Hello Print Shops: one operator running two presses simultaneously, …impossible!
Or not…
The daily routine of a press operator unfortunately involves more than just managing the print process; it includes frequent tasks like collecting and searching for media and transporting pallets with printed media to finishing stations. These activities, although essential, are time-consuming and often detract from the operator’s primary responsibilities.
You have to minimize the time an operator spends on non primary tasks
As the industry faces growing demands and labor shortages, there is an urgent need to optimize operations. According to a survey by the Print & Visual Communication Association (PVCA), three out of four print businesses are experiencing difficulties in finding skilled operators. Making better use of the labor you already have is a possible solution to this problem. But you have to minimize the time an operator spends on non primary tasks. You need an operator where he is most valuable. At the press. Currently, operators spend up to 30 percent of their time moving pallets and collecting media. This is not only inefficient but also demotivating, as it involves repetitive, low-value tasks.
You can reduce the non-value adding activities of an operator by deploying mobile robots for media handling. You will make better use of your skilled operators when they are not interrupted by secondary tasks. Running your business like that will also make the print industry more attractive for new talent, as it showcases a commitment to innovation and efficiency. One could say you are actually removing the crappy tasks from their job.
With continuous presence of your operator at your press, jobs are monitored closely, there’s more time to monitor quality, leading to higher quality output, less errors, less stand still of the press and faster turnaround times. With the saved time, operators could potentially manage two presses simultaneously, giving you capacity to grow. Some could say: ‘we’re doing that already’. But at what cost to efficiency, effectiveness and quality?
Automation of transportation tasks significantly improves job satisfaction among operators.
Operators can focus on more engaging and skilled aspects of their job. This does not only enhance their job satisfaction but also reduces the physical strain, leading to a healthier, more motivated workforce.
For growing businesses, scaling up operations can be challenging without significantly increasing labor costs. Mobile robots provide a cost-effective way to expand capacity. By automating pallet movements, print shops can handle larger volumes of work without hiring additional staff. Investing in mobile robotics now leads to long-term savings and higher profit margins. Now ask yourself, “Could my operators run two presses simultaneously”?