Shweiki Media Printing Company Offers Publishers Part 1 of a 4-Part Series on Key Indicators to Focus On and Use as a Guide When Touring a Prospective Printer: Discipline

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Discipline is the foundation of all quality processes or programs. Without this foundation, it doesn’t really matter what quality methodology a printer tries to follow…the results are sure to be disappointing and very short-lived.

Austin, TX (PRWEB) October 04, 2012

Which magazine printers are the highest quality printers? (PART ONE)

This is obviously a critical question for publishers looking to find a reliable and hassle-free printing partner. To help answer that question, here is the first of four critical factors that can be used as a guide when touring a prospective printer. Without getting into the details of any specific quality methodology, these four factors are “key indicators” that any quality program is “alive-and-well.” However, if these factors are missing, there is good reason to be concerned. The four critical factors are…Discipline, Technology, Corrective Action, and Employee Involvement.

The first is “DISCIPLINE” because discipline is the foundation of all quality processes or programs. Without this foundation, it doesn’t really matter what quality methodology a printer tries to follow…the results are sure to be disappointing and very short-lived. Fortunately, the most telling evidence that a printer has is a culture of discipline is actually very easy to uncover, and it is something most people recognize at first glance – “Cleanliness and Organization.”

Simply stated, if a prospective printer lacks the necessary discipline to keep their presses clean, work stations and tools organized, floors swept, etc., they have zero chance of ever implementing and sustaining a rigorous quality program, period! The symptoms show up as:

-Quality standards and procedures that are written but not followed
-Manufacturing teams that cut corners and often miss the details
-Service teams that are deficient in communication and follow-through.

A printing facility without discipline – is a printing facility without accountability!    

Discipline is established in baby steps, and focusing on “Cleanliness and Organization” is a great first step. The reasons:

-It is a goal and focus that is easy to communicate across all levels of the facility
-Most team members already have the wherewithal to make it happen
-It is easy to recognize success or failure.

Once the discipline of cleanliness and organization has been conquered, one can then move on and tackle bigger projects like quality programs.

Printers that take “Plant Organization and Cleanliness” to the next level implement a methodology by the name of 5S. The five S’s stand for sorting, straightening, shining, standardizing, and sustaining. A methodology akin to what is affectionately called “spring cleaning.”

In every work area:
-De-junk and get rid of everything that isn’t necessary
-Organize by having a place for everything and everything it its place
-Clean away all the dirt.

After that, the final two steps ensure the changes are enduring.

In summary, discipline is the first factor one should look for when choosing a quality printer --whether looking to print postcards, magazines, flyers or anything else--and it's best key indicator is plant “Cleanliness and Organization.” This factor alone does not guarantee quality but one can be sure if cleanliness and organization are missing, consistent quality will be missing as well!

To view the slideshow detailing what to look for in a quality printer, click here.

Part 2, detailing technology, will be released next week.

Shweiki Media's mission has always been to help publishers improve by providing the most profitable, hassle-free printing experience possible. This includes guaranteeing the highest quality product, exceptional customer service and on-time delivery.

As a printer and publisher, Shweiki Media also believes that this hassle-free experience includes making their clients better. Utilizing relationships with industry experts, Shweiki Media strives to educate clients and help them thrive in the exciting world of publishing--while having lots of fun along the way! (shweiki.com)

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