In Search of Operational Excellence -...

In Search of Operational Excellence

page 8

December 2017Volume 2

Issue 12

2 • Graphics Journal — December 20174 • Graphics Journal — December 2017

Inside front cover ad - holding for Joe

The printing industry will continue to thrive in the future thanks to key advances in technology. And we have our finger on the pulse of future developments right here,

right now, at the Center for Technology and Research!

• In-depth analysis of printing technologies• Expert third-party consulting and custom training services• Publications on ground-breaking new tools• Trusted quality control products• JDF Product Certification• Free technical advice and downloads for members

• Research in printing’s hottest fields, including:• Automation• Color management• Production inkjet• Digital printing• MIS • Mailing

How can we help your company? Visit www.printing.org/ctr to learn more.

Great Lakes Graphics Association — www.glga.info • 3

Website: www.glga.infoToll-Free Phone: (855) 522-2210

Joseph [email protected]

Bill GibsonIllinois [email protected]

Brent EckhartIndiana [email protected]

Sharon FlickCommunications ManagerEditorial [email protected]

Debra WarnerMembership Development and Engagement ManagerAdvertising [email protected]

Staff Contacts

Technical HotlineDo you have questions about a technical process? Call the PIA Technical Hotline at (800) 910-4283.

Free HR HotlineUse the free InfoNow line to get answers from MRA’s HR profes-sionals. Call toll-free 24/7 at (866) 275-6721, or email [email protected].

GLGA Hotlines

Events

State News

In Search for Operational Excellence

The Best Content Options for New Content Marketers

2018 Environmental Reporting Schedule

Environmental Events

Ask the Technical Experts

New Products and Services

Membership News

Calendar

The monthly membership magazine for the Great Lakes Graphics Association

Volume 2 / Number 12December 2017

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4 • Graphics Journal — December 2017

EvEnts

Thank You to Our Sponsors

A Swinging Great Time at the Indiana Holiday CelebrationAn enthusiastic crowd gathered for the Indiana Holiday Celebra-tion on November 30, 2017. The new version of Indiana’s traditional Annual Meeting took place at the just-opened Topgolf in Fischers, IN, an indoor golf facility. Participants got to try their hand at Topgolf ’s signature games with micro-chipped balls in our private hitting bays, and enjoyed appetizers and conversa-tion. Please see page 7 for more coverage.

Top left: conferring in a bay before taking a shot.

Top right: the team from Eckhart and Co., Indianapolis.

Bottom left: waiting for the results of a drive.

Bottom right: enjoying a craft beverage in our lounge area.


EvEnts

Break the winter blahs – join us at Pinstripes in Oak Brook, IL, for our third annual bowling and bocce MIXer on Wednesday, February 7, 2018. Learning, networking, food and games! We’ll enjoy exclusive use of our private lanes in Pinstripes’ comfortable upscale atmosphere. Come for the presentation, the games or both!

First, at 4:30 p.m. we will have a special educational session with John Parke, the Marketing Manager for Domtar’s merchant channel. John will be giving a two-part presentation, Selling Print to a New Generation and How to Be a Go-To Printer. Networking immediately follows the presentation.

At 6:00 p.m., we begin the bowling and bocce, with a cash bar and that delicious pizza and flatbread buffet.

Come get together, re-connect with industry friends and have a lot of fun. Let’s see who takes home this year’s bragging rights for highest (or lowest) score! Teams, singles, spouses, guests and friends are welcome! Register online at www.glga.info.

Learn. MIX. Bowl. Bocce. Food! - Annual Bowling & Bocce MIXer

John Parke

USPS Focus Forum Examines the Effect of Intelligent Mail

GLGA members enjoyed a round of sporting clays at the Waukesha Gun Club in Waukesha, WI, on November 1, 2017. Participants worked through the challenges of the nine-station course, then warmed up with a social hour in the clubhouse. Pausing for a team photo are (from left) Mark Napreilla, Amanda Johnson, and Lee Walker of Eagle Printing and Graphics, New Berlin, WI; and Jack Steinle and Mark Brown of Best Graphics Group, Waukesha, WI.

Sporting Clays Shoot Is Chilly Fun

Intelligent Mail - how does it affect the marketplace? Will this be good for your profits?

CEOs, presidents, and sales/marketing leaders are invited to join GLGA on Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at Jimmy’s Charhouse in Elk Grove Village, IL, for lunch and a discussion.

