standing in the dust of the still-eminent Great Recession that is affecting so many in the printing industry. Our own Dr. Ronnie H. Davis, Vice President & Chief Economist, Printing Industries of America, provides today’s printers with useful resources and an action plan to assess and prepare for tough economic stretches. Action Plan for Turbulent Times Step I: Take stock of what is actually happening Evaluate your business and the current print markets. Members can download 2012–2013: A Planning Guide to get an accurate report on economic trends. Step II: Review likely economic scenarios By benchmarking your company, you can prepare for your financial future. Companies that benchmark are more efficient, better managed, and more profitable in the long run. Ratios 2011-2012 reports are a great resource that is available to you, as well as the ability to participate in Printing Industries of America’s annual financial benchmarking survey. Step III: Prepare for the worst “Those who fail to prepare, prepare to fail,” the always-inspiring Ben Franklin once said. Education is the antidote for uncertainty, and having a strong business and staff will sustain you through the tough times. Find great learning opportunities for any business aspect, including specialized industries like the financial and labels and packaging industries on our events calendar. Step IV: Focus on key management actions Unsteady times call for highly focused management strategies. Create your plan of action based on the operating keys of profit leaders detailed in Keys to Profitability. Step V: Review talking points before meeting with your banker Take a look at the liquidity, funding, and leverage ratios that banks and other lending institutions base their lending practices on. Review Ratios 2011-2012 to self-evaluate, then take it to the bank! Learn more at the 2012 Printing Industry Financial Executives (PIFE) Conference November 7–9 in Coronado (San Diego), California. Join Dr. Davis, who will be presenting “Competing for Print’s Thriving Future: Understanding and Taking Advantage of Emerging Economic and Industry Forces,” and other leading industry experts as they delve into the topics and trends that matter to you. The 2012 PIFE Conference is co-locating with the Label Printing Industries of America (LPIA) Innovation Conference. For more information or questions, please contact Justin Goldstein, PIFE Manager, at 412-259-1806 or via email at...
read moreSubscribe to the SRA Listserv for Compliance News, Tips for Sustainable Management, and More!
Printing is a dynamic industry that creates new experiences, challenges, and issues for those who work in it. For a printing business to remain competitive, it is important to stay informed, especially on sustainable business practices and regulatory compliance topics. Printing Industries of America is happy to provide a resource for its members to stay up to date with the latest in sustainable and regulatory compliance news for the printing community in the form of a listserv. There are a number of environmental and safety regulations impacting the printing industry, and agencies are continuously issuing new rules and enforcing standards. To avoid the costly risk of being out of compliance, they require constant monitoring and response strategies. It’s just as vital to stay up to date with sustainability news in the printing community. Customers are becoming more concerned with the environmental impact of products, and companies are finding innovative ways to adopt economical sustainable management practices that improve their operation and business. The Sustainable and Regulatory Affairs Listserv provides member companies with important information impacting the printing industry from the Printing Industries Environmental, Health, and Safety Affairs Department. It also provides an opportunity for members to share their own expertise, tips, or concerns with the Printing Industries of America EHS staff and fellow EHS community members in the printing industry. Want to join? Simply send an email with the subject “Subscribe SRA Listserv” to Caitlin Seiler, Environmental, Health, and Safety Specialist at cseiler@printing.org. If you’re already a member of the Safety Listserv you will automatically be a part of this group, there is no need to...
