Screen May 09 P8-10:Screen Feb09 P12-14 14/04/2009 11:50 Page 8
SCREEN
Wage war on waste
Waste is the destroyer of profits, yet unfortunately it is often accepted as
inevitable in the screen printing environment. Challenging this attitude requires
guts, but it's a sure fire way to increase profitability
by Peter Kiddell
ONE OF the main reasons why screen printing is under pressure is that waste has distribute it as necessary throughout the company. To do this, it is essential that
become part of the culture. Waste can be defined as rejects, both on-line and off- those involved in the process understand its operation and are able to avoid
line, unused materials, inefficient use of materials and consumables, wasted problems rather than constantly problem solving. This means practitioners can
manpower, machine downtime and excessive set up time. Any reduction in look at ways of improving process performance rather then just keeping it going.
waste goes straight to profits.
This is where bravery comes into play. Challenging wasteful practices and Be truthful about rejects
creating a culture of change can be difficult. Screen printing can provide good The first step is to position your company in relation to industrial best practice
margins, but optimising the process will make it really attractive. using perceived rejects. If you think your reject level is above 2.5 per cent, it is
In fact the production process is controllable, measurable and predictable, concerning, above five per cent is potentially disastrous, above 10 per cent and
which makes it possible to increase profitability without having to drive up it's not worth doing business. The target is zero defects.
turnover. The main focus is to capture the technical know how, refine it and A complete review of the company will take into account estimating,
Waste is the destroyer of profits
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