Our conversation will feature Stephen Colella, VP of Postal Affairs at Calmark Group, and Robert Dixon, Jr. Director, Product Technology and Innovation for USPS.

Register online at www.glga.info.

Stephen Colella Bob Dixon


statE nEws

IllinoisA column reflects opinion, concern and knowledge on certain topics. As I review my past musings in 2017 I have concentrated on Association events, programs and what GLGA can do for you, our members and soon to become members, and that will not change, from an industry perspective. This month I would like to look at the year ahead…and not reflect on the year behind us. We have all lived through the challenges of 2017, and because of the changing of the year no “magic dust” will sprinkle on us for success and knowl-edge of what is on the horizon, rather a time to set goals, determine investments and strategy for the year ahead.

Goal setting provides a “roadmap” so to speak in how you will move your plan systematically across hurdles, disruptive technology and processes. Consultants have developed a platform of goal setting strat-egy that works for some but not all companies depending on your culture. But (here it comes), the process of a plan must be persistent and flexible – DO NOT QUIT – Goals will change just as business changes with technology advances, processes and people.

The successful companies I visit have two elements in place for a roadmap;

1.) A mission statement developed by the leaders of the company or a team effort.

2.) Strategic Goals with action plans and a measurement of results for the year ahead.

2018 is just around the corner and preparing for a successful journey depends on your outlook and plan…focus on what you want, your purpose (goals), set them and work towards achieving your “magic dust.”

GLGA has many valuable resources to help you set your goals with our Associate members, and it would be our pleasure to guide you to these resources.

By Bill GibsonIllinois Director

Contact Bill:(312) [email protected]

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IndianaAs Frankie Valli says, “Oh, what a night!” The Indiana Holiday Celebration saw 50 members of our print community swing into the holiday season with a festive party at the new Topgolf venue. Perched on the top deck, we watched the sun set, the stars come out and the golf balls fly in all directions. We enjoyed some excellent food and drink, lots of great conversation, some friendly competition with the Topgolf computer-ized gaming system and, in short, had a wonderful evening.

The Holiday Celebration definitely had a cool vibe, and while the exhilarating venue played a role the real energy came from our great members. Thanks to everyone who participated! I also would like to give a special shout-out to our fantastic sponsors. Their financial support and their involvement is outstanding! Please note their logos on page 4. We couldn’t do it without you, and I am very grateful for your support.

As I close out the year with this column, I want to wish a joyful and blessed holiday season and best wishes for a prosperous 2018 to my colleagues at GLGA who come to work every day with the goal of helping our members be better and more profitable; and to our printer, finisher and supplier members who continue to make the print industry a great place to work. Peace!

WisconsinThe fight for talent – this is a discussion I have with member companies at least once a week. Talent to transform, alter and grow our business-es. At this point, it isn’t just a luxury, it’s a neces-sity. And it is getting tougher and tougher to find and keep young talent. Twenty years ago, it was much easier to make the pitch to the young and talented. Now we compete against website design and software development companies and even upstarts to the region like Foxconn for those that help transform and grow our businesses.

How do you fight for talent? Nothing beats your direct involvement in the technology education programs in your local municipality. Building long, lasting relationships with superintendents, principals, guidance counselors and teachers will always be the best way for you to find and recruit young, talented individuals who will help your company grow and prosper for years to come. However, the pitch isn’t always easy. To assist you, GLGA recently created videos that encapsulate the career opportunities that exist in the industry. They will help convince not only school administrators and teachers but also parents and those you are trying to recruit.

GLGA’s career development videos were modeled on videos created by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). In my discussion with NAM, I discovered they had learned that most candidates can be highly influenced when picking a career if the following is communicated:

1. If they believe the position will provide for a long and rewarding career

2. If the career is both high-tech and high-touch

3. If they believe it is in an industry that other young people are entering

4. If the career provides for a family wage

5. If the career provides opportunities for advancement

GLGA focused production of the three videos to reinforce each one of the tenets above. I believe they turned out to be a great resource for GLGA members to help recruit young, talented individuals. Not only is GLGA hosting the videos on its own website, we are encouraging members to download and embed them on your company website. Also, pass along the videos to school administrators and teachers, parents and young, talented individuals. The fight for talent starts today. Let’s recruit the best in class to help our industry grow and prosper.

By Joe LymanPresident

Contact Joe:(262) [email protected]

By Brent Eckhart Indiana Director

Contact Brent:(317) [email protected]

Screen shot from one of GLGA’s new workforce development videos. The videos feature interviews with young professionals.