read more12 New Technologies Predicted to Change the Graphic Communications Industry
Since 1978, the InterTech™ Technology Awards have proven that printing technology is alive and well and making an enormous impact on the industry to reduce costs, improve performance, and pursue new markets. Over the years, 273 technologies have been selected by the judges to receive this prestigious award. This year is no exception. We want to take this time to recognize the 12 innovative recipients of the 2012 InterTech Technology Award for their contributions to the performance of the graphic communication industry. They are truly “Stars” in the field of innovation. Take a Tour Through Innovation Excellence: To see each of the 12 new technologies that are predicted to change the graphic communication industry, watch this short video. And the 2012 Recipients are: In case you missed any, here are those technologies listed alphabetically by company, with the technology named first. Congratulations to the 2012 InterTech Technology Award recipients: Kodak NexPress Red Fluorescing SolutionEastman Kodak Company The Kodak NexPress Red Fluorescing Solution lets printers easily add security to printed documents, direct mail, and packaging. The virtually invisible dry ink fluoresces red when illuminated with ultraviolet light. The judges singled out the technology for its simple and low-cost approach to adding counterfeit protection. Enterworks® EnableEnterworks, Inc. Enterworks Enable allows a company to manage complex product information, associated images, and other marketing assets. The Web-based software then automates the delivery of this selling content through print and e-commerce channels. One judge commented: “This is robust enterprise-level product information management software that is extremely configurable.” i-cut SuiteEsko i-cut Suite is a collection of workflow software for users of large-format digital printers. It gives companies the essential tools to maintain efficiency and productivity. “This is complete workflow designed specifically for large format at a reasonable price,” noted a judge. Fujifilm J Press 720FUJIFILM North America Corporation The J Press 720 is the world’s first half-size sheetfed inkjet press. It produces accurate and consistent color work with virtually no makeready waste. The judges singled out the J Press for its pioneering role in what is expected to be a major pressroom shift to inkjet. Prinect Performance BenchmarkingHeidelberg USA Prinect Performance Benchmarking is a subscription-based application that lets companies compare the performance of their Speedmaster presses and operators with other printers. Said one InterTech judge: “No one else offers this … it is worth its weight in gold for the printer that takes true advantage of benchmarking.” Keen MIS and Web-to-PrintKeen Systems, Inc. Keen MIS and Web-to-Print software is a cloud-based platform that allows companies to pick a subscription plan and begin creating storefronts in minutes. The judges praised the cloud-based and SaaS approach, the additional functionality from plug-ins, and the easy-to-use interface. Color Control and Web Inspection System with AccuCamQuadTech, Inc. The QuadTech system uses a spectral sensor to examine the entire printed image, without the need for control bars. It monitors color and adjusts inking while detecting a variety of print issues, including switched plates. The judges hailed its unique ability to spot scumming and automatically adjust water. SunPak LMQSun ChemicalSun Chemical SunPak LMQ (Low Migration Quality) technology minimizes the risk of contamination to food and other products from chemical migration. “Inks, coatings, and fountain solution leeching into products can be disastrous for packaging converters and brand owners,” commented one judge. “Sun’s innovative...
read moreRyan T. Sauers explains the importance of two-way communications in sales
The following is contributed by Ryan T. Sauers, President and Owner of Sauers Consulting Strategies The entire sales process is often looked down on by many due to pushy, gimmicky, and unethical salespersons who create a bad name for the overall and traditional sales profession. Most salespersons I know, however, have a great passion for their endeavor and try to perform it as honestly and ethically as possible. You see, ethical sales = great communications. Our communications must provide the 5 Cs of effective communications: Clarity, Consistency, Content, Connection and Creativity. If our communications are not clear, lack content, are inconsistent, do not provide connections, and lack creativity, we are not getting the job done. Sales is all about two-way communications—with an “s” —and a two-way dialogue, not one-way communication (singular) and a monologue. Success in sales/communications is not about how much you talk, but about how much you listen. It’s not about how many times you share how great your company is, but how many problems and headaches you can solve. Sales/communications (plural) is about relationships and integrity. It’s about solving root issues by asking intelligent “why” questions. This Everyone is in Sales mindset is about being a strong overall communicator and adapting one’s communications style to best meet the needs of the other person. In short, Everyone Is in Sales because we all have information that we desire to share with other people. We want to be understood, right? Are you sold yet? Ryan T. Sauers is President and Owner of Sauers Consulting Strategies. Before launching the independent consulting firm, Ryan spent nearly 20 years leading graphics, MSP, and visual communications companies. The company consults with graphics related organizations across the United States. He is the author of Everyone Is in Sales, available at the Printing Industries of America bookstore. For more info, visit...
read moreFerrostaal Now Offering the Six-Up Ryobi 760E Press in the United States, Canada
HOUSTON—August 1, 2012—Ferrostaal Equipment Solutions North America is now exclusively marketing the new Ryobi 760E series printing press. The six-up press, available in up to six colors with perfector, offers commercial and in-plant…
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