by John Kaverman, Pad Print Pros, LLC Recently, I've been in two different companies to install new equipment systems and to train their operators. Neither of the companies was prepared for either the installation or the training. Unfortunately, this happens all of the time. Many companies fail to adequately prepare to receive a new piece of equipment or schedule dedicated … [Read more...] about Preparing for Machine Installation
Business Strategy
6 Fuel-Saving Strategies
by Grainger With gas prices always on the rise, companies need to watch their gas dollars carefully. Over the life of the fleet's vehicles, poor fuel efficiency can lead to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in added expense. Properly maintaining vehicles and educating drivers on the most efficient way to drive are two of the best ways to maximize fuel efficiency and … [Read more...] about 6 Fuel-Saving Strategies
Get the Most Out of Chargeable Extras
by Mark Porter, Dienamic MIS Software Inc. When was the last time you produced a job without any changes? Are you capturing the revenues for these legitimate extra charges, or are they falling through the cracks? If you're not gaining more revenue, then you should at least be avoiding costs. If a job is changed during production and you did not collect the extra revenue for … [Read more...] about Get the Most Out of Chargeable Extras
Communicate and Prosper
by Helen Wilkie, MHW Communications How much has poor communication cost your company in the past 12 months? Chances are, you have no idea. Chances are even better it's a lot more than you can afford. But you won't find the numbers in the financial statements or year-end departmental reports. Nothing shows up saying, "lost productivity due to miserable meetings" or "missed … [Read more...] about Communicate and Prosper
Responding to Print Industry Changes
by Si Nguyen, Duplo USA How is Duplo responding to a smaller base of potential customers? Has it curtailed equipment development in any way? When Xerox introduced the first iGen model, we realized big changes were coming to the printing industry. Fortunately, at that time, Duplo had already begun developing its finishing line to accommodate the future needs of the industry, … [Read more...] about Responding to Print Industry Changes
Tax Foundation Ranks Best States for Business
Wyoming, Florida and Indiana rank among the 10 best states for taxes on business, while companies in states like New York, New Jersey and California must struggle with the worst tax codes in the country, according to the newest edition of the Tax Foundation's State Business Tax Climate Index. Several states have moved in the rankings since last year, with Texas dropping out … [Read more...] about Tax Foundation Ranks Best States for Business
Management: Energize to Optimize
By Jack Daly We can't expect different behavior than what we offer as an example. "We are the message" in our companies. Business leaders today must develop ways to thrive during times of constant change. Below are 10 specific actions designed to gain peak performances from our most important resource - our employees. Never before have we seen companies put so much … [Read more...] about Management: Energize to Optimize
The Press Release: How and When to Promote Company News
by Dianna Brodine, PostPress As the editor of a magazine, I have a vested interest in promoting a well-written press release. It makes my job much easier when companies send me their news, rather than requiring me to seek it out. I'll tell you a little secret. Media representatives rarely will "seek it out." Companies that promote themselves are the ones that receive … [Read more...] about The Press Release: How and When to Promote Company News
The End User – Fair Game or Game Over?
by John Mascari and Kelly Mallozzi, Specialty Finishing Group, Inc. There seems to be a serious debate going on in our industry. The question is this: "Should a postpress company sell to end-users (or, as we have always known them, the printer's customers)? Historically, most postpress companies have taken a hands-off approach when it comes to dealing with those … [Read more...] about The End User – Fair Game or Game Over?
Create a Sustainable Competitive Advantage
by Ken Garner Association of Marketing Service Providers (AMSP) I have been asked, "What's next?" by a number of AMSP members who believe they have successfully transformed their companies to become Marketing Service Providers. The question is asked in a way that suggests a final destination at the end of a long road of transformation has been reached. I'm afraid I have some … [Read more...] about Create a Sustainable Competitive Advantage