Savvy printing executives would agree that system-atically striving for operational excellence is one key to financial success. OK, then why don’t more companies do it?

The reasons are many, but I bet the biggest reason is “I don’t know how” (or for self-deluded individuals, “I’m doing fine as it is”).

Operational excellence is when a printing company’s system—the accumulated processes that follow when an order is received—is running on all cylinders. Throughput speed, inventory levels, day-to-day operating costs, and customer satisfaction are all superior and getting better. Jobs are delivered on time and done right. Resources are efficiency used. The culture breeds innovation.

Seeking excellence takes passion, new leadership approaches, a model to follow, and perseverance. There are a variety of models that companies can follow: ISO 9001 (which provides a good founda-tion), Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence on which the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award is based, Total Quality Management, and Lean/Six Sigma. Here are two others to choose from:

The Shingo Model

The Shingo Model is based on the Lean thinking approach taught by Dr. Shigeo Shingo and used by Toyota and other world-class manufacturing companies. Shingo, a Japanese management consul-tant and engineer, recognized the vital philosophies needed to achieve high levels of effectiveness and efficiency. His model, refined by the Shingo Institute, is based on 10 guiding principles over four dimensions:

Dimension One: Culture Enablers

Culture enables make it possible for employees to understand the guiding principles, engage in organizational transformation, and create a culture of excellence.

• Respect Every Individual—respect must felt deeply felt by every employee, customer, supplier, and community member.

• Lead with Humility—leaders must be willing to seek input, listen carefully, and continuously learn.

Dimension Two: Continuous Process Improvement

Every employee must know “what good is” and be taught how to spot waste and improve their processes. Some companies make it clear that the most important responsibility of employees is to constantly improve their processes; supervisors coach them and provide the resources to do that. A measure tracked by companies that do this is the average number of improvement ideas implement-ed each year per employee. Raising that number increases the rate of improvement.

• Seek Perfection—this aspiration enables a mindset and culture of continuous improvement.

• Embrace Scientific Thinking—improvement is the consequence of experimenting, observing results, making adjustments, and experiment-ing again.

• Focus on Process—the majority of problems are rooted in imperfect processes, not people.

• Assure Quality at the Source—standard proce-dures, effective maintenance, visual manage-ment, and training all contribute to getting the job done right the first time. Errors must be spotted and fixed immediately.

• Flow and Pull Value— while it may be exceed-ingly difficult, the target is a continuous and uninterrupted workflow.

Dimension Three: Enterprise Alignment

Operational excellence requires that managers align activities with the company mission, values, and strategic priorities. Approaches undertaken without this thought are apt to introduce wasted time and effort.

• Think Systemically—improvements must be made with solid information while consider-ing the entire operation, not processes in isolation.

• Create Constancy of Purpose—everyone needs to be clear on why the organization exists, where it is going, and how it will get there.

ManagEMEnt

In Search for Operational Excellence

By Jim Workman

Vice President, Technology and Research

Printing Industries of America


Dimension Four: Results

Businesses define value in the eyes of the customer and set up processes that meet customer needs. In addition, operational and process measurements are needed to monitor perfor-mance end spot improvement opportunities.

• Create Value for the Customer—work to understand customers’ needs and expectations and try to eliminate activities that customers don’t value.

The Shingo Institute (www.shingo.org) is your source to learn more. The Institute also manages the Shingo Prize, the world’s best known award program for operational excellence.

2 Second Lean

This philosophy appeared in 2011 with the publication of Paul Akers’ book by the same name. Akers heads a small manufacturing company and was frustrated by the complex way that Lean manufacturing was explained and taught to manufacturers like him. He hired consultants, learned as much as he could, and distilled Lean down to a very simple premise—fix what bugs you.

Among its guiding principles:

• Small Improvements Every Day—set time aside every day so all employees can make a small improvement (saving 2 seconds of time or more). Small incremental improvements quickly accumulate into significant performance gains.

• Teach the Eight Wastes—everyone in the company should know them by heart. [For the record: transportation, wasted motion, defects, waiting, excess inventory, over-processing, over-production, and wasted employee potential.]

• Put Improvements on Video—use simple before and after videos to document improvements.

• Meet Regularly as a Team—get together once a day to address issues, talk about improvements, and teach Lean principles.

• Fix What Bugs You—can’t find something to improve? Employees can simply fix what they struggle with. After learning the Eight Wastes, individuals will start seeing clunky processes everywhere.

