Basic Training

"Unless you thrive on stress and like to live dangerously, cross-training in an on-demand publishing environment is essential to your continued success," Renn contends. "Cross-training improves not only your publishing operation, but also enhances the operator's value and attitude."

The recent addition of a Didde four-color web press gave the press operators at Commercial Union Insurance yet another skill to master. Didde provided training on the new press to two employees, who later trained the other operators, simular to the situation in Nevada. Dougherty adds that the press operators often have to help out when there is a back-up in the bindery department. Cross-training, he says, has increased their proficiency in this area.