Ricoh Europe, London, May 10, 2024 - The hum of a bustling production floor is reassuring - busy presses are automatically assumed to be profitable presses.
In many cases this statement is true – but not always.
It is likely to be true for those Print Service Providers (PSPs) that have recently undertaken an operational wide review, identified where improvements can be made and taken the necessary action.
For others the inefficiencies in some or all of the many moving parts can create lost pockets of productivity that are not always visible but when added up can prove to be significant.
Calculating production capacity involves identifying constraints, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies as well as measuring current output, considering peak times, and regularly monitoring and adjusting capacity for optimum performance.
An overarching understanding can help with identifying new ways to maximise production capacity.
Among the strategies that could then prove effective are these:
- Streamlining operations with technology - Aside from the main points made about implementing automation wherever possible to reduce manual labour in my recent blog, operations could consider speeding up processes by increasing their use of digital printing technology. This would enable them to develop their print on demand services and meet faster turnaround times. B2 print production houses in particular could explore the impact the new RICOH Pro™ Z75 could have. The first B2 perfecting sheetfed inkjet platform using aqueous ink delivers affordable high quality output, including data driven communications. PSPs could consider how the new RICOH Pro™ C9500 and RICOH Pro™ C7500 digital sheetfed presses offer short run and application flexibility. And creativity – particularly with the fifth colour on the Pro C7500 system. There is the new flagship high speed inkjet webfed platform too. The smallest machine in its class, the RICOH Pro™ VC80000 has been designed to support the production of quality direct mail, colour books, catalogues, magazines, and commercial print applications on coated media up to 300gsm in a wide range of run lengths.
- Optimising job management tracking, and communication with workflow automation software - Ricoh has a number of value added software solutions that have been developed to ensure smooth job throughput such as RICOH ProcessDirector™. It is vendor neutral and seamlessly works with existing hardware to help businesses manage higher volumes without compromising on quality. It is also highly flexible and adaptable. Instead of requiring conformity to predefined workflows, RICOH ProcessDirector allows the creation and customisation of workflows to meet each client’s needs. And as business needs change, due to growth, new technology or both, RICOH ProcessDirector evolves with them.
- Upgrading or expanding your physical resources - Aside from investing in newer systems and solutions consider if it is time to expand your production facility to accommodate additional capacity. Explore what new services could be easily added to your existing workflow and finishing capabilities.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively boost your printing production capacity and meet growing demand while maintaining quality and efficiency.
To investigate these suggestions or to discover other possible steps book a time to talk to a member of expert team at drupa. For more information, visit https://www.ricoh-europe.com/news-events/events/drupa-2024/.
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