The use of the 2 Second Lean approach is having a profoundly positive effect on a growing number of manufacturers. You can learn more about it by reading the 156-page book (download a free PDF at paulak-ers.net/books/2-second-lean). You also can listen to the recent PIA webinar that featured a case study of a company using this philosophy (www.printing.org/events/webinars/webinar-archives).

Get Educated and Get Started

There is overlap between the principles of the different models, and companies often use them to develop their own distinctive approach. One of the best sources for gaining insight into how printing and convert-ing companies are implementing operational excellence initiatives is the annual Continuous Improvement Conference, next held April 8–11, 2018, in Chicago (ci.printing.org). Companies will be sharing their specific experiences and lessons learned.

Member companies that accept that their operations need to be better, should put in place management systems that will enable the quest for excellence. For those that aren’t convinced, quality guru W. Edwards Deming famously offered this thought, “It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory.”

Jim Workman is the Vice President for the Center for Technology and Research for the Printing Industries of America, the world’s largest trade association representing printing. The Center provides companies with knowledge to make smart decisions about technology, tools to help them manufacture efficiently and produc-tively, and solutions to their immediate technical challenges. In addition, he is directly responsible for the organization’s InterTech Technology Award competition, custom training and consulting activities, and its annual Continuous Improvement Conference, and provides member support on mailing issues.

Source: Shingo Institute–Utah State University. Reprinted with permission.


For B2B companies, content marketing is a vehicle that connects you to your target audience. It’s the GPS buyers use to find you. Unfortunately, few of us have the resources or budget to produce an ongoing stream of frequent and varied forms of information. So if you have to choose, which forms of content produce the best outcomes?

The Best Content Options

Are there really one size fits all options that make sense for any company? In reality, the best content options depend on a number of factors. For example:

Do you have an established base of customers or is developing that base more important?

Are you targeting a few large opportunities or small business?

Which information channels does your audience use today?

These are just a few of many data points that content market-ers assess when developing an in depth program.

But whether you have a strong base of customers,

spend most of your time prospecting or if target accounts are a priority and you are short on time and resources, these are three can’t miss options that you should be part of your content marketing plan.

Newsletters

The best customers are your current customers. In fact, according to Marketing Metrics, the probabili-ty of selling to a current customer is 60 - 70 percent. Prospects, on the other hand, only 5 - 20 percent. An effective newsletter delivers useful information to your audience. Information that helps them:

• Do their job better

• Eliminate pain points

• Make them aware of solutions they weren’t thinking about

• And in the process, allows you to showcase your solution set

Although you undoubtedly have loyal customers who know you and know your company, no one remembers everything you do. Newsletters are the perfect platform to deliver useful information that keeps your capabilities top of mind.

Plus, if you have valuable information, newsletters influence prospects that are learning about you and your capabilities. A sign-up form on your website and other promotion tactics will encour-age interested prospects to opt in. Although this doesn’t indicate a need to purchase, it does create an opportunity to build a relationship.

Newsletters provide multiple benefits. They educate your audience as they formulate purchasing decisions. In addition, they build your brand. A well written, informative and consistently deliv-ered newsletter conveys a positive message and is another way to keep your company top of mind.

Case Studies

In the commercial print business, samples sell. If a client wants to see your capabilities in action, you show them samples.

What’s the electronic version of a samples? A case study.

Your audience doesn’t understand your capabili-ties like you do. A real life example makes it easier for a prospect to visualize how your products and services could work for them. Plus, it’s far easier to show how your capabilities deliver value vs. expect-ing a prospect to figure it out for themselves.

In addition, an effective case study demonstrates how your products and services fit a prospects needs. And, as buyers narrow down the field of potential suppliers, it elevates you from consider-ation to contender.

But, a case study only works if it passes the “so what” test. Which means, when you describe your solution if you can’t answer “so what” with a tangible, meaningful response, you need to rethink the content.

MarkEting

The Best Content Options for New Content Marketers

By John EdmundsonPrincipalInterEdge Marketing

“Newsletters, blogs and case studies are effective content options that can be repurposed. ”


Furthermore, for best results, case studies should include:

• Information that relates to your audience needs

• A story that progresses from start to finish

• Real data

• The overarching strategy

Blog Posts

Akin to newsletters, blog posts provide numerous benefits to both your audience and your company. If newsletters are the dates that build relationships, a blog is the dating site that connects you to others who have a similar profile.

For example, blogs educate, build understanding and demon-strate how your capabilities fit your audience needs. And, when the posts address the challenges your ideal customers face, they are likely to be found online by prospects who need those solutions.

