Workflow Improvements Bring ‘Super Efficiency’

AS ALTERNATIVE media threaten print volumes, in-plants must take another look at their business models and adapt to the changing business climate. Revenue growth will depend on cost reduction through new workflow efficiencies, as well as new revenue sources from value-added services.

Although hardware improvements will certainly play a role in advancing these objectives, the software driving these devices—along with other workflow solutions—will allow printers to differentiate themselves.

Research indicates a growing divide between service providers that are growing their businesses and those that see their businesses in decline. Those who “get it” understand that continued growth depends on a three-pronged approach:

1. Expanding their business with new value-added services to increase top-line potential.

2. Increasing value to their customers by understanding their customers’ business issues and solving them in a satisfactory manner.

3. Focusing on process automation and super efficiency to drive down production and business costs.

To become super-efficient, in-plants need to utilize new technology and open standards to ensure that:

• Internal processes function with minimal interruptions and few errors.

• Little data is re-keyed.

• Units and functional areas collaborate.

• The organization is fast and cost-effective.

• The organization interacts with its stakeholders by sharing processes across the supply chain.

• The organization provides its customers and stakeholders with integrated end-to-end solutions.

• Procurement processes are coordinated with suppliers and the suppliers’ order fulfillment processes.

• Common data repositories eliminate duplication of effort, time and cost while providing higher levels of service.

• The Web is used as a common business tool.

While no single tool or software package will transform a service provider into a super-efficient organization, achieving super efficiency will provide the printing facility with cost benefits and act as a market differentiator. Achieving super efficiency should be the top priority of any facility, as failure to do so puts the organization at a higher risk of evolutionary extinction.

WEB-TO-PRINT: THE STARTING POINT FOR EFFICIENT WORKFLOW

While the majority of in-plants have printing and copying equip