That said, I do know about a couple of in-plants that have been told they're being examined for possible outsourcing. (Though this could be because, as one manager put it, "the economy gives decision makers a reason to do what they have been wanting to do.") This is never pleasant news to receive, but you can make it hurt a little less by being prepared for it. Instead of feeling ambushed by a Monday morning phone call, collect your justification data now. Compare your costs with external providers and have them ready. Research consultants to confirm your data and be ready to bring them in. Demonstrate how your in-plant is integral to the organization's mission. Collect customer comments highlighting your importance. Keep it all close at hand.
Bob has served as editor of In-plant Impressions since October of 1994. Prior to that he served for three years as managing editor of Printing Impressions, a commercial printing publication. Mr. Neubauer is very active in the U.S. in-plant industry. He attends all the major in-plant conferences and has visited more than 180 in-plant operations around the world. He has given presentations to numerous in-plant groups in the U.S., Canada and Australia, including the Association of College and University Printers and the In-plant Printing and Mailing Association. He also coordinates the annual In-Print contest, co-sponsored by IPMA and In-plant Impressions.
From the Editor: Outsourcing Talk
That said, I do know about a couple of in-plants that have been told they're being examined for possible outsourcing. (Though this could be because, as one manager put it, "the economy gives decision makers a reason to do what they have been wanting to do.") This is never pleasant news to receive, but you can make it hurt a little less by being prepared for it. Instead of feeling ambushed by a Monday morning phone call, collect your justification data now. Compare your costs with external providers and have them ready. Research consultants to confirm your data and be ready to bring them in. Demonstrate how your in-plant is integral to the organization's mission. Collect customer comments highlighting your importance. Keep it all close at hand.
Bob has served as editor of In-plant Impressions since October of 1994. Prior to that he served for three years as managing editor of Printing Impressions, a commercial printing publication. Mr. Neubauer is very active in the U.S. in-plant industry. He attends all the major in-plant conferences and has visited more than 180 in-plant operations around the world. He has given presentations to numerous in-plant groups in the U.S., Canada and Australia, including the Association of College and University Printers and the In-plant Printing and Mailing Association. He also coordinates the annual In-Print contest, co-sponsored by IPMA and In-plant Impressions.