Plus, search engines value fresh content. There’s no better way to deliver fresh content that both search engines and your audience values than through the consistent effective information delivered through your blog. And, when you provide value and answer the questions that your ideal customers are asking, it’s more likely that the prospects who don’t know you, but need what you do, will find you.

But, that’s not all. Blogs rank near the top of the trusted sources that buyers formulating a purchasing decision utilize. And now that the majority of pre-purchase research takes place without prospective vendor interaction, it makes information that you can deliver in a blog even more important.

Slice, Dice and Repurpose the Best Content Options

With a limited staff and budget, newsletters, case studies and blogs represent effective content options. However, when you have great content of any kind, you can take it and repurpose for other channels.

For example, a case study is perfect for your website. However, publishing it in your newsletter is another good option. And, your good blog post may be ideal for a trade publication or company that targets your same ideal customer (that’s not a competitor) to use.

Get Started

Now it’s up to you. Developing and executing a regular newsletter, blog or case studies require planning and a commitment. But, distributing effective content will strengthen your relationship with current customers and connect you with new prospects. And most importantly, grow your business.

InterEdge Marketing provides B2B companies with online and offline marketing services. Utilizing methods include website optimization, content marketing, social media strategies, direct marketing and lead nurturing, the company helps organizations expand their audience, generate additional leads, increase conversions and drive revenue. Contact John at (630) 442-0040 or [email protected].


Environmental reporting season is just around the corner. The table below will help you determine your reporting obligations. The table summarizes the most common types of environmental reports due to environmental regulatory agencies in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, along with each respective due dates.

By Ann O’BrienProject ManagerSCS Engineers

EnvironMEntal

2018 Environmental Reporting Schedule

Illinois Indiana WisconsinAgency Illinois Environmental

Protection Agency (IEPA)Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM)

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR)

Air Emissions Reporting Annual Emissions Report May 1

Emission Reduction Market System (ERMS) Report October 31 for facilities with <10 emission units November 30 for facilities with ≥10 emission units

Emissions Statement July 1

Air Emissions Inventory March 1

Air Quality Monitoring and Compliance Certifications 1, 2

Annual Compliance Certification Permit Type: CAAPP May 1

Annual Compliance Certification Permit Type: FESOP and Part 70/Title V April 15 or July 1 Refer to the facility air operat-ing permit to determine the specific submittal date and addresses

Annual Summary of Monitoring and Compliance Certification Permit Type ROP Type A or B March 1

Certification of Annual Emissions, an Annual Summary of Monitoring, and a Compliance Certification Permit Type: ROP Type C (Printing Facilities) June 30

Annual Monitoring Report and Compliance Certification Permit Type: State Operating Permit, FESOP, and Part 70/Title V Varies by permit holder

Note 1: Facilities that are subject to National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), also known as “MACT” standards, may be required to submit periodic monitoring reports and compliance certifications typically due on an annual basis and often due within 30 to 90 days of December 31.

Note 2: Some facilities are required to prepare and submit semi-annual monitoring reports and/or semi-annual compliance certifications, the reporting schedule of which is included in the facility’s air operation permit and often due within 30 or 60 days of June 30.

Hazardous Waste Reporting Hazardous Waste Report Large Quantity Generators March 1

Annual Manifest Report Small Quantity Generators Every March 1

Large Quantity Generators March 1 during odd-numbered years for the prior even-numbered year

Biennial Hazardous Waste Report March 1 during even-numbered years for the prior odd-numbered year

Hazardous Waste Report Large Quantity Generators and Small Quantity Generators March 1


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Illinois Indiana WisconsinAgency Illinois Emergency

Management Agency

Local Emergency Planning Committee

Local Fire Department

Indiana Department of Homeland Security



Wisconsin Emergency Management



EPCRA Sections 311/312 Tier II Report March 1

Tier II Report March 1

Tier II Report March 1

Agency U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Indiana Department of Environmental Management

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

EEPCRA Section 313 Toxic Release Inventory (Form A or Form R) July 1

Toxic Release Inventory (Form A or Form R) July 1

Toxic Release Inventory (Form A or Form R) July 1

Ann O’Brien is a Project Manager with SCS Engineers with more than 30 years of experience in the printing industry. Ann has worked in the environmental field for much of her career, and her background includes air and water quality permitting, environmental recordkeeping, reporting and monitoring programs, hazardous waste management, employee EHS training, environmental compliance audits, and environmental site assess-ments and due diligence associated with real estate transactions and corporate acquisitions. For more informa-tion or help navigating reporting requirements, contact Ann O’Brien at [email protected] or Cheryl Moran at [email protected].


