Success Stories

Niagara, Ontario

We were contracted to undertake a business review of the school board’s in-plant printing operations, processes, and structure (pre-press to post) and assist with evaluation and planning to achieve future goals. The division has 100+ schools and the review needed to assess all of their printing needs, graphics needs, costs, and opportunities. The goal was to ensure all schools are satisfied with the products being produced, and that they receive them in the timeliest manner and at the lowest costs.

We conducted on-site and telephone interviews, brought in their print specialist, carried out on-site training in applicable Lean methods, and supported DSBN with their internal alignment of services to make the print shop a single source supplier. This included a survey review sent to all school administrators to validate the viability of this type of service, and further alignment to ensure costs are maintained at a minimum as services are increased. In addition, the review was comprised of: a SWOT analysis, evaluation of customer service practices, and detailed implementation and equipment recommendations.

In addition to the report, we carried out a 5S improvement event for the district’s print shop. This Lean technique includes these steps: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain, standing for 5S.

The two month review and recommendation process was expected to reduce costs by up to 20%, and increase efficiencies by 50%.