At the recent Printing United Expo, in-plant managers gathered to learn about new solutions, see new technology and share ideas. Attendees experienced the power of peer learning on the show floor, during the IPMA sponsored events and at casual gatherings during the show.
Inspire New Ideas
One or two good ideas can make all the difference to impact change within your team and in your production processes. During the Ricoh-sponsored breakfast session, attendees heard about transforming W2P storefronts to better serve customers and further integration with MIS systems. The inspiration came when attendees shared their challenges and successes in evolving their workflows and implementing new tools. In addition to the IPMA sponsored events, there was a conference program with sessions on trends, success stories and panel discussions from thought leaders. On the show floor I facilitated introductions for in-plant managers to new potential software and technology partners. Networking and in-depth conversations at the show fostered big picture thinking so in-plant managers can consider new ways to expand capabilities and provide value to their organizations.
Impact Business Challenges
Attendees shared business challenges that much has been written about and discussed over the last five years. Yet these challenges persist. The reason many came to the show was to identify strategies and solutions to address the challenges of:
- difficulty in hiring
- an aging workforce with planned retirements by key staff
- the need to replace older equipment and software
- the need to automate workflow and finishing
Many managers were seeking solutions for workflow automation and improvements in bindery and finishing. While there was much new equipment to see, the most intriguing conversations were about new software and automation tools. Exhibitors demonstrated new technologies and solutions to reengineer workflows, eliminate manual steps and reduce costs. By speaking with peers who could validate similar solutions in their shops, attendees were confident in pursuing new partnerships and tools to address their business goals.
Case studies and success stories presented at the show provided attendees insights into real-world applications and the practical benefits of new strategies. Participating in these sessions not only delivers ideas for operational improvement, but it also provides information to justify approval for new investments.
Share the Knowledge
Among membership associations, IPMA stands out with a strong culture of member support and knowledge sharing. Printing United Expo attendees offered results from their experiences with new software and equipment. They also extended invitations for other members to visit their operations. If something sparked your interest or you were unable to attend, reach out to a fellow IPMA member and find someone who can share their success with a similar issue. Be an active learner.
Provide Value
In-plants are continuing to invest and expand in wide format capabilities to better serve their organizations. In my consulting work, I continue to hear about internal departments who outsource signs and banners. Often the reason is they don’t know about the wide format capabilities of their in-plant operation. Effective leaders have a strategy for ongoing communication so all internal customers and those who outsource are aware of the breath of internal capabilities. Understanding why jobs are outsourced is crucial to winning new projects and justifying new investments for your operation.
Continuous Learning
Attendees shared their war stories and their success stories. The lessons learned from peers tend to stay with us long after the lights go out at a trade show or conference. Industry events may be your best source of effective strategies to address workflow documentation, training methodologies and ways to retain tribal knowledge before employees depart.
Print’s Role in a Digital World
Where does print fit in the mix of digital content and digital communications in your organization? Managers of print and mail operations must evolve to understand how their customers’ printed communications integrate with the ever growing need for digital content and communications. Everything your team prints is also delivered or managed in a digital channel. Make it your mission to identify and articulate the unique value that printed materials provide in complementing and enhancing your organizations’ digital communications. Understand how various departments and content is delivered across digital channels. With this knowledge you can be the champion of printed communications in supporting broader customer engagement and organizational goals. The question is not, print or digital. It’s about print AND digital delivery to enhance communications and results.
I look forward to meeting you at the next industry event.
Lois Ritarossi, CMC®, is the President of High Rock Strategies, a consulting firm focused on sales and marketing strategies, and business growth for firms in the print, mail and communication sectors. Lois brings her clients a cross functional skill set and strategic thinking with disciplines in business strategy, sales process, sales training, marketing, software implementation, inkjet transformation and workflow optimization. Lois has enabled clients to successfully launch new products and services with integrated sales and marketing strategies, and enabled sales teams to effectively win new business. You can reach Lois at https://www.highrockstrategies.com/ or Lritarossi@highrockstrategies.com