EnvironMEntal EvEnts

GLGA Works with WI DNR to Update Streamlining and ComplianceOn November 29, 2017, representatives from the Great Lakes Graphics Association (GLGA), Printing Industries of America (PIA) and Specialty Graphics Imaging Association (SGIA) met with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to discuss environmental reporting, permitting, compliance and streamlining efforts. Significant progress was made during the meeting, with revi-sions being proposed and near finalization on DNR NR 422.142 and 422.143 (Litho RACT Rule) Streamlining and NR 422.14 Cross Line Averaging for RACT Compliance. There also was movement made on Wisconsin DNR industry permitting issues and EPA’s Hazardous Waste Generator Improvement Rule Implementation.

More than two years ago, GLGA and industry partners SGIA and the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) signed an industry-wide charter with Wisconsin DNR to help make progress on streamlining the complicated process many of our members have with navigat-ing the environmental reporting, permitting and compliance issues involved with the state agency. Joseph Lyman, president of GLGA says, “We have a more than two-decade relationship with Wisconsin’s DNR and have been pleased with our involvement with the agency. They are a great partner and we look forward to helping to continue streamlining so that we can simplify the process without it coming at the sacrifice compliance.”

Above: GLGA President Joe Lyman (center, in black) discusses ways to streamline the complicated environmental reporting process during a meeting at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on November 29, 2017.

GLGA hosted two intensive half-day OSHA workshops for members with Gary Jones, Printing Industries of America’s vice president for Environmental, Health, and Safety. Mr. Jones is a national expert in OSHA and EHS concerns. Attendees awarded the workshops a 4.875 rating out of a possible 5.0 on their program evaluations. The participants praised getting information specific to the printing industry and real-life example citations.

Above: the workshop on November 30, 2017, was hosted by Fujifilm in Hanover Park, IL.

Right: the workshop on November 28, 2017, was held at GLGA’s Pewaukee, WI, conference center, and was followed that afternoon by a sustainability workshop..

OSHA Half-Day Workshops Earn Excellent 4.875 Rating


Printing industriEs of aMErica

Ask the Technical Experts!One of the benefits of membership is the technical expertise provided by Printing Industries of America. The technical experts from the Center for Technology and Research help members with environ-mental, health, and safety concerns; consulting and on-site technical assistance; Technical Association of the Graphic Arts; technology training; and simulators. In this column, they discuss common production problems and issues.

Q. Are there industry standards for rework and spoiled work?

A. In short, no; standards don’t exist is this area. We recommend that companies: 1) establish a standard way of measuring spoilage; 2) have an initiative to reduce spoilage, including setting goals and dealing with its causes; 3) make spoilage levels and trends visible to employees; and 4) benchmark spoilage rate against top performing companies. We define spoilage as unplanned waste (defects, reruns, excessive run/makeready waste, etc.), and recom-mend including all costs of the spoiled work. Leaders in this area have spoilage rates of less than 1percent of sales.

PIA is currently surveying member companies to discover spoil-age rates by type of company. To participate and get a summary of the results, go to www.printing.org/2017-spoilage-survey (survey closes at end of 2017).

Q. What training is required for employees who operate powered industrial trucks?

A. Employees who are hired to operate powered industrial trucks must be trained on the hazards of operating the vehicle in the workplace, safe and proper vehicle operation, and the require-ments of OSHA’s standard for powered industrial trucks. The training needs to include a classroom portion and a practical evaluation step where the operator demonstrates competency in the operation of the truck for the specific environment and tasks they will be undertaking. Training should be conducted before an employee is allowed to operate a truck and then provided every three years afterwards. Training must be re-conducted for any employees involved in accidents or near misses.

Q. I have heard the term “photoinitiator” used when discussing UV inks. What is a photoinitiator?

A. Photoinitiator is a component in a UV ink that initiates curing by absorbing UV light and generating free radicals that react with double bonds causing a chain reaction and polymerization. This is the process that cures UV ink instantly. The amount of photoinita-tors in the ink and the amount of UV light exposure determine the level of cure. Too much photoinitiator in the ink can cause the ink to begin to cure from UV light emitted by fluorescent room lighting.

