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Do You Want to Make Your Downtime Productive Time?

Not Enough Time in Your Day?
We all have the same 24 hours a day to work with.
No more, no less. So why do some people always seem
to get more done?

Here's a simple tip that will punch up your productivity.
Most printers are pretty good at scheduling. When there's
work in the shop, it's scheduled and prioritized.
So far, so good.

When we're busy it seems we'll never get a break, so
the natural response is to relax a bit and take that break.
However, this is valuable time that should not be wasted.

According to Kevin Carey of DieInfo Inc., "The problem is
few companies plan for these periods and as a result,
this valuable time is squandered on non-critical activity.
Professional companies have contingency plans for slack times
and immediately implement a prioritized list of activities and
scheduled projects, already allocated to individuals and teams."

The common response to downtime is to clean the machines,
sweep the floors, maybe oil something and generally just look busy.
While somewhat useful, it's too casual to be a productive use of time.

Instead, create a plan of slack time activities that will help
improve production for the next busy time. This can include
administrative, production or training activities. Some examples:

• Create a list of questions for brainstorming sessions in each department
  
• Conduct a tool, parts and supplies inventory
• Set up a standard maintenance procedure and schedule
• Create standard operating procedures for all processes in the plant
• Organize a tool and parts storage system
• Inspect and repair equipment
• Throw out old, worn, useless parts
• Cross train staff on different equipment and in different departments
• Conduct departmental training

There is no limit to the list. The key is to pre-plan and prioritize.
When it slows down, each employee goes right to his list.
No unnecessary questions or discussion.

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We Have a Winner in Our Survey Drawing!
Laura Lockett of Cal State University in Sacramento,
whose print department uses EZ-Fit Tri-Creasers on their
Baumfolder, won the iPod Touch in our recent survey drawing.
Thanks to Laura and everyone else who participated!

Here's a very interesting, uplifting statistic to ponder:
Of the nearly 700 respondents, 91.8% said they were
satisfied in their jobs. Compare that to a just-released
survey from the Conference Board Research Group that
shows only 45% of Americans are satisfied in their work.

So what does it mean? Are printers twice as happy?
Perhaps it's the type of people our industry attracts.
It could be a statistical glitch.
I prefer to believe it's because our readers are a
select group who realize that we make our own happiness,
no matter what our circumstances.
What do you think?

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Point of View
The difference between try and triumph is a little umph.
Zig Ziglar


One of the great lessons in life
is to know that even fools are right sometimes.
Winston Churchill

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Re-entry Into the Work Force
If you have been laid off for some time, but will start a new job
soon, strengthen your skills by reading industry blogs and
trade publications. If your expertise is out of date, bone up.

If you are going with a new company, be prepared for emotional
volatility, says The Wall Street Journal. It's not easy being the
new person, especially if your self-confidence took a hit
during unemployment.

It's a tough question, but ask yourself why you were one of
those who was laid off. It probably wasn't your fault, but consider
how you could have made yourself more valuable and
more productive before it happened.