IT
Systems Need More than Minimum
Deciding which IT infrastructure and
computer applications to get for your printing plant? One
thing that is often overlooked is the minimum system requirements
for each software application. Most installations will try
to save money by purchasing a minimal computer to support
the software. This can be a big mistake since usually after
the first run your system will be out of date an you will
have to buy more upgrades. These will cost you more money,
and perhaps worse, precious time! In addition, minimal systems
are operational but cannot fully utilize the capabilities
of the applications, so they are much more likely to fail
with the slightest interruption. Dependent on usage, it can
also be that the use of the 00 meets resistance
due to delays in processing data. A good rule of thumb would
be to double the minimum RAM requirements and get a computer
with a processor speed (MHz) that is at least one step above
the minimum.
Sequential
Liability Can Cost You
Have you read the fine print
on your client purchase orders? For the past dozen years
or so, two of
the largest
trade associations serving advertising agencies recommended
that members include the Principle of Sequential Liability
in their purchasing orders. The Principle of Sequential Liability
is a fancy term for "the
printer isn't paid until the agency is paid." In the
case of bankruptcy, unsecured creditors normally don't receive
much, if anything. How painful could this be? It's estimated
that the outstanding invoices (as of a month ago) from the
advertising agencies to Chrysler and General Motors totaled
about $300 million. Minimize
your risk and make sure your client P.O.'s do not
contain this clause.
Changes
to SSN Verification Process
Beginning this fall, the Social Security
Administration's telephone agents will no longer verify SSNs
for employers. Employers and third parties acting on behalf
of employers must now use TNEV, the automated Telephone Number
Employer Verification Service, or the online Social Security
Number Verification Service (SSNVS). Any employer that verifies
SSNs must be a registered TNEV or SSNVS user. To register,
go to www.socialsecurity.gov/employer.
Problems
with Apple Link
Some Printing Industries of America affiliates have reported
problems with their unique Apple URLs. Apple
is aware of this situation and is working to resolve it.
Please be advised that if your PGAMA link to the Apple store
is not working, you can still use the Printing Industries
of America link at www.apple.com/eppstore/pia.
Freebie
of the Week-Digital Benchmarking Study
The Printing Industries of America 2009 Digital Benchmarking
Study allows companies to benchmark their performance based
on operating procedures, file processing, color management,
productivity, and print quality. This benchmarking service
gives unequivocal comparisons with competing digital printing
operations, for the fact that all participating companies
produced the same exact job. This study provides an invaluable
insight into short-run production on a digital press and
indicates the wide variance in production times and methods
being employed. It provides real data, based on an actual
job, by which to identify areas that you can increase productivity
and reduce waste. It can be a tool for you to help improve
quality and drive cost from your business. Download this
report FREE from http://www.printing.org/page/5398.
(Member log in required.)
Make
Safety A Team Effort
Why delegate safety responsibilities in your company? It's
less likely employees will burn out, responsibilities won't
be spread too thin, and members of your team can obtain
more experience in executive/ administrative function. Benefits
to your company: Team members become more involved and committed;
greater chance that projects will be completed; increased
opportunity for team members to work together and develop
skills and the plant operates more smoothly. It's a win-win!
Sponsor
Sought for Fall Happy Hour
The highly successful series
of FREE member happy hours will continue in the Fall. We
are looking for a sponsor (or multiple sponsors!) for our
next event. This is a fun, easy, and affordable way to get
your company name in the spotlight! PGAMA members and their
associates turn out in droves for these strictly social get-togethers~the
spring event in may drew 100 guests! If you are interested
in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Jan at PGAMA, 410-310-0900.
Upcoming Events
| June 23-25 |
Special Event: Member
Open House at Presstek, 6400 Ivy
Lane, Greenbelt, MD 20770. See live demos of digital
offset, computer-to-plate, and workflow solutions.
More info at www.presstek.com. |
| June 24 |
Webinar:
Harnessing Technology for Business Growth,
2:00-3:00pm. Improving the efficiency of customer
communications has become a global imperative for
many organizations. During this session, you will
hear from print service providers who have leveraged
this customer need to position their businesses for
growth--even in tough economic times! This is a FREE
broadcast. Register at WhatTheyThink.com. |
| June 30 |
Webinar:
Cashing in on Sustainability,
2:00-3:30pm. In your search for new business, it is
critical to take advantage of your sustainable, “green” efforts,
giving print buyers added reasons to choose your
firm. Cashing in on Sustainability will help you
to evaluate the strengths and marketability of your
green practices and communicate them to customers.
We’ll show you why marketing your green side
makes sense even in these tough times, and we’ll
demonstrate how to build your sustainability “story” into
sales presentations that connect with customers. Cost
is $69 for members. Register at www.printing.org. |
| June 30 |
Seminar: Women in the
Environment, 1:15-6:30pm
at the Museum for Women in the Arts, 13th and K
Street in Washington, D.C. This seminar, presented
by member Derek Smith & Associates,
will put to rest any doubts you may have about
the market for sustainable companies in the coming
years. Featured speakers include female CEO's and
leaders from within the industry. A must-attend
for anyone in sustainability, procurement, printing,
paper, packaging, and graphic design! Cost is $95
per person/group rates available. Register at www.paperleadership.com |
| July 20-21 |
Workshop: Total Immersion-Digital
Color, at Printing Industries of
America headquarters in Sewickley, PA. This brand
new workshop is designed to give you a comprehensive
look at what it takes to produce reliable, high-quality
digital output. Two intense days of hands-on training
will get you totally immersed, and totally knowledgeable,
in digital color and press optimization. Cost is
$595 for members. Full details and registration
link on www.printing.org. |
| August 13-16 |
Special Event: Summer
Management Conference, at
Great Wolf Lodge in
Williamsburg, VA. Come for the family time. Come
for the classes. Come for the networking. Whatever
your reason, be sure to attend this year's event.
Featured speakers include Lisbeth Lyons of Printing
Industries of America who will weigh in on the
EFCA; sales consultant Linda Bishop who will give
three talks on sales techniques; and Ray Prince
who will share ideas on implementing LEAN manufacturing
at your plant, plus a Recession Checklist. Room
rate is just $219 if booked by July 13~call the
hotel at 800-551-9653. Call PGAMA to register for
the seminars, 410-319-0900. |
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