Transitioning from a Graphic Arts company to a manufacturing company: a blueprint for success

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Speaker
David Hunter
 

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Print is still one of the least automated businesses in North America, but many companies are proving that increased profits and opportunities arise by being more manufacturing based in their operations.

Some Digital print companies can afford to sell 500 color business cards for $10 delivered next day because they have streamlined their print manufacturing and have automated their processes in ways that most companies have not considered up until now.

If you have a financial interest in a print organization then you will want to learn how you can automate your workflow and your manufacturing lines (output devices) in an efficient and productive way to increase quality and productivity while reducing costs and be able to compete and succeed in the coming years. You’ll notice an increase to your bottom line once you migrate to a sustainable manufacturing business.

This session will cover the key steps required to transition from Graphic Arts to Manufacturing including:

  1. Auditing your workflow to ensure customer files are optimized for the print process they are manufactured in
  2. Processing a file for a Digital pressrequires different steps versus preparing files for Web or offset presses. Does your workflow handle these conditions?
  3. Verifying and monitoring secondary processes that are required to confirm print process is successful.
    1. Includes key output variables along with preventative and required maintenance intervals affecting quality and productivity.
    2. Offset Press variables
    3. Water, PH, Conductivity
    4. Digital Press
    5. PIP condition, Corona Wire
    6. Large Format
    7. Ink head alignment, cleaning, etc
    8. Includes verifying Plate Setter, Proofer, and Post finishing processes i.e. Is Lamination consistent and not affecting color manufacturing in any way.
    9. Includes Temperature and Humidity readings, as well as viewing conditions and instrumentation precision
  4. Providing tools and training for each manufacturing line operator verifying the process is precise and accurate to a targeted E-Factor.
  5. Tracking productivity and understanding the true cost of printing each job, while evaluating each manufacturing line’s efficiency.

 

About David Hunter

David Hunter has been passionately involved in print reproduction for the past 30 years, and helps his customers become self sufficient, high quality print organizations that differentiate themselves in the industry. He taught the PIA/GATF Implementing Color Management Workshop attended by over 1100 students, he was one of the first G7 Experts, and is one of five G7 Expert Trainers in the world. He wrote and directed the IDEAlliance Color Management Professional On-LIne course available today.