In the June-July 2021 issue of Screen Printing Mag, I came across a valuable article packed with practical advice on saving money and boosting efficiency in screen printing. The article includes insights from various industry experts and provides key strategies to enhance production and streamline operations. Here’s a summary of their advice along with my personal reflections.
Key Strategies from the Article
Outsourcing Artwork: Managing artwork can be complex and time-consuming. Experts recommend outsourcing this task to professional designers to ensure a smooth production process and avoid the high costs associated with in-house designers.
Role Assignment: Effective organization is crucial. Experts suggest assigning specific roles, such as someone dedicated to organizing garments and handling shipments, to reduce errors and increase efficiency. This allows printers to concentrate on their core printing tasks.
Post-Production Tools: Implementing tools like dip tanks and properly labeling screen racks can significantly improve the post-production process. Experts highlight that these tools help keep everything organized and manageable.
Prioritizing Rush Jobs: Clear communication with clients about deadlines and managing rush jobs by prioritizing them is vital. Experts emphasize that this approach prevents chaos and ensures timely delivery.
Lean Six Sigma: The article discusses how some shops are incorporating Lean Six Sigma principles to enhance their processes. This methodology uses data-driven decision-making to reduce defects and improve efficiency. Experts describe how applying the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) approach can lead to better control over production variables.
Personal Reflections
While reading the article, I learned about Six Sigma and its focus on reducing variability and defects through structured, data-driven methods. However, my core belief lies in lean working principles.
Lean Working
For me, lean working is fundamental to achieving excellence in screen printing. Lean methodologies emphasize eliminating waste, optimizing workflows, and continuously improving processes. This approach ensures that every aspect of production is streamlined, resulting in higher efficiency and quality.
Importance of Proper Tools
In screen printing, having the right tools to control production variables is essential. Lean practices underscore the importance of precise control and organization to minimize errors and maximize efficiency. Integrating lean principles with effective tools for managing production variables can lead to significant improvements in cost savings and overall performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Six Sigma provides valuable insights into process optimization, lean working remains central to my approach. By combining lean principles with the right tools, you can create a more efficient, organized, and cost-effective screen printing operation.