Q. We are having static problems in our conventional pressroom and bindery. What can we do to eliminate the static?

A. Cold air during winter has low moisture content, and heating inside the plant will decrease relative humidity. Pressrooms and binderies with a relative humidity below 35 percent are likely to experience static problems. The lower the relative humidity, the greater the potential for static. Static eliminating devices such as air ionizers and copper tinsel have limited effectiveness in reduc-ing static. The paper is always in contact with other sheets or equipment parts and tends to pass the static charge, and the static is not completely eliminated.

Humidifying the pressroom to 45–55 percent relative humidity is the most effective method to prevent and reduce static-related problems. Slightly higher relative humidity levels would benefit static-prone substrates such as synthetics and plastics.

Q. How does USPS’s new Informed Delivery® service integrate into a direct marketing campaign?

A. The recently launched Informed Delivery service lets postal customers view greyscale images of the address side of incoming letter-sized mailpieces as well as manage package delivery. Signing up is free at informeddelivery.usps.com (about 5 million people have signed up to date). Each morning that subscribers have mail coming to their mailbox they receive an email containing images of pieces to be delivered.

Informed Delivery allows mailers an unprecedented opportunity to engage consumers by synchronizing direct mail and digital marketing campaigns. For the time being, it is free for a mailer to replace the greyscale image with a full-color image of their piece and include ride-along images and a URL. While images of flat-sized mail aren’t available yet, mailers can still provide digital content that will be seen in lieu of the scanned image. Assuming that subscription levels grow significantly, Informed Delivery can be a valuable part of a direct marketing strategy. Visit usps.com/informeddeliverycampaigns to learn more.

Offering unbiased and confidential results, Printing Industries of America provides a range of testing and laboratory services to help solve printing-related problems. For more information, please contact Jim Workman at (800) 910-4283, ext. 710 or direct at (412) 259-1710, visit www.printing.org/labservices or email [email protected] or [email protected].


To have your company, product or service featured, contact Sharon Flick toll-free at (855) 522-2210 or via email at [email protected]. News will be published as space allows. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.

nEw Products and sErvicEs

MCT Digital Has Expanded Its VersaTech2 “All In One” Cutting SolutionsMCT Digital, the leading innovative digital print finishing solutions company, is pleased to announce major productivity enhancements on the first anniversary of its “all in one” VersaTech2 solution.

According to Michael Frawley, MCT’s VP of Sales, “With the continued development of the versa-tile VersaTech2 platform for digital cutting and engraving for grand format print and cut workflow, we are pleased to announce significant first anniversary improvements that further increase the ROI of MCT’s cutters. With these enhancements, the VersaTech2 can significantly reduce finishing bottlenecks through speed enhancements - the only 3-in-1 solution with full automations (laser, router, blade).” Read more at https://tinyurl.com/y9378kcc.

Sun Chemical Launches New UV/EB Inks for Food Packaging ApplicationsSun Chemical has launched two new UV/EB inks for primary and secondary food packaging that are compliant with the strictest global standards in the marketplace, including Nestlé food packag-ing requirements and Swiss Ordinance chemical composition requirements.

The two new inks—SunBeam® Advance EB offset inks and SunCure® Advance UV inks—meet the latest photoinitiator-safe packaging guidelines, are made with no BPA-based chemical to meet the most stringent global standards, and provide low odor as well as very low residual extractables characteristics while maintaining the highest standards of pressroom performance at the very high-est press speeds. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/y79dl9gs.

swissQprint Launches Oryx LEDThe trio of swissQprint machines has made it full circle. With Impala and Nyala LED successfully launched, now comes the turn of Oryx LED. This latest generation of Swiss UV flatbed printers shares a refined mechanical basis and operates with LED technology that is both profitable and environmentally friendly. LED technology extends the range of applications, is highly economical and leaves only a small environmental footprint.

Adding to the benefits of LED technology, swissQprint has brought new mechanical refinements to its current generation of machines. This gives them yet greater precision and process stability. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/yak46h95.

Verso Expands GlazeArmor Family to Include New Kraft Lightweight Oil and Grease Resistant PapersVerso Corporation, a leading producer of flexible packaging, technical, and label and converting papers, has added Natural Kraft oil and grease resistant paper options to its GlazeArmor™ family of lightweight uncoated machine-glazed papers. The GlazeArmor™ product family now features machine-glazed bleached and natural kraft virgin fiber papers that are designed for demanding OGR foodservice and microwave popcorn bag applications.

GlazeArmor™ NK OGR is offered in basis weights ranging from 18 lb. to 40 lb. (3000ft2) and each weight is optimized for specific end uses. GlazeArmor™ NK Micro is offered in basis weights rang-ing from 20.5 lb. to 23 lb. (3000ft2) for inner and outer plies of popcorn bags. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/yad26rve.


MEMbErshiP nEws

Welcome, New Members!

2018Graphics

Excellence AwardsCompetitor’s Tip

We use the GEAs as a marketing opportunity. As soon as we get our Winner’s Packet, we promote our wins on our website, on Facebook and LinkedIn, and with press releases to local and trade media. We add the Winner’s Logo to our company email signatures, and we get the professional photographs of our pieces from GLGA to use on Instagram and our corporate market-ing brochure. We leverage our wins to elevate our brand and get a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Look for the 2018 Call for Entries - coming in early January!

STELLAR GRAPHICS LLC945 Davis Street Hammond, WI 54015 www.stellargraphicswi.com Kip Bonke, Owner (651) 295-7980 [email protected]

Stellar Graphics is a one stop shop with capabilities from busi-ness cards to complex mailing and fulfillment. We can do design, print, trim, fold, bind, insert, and ship via presorted mailing or Fed Ex fulfillment packages. Let our expertise take your project from concept to finish and make the splash that you need in this competitive market place. We have the capacity to do anything on paper and deliver it how you want it.

In mailing we have over 20 years experience in presort direct mail and fulfillment. Now with EDDM Retail Direct Mail we have the experience to do a EDDM mailing project the cheapest and most efficient of anyone, which means a high quality product produced efficiently at a low cost to the marketer.

DELZER DOES THE GEAs: Delzer, Waukesha, WI, posted a wrap-up of their participation in the 2017 Graphics Excellence Awards in their ON THE DOT blog. The post has beautiful pictures of their winning pieces along with photos from the Celebration. Above: Delzer’s Keith Allard (right) “shakes things up as he collects the Best of Category for Printing-On-Demand” from GLGA Chairman of the Board John LeCloux of WS Packaging. A special touch is a congratulatory note to the winners of the student categories. Check out the blog post at https://tinyurl.com/y7a2vuj4.

Jim Gallo of Specialty Finishing Group, Elk Grove Village, IL, answers a trivia question at the Illinois Holiday MIXer held on November 15, 2017, at Jimmy’s Charhouse in Elk Grove Village, IL. Attendees enjoyed dinner and the annual trivia contest. We also collected hats, scarfs, gloves and socks for homeless families, with the donations going to Together We Cope, a homeless prevention agency based in Tinley Park, IL. “It was a great evening and we collected lots of win-ter items. Thanks for your support!” said Bill Gibson, GLGA Illinois Director.

Illinois Holiday MIXer


calEndar

Upcoming GLGA Events and ActivitiesTo learn more or to register, visit GLGA’s website at glga.info.

Lunch with the PrintersDecember 19, 2017, Indianapolis, IN

USPS Focus ForumJanuary 10, 2018, Elk Grove Village, IL

Annual Bowling and Bocce MIXerFebruary 7, 2018, Oak Brook, IL

Graphics Excellence Awards Entry DeadlineMarch 1, 2018

Save the dates:

Graphics Excellence Awards CelebrationsMay 23, 2018, Addison, IL, and Milwaukee, WI

Indiana Golf OutingJune 13, 2018, Carmel, IN

Chicagoland Printers Scholarship Golf OutingJuly 18, 2018, Bensenville, IL

Wisconsin Golf OutingAugust 8, 2018, Lake Ripley, WI

Upcoming PIA EventsTo learn more or to register, visit PIA’s website at www.printing.org.

Color ’18January 13-16, 2018, San Diego, CA

President’s ConferenceMarch 4-6, 2018, San Antonio, TX

Technical Association of the Graphic Arts (TAGA) ConferenceMarch 18-21, 2018, Baltimore, MD

Continuous Improvement (CI) ConferenceApril 8-11, 2018, Chicago, IL

Upcoming MRA WebinarsTo learn more about these free HR webinars, visit MRA’s website at www.mranet.org. For access, register for a user log-in to MRA’s website at www.mranet.org. Once you have a log-in, you can view the recordings whenever it is convenient for your schedule.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - Using Assessments for Employee DevelopmentAvailable on December 21, 2017

Great Lakes Graphics Association — www.glga.info • 19Great Lakes Graphics Association — www.glga.info • 2

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Great Lakes Graphics AssociationW232N2950 Roundy Circle E, Suite 200Pewaukee, WI 53072

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