Management

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  • Build your printing business

    May 1, 2011

    Fabric graphics experts outline three important themes that allow their digital printing businesses to thrive.

  • Expansion or contraction: which way are you going?

    May 1, 2011

    After being in business for nine years, we faced a decision about our existing facility.

  • Moss Inc. demonstrates the use of its EZ Fabric Wall System with its own booth at a trade show. Photo: Moss Inc.

    Keep it simple for better customer service

    May 1, 2011

    There’s a lot of talk about diversification in today’s challenging market. While that’s a worthwhile discussion, there’s another “take” on the topic that has more to do with customer service than new products.

  • Andy Graham, president of Portland Color, has seen improvements to the company's bottom line through factors such as energy savings and appropriately disposing of non-recyclable waste.

    Benefits and challenges of going green

    March 1, 2011

    Four businesses share their successes and challenges in pursuing environmentally friendly practices.

  • Go green to make green

    March 1, 2011

    Do you think being eco-friendly will just end up costing your business money? Not so fast.

  • Workforce: a key to business success

    January 1, 2011

    Whether you run a one-person shop or a multi-national corporation, your workforce is a major key to your success.

  • Improving customer service

    November 1, 2010

    We all know that service to our customer is critical, especially in this economy.

  • Closing the sale

    September 1, 2010

    Closing the sale commences at the time sellers begin prospecting.

  • Purchasing equipment for your shop can be a complex routine, but it can be broken down into specific tasks.

    How to buy dye-sub equipment

    May 1, 2010

    Purchasing equipment for your shop can be a complex routine, but it can be broken down into specific tasks.

  • Walking the perimeter of the show floor lets you hit new-idea or start-up companies that tend to take smaller exhibit spaces located on the fringe areas. First thing, second day, head to the back of the show floor, as this area is less busy.

    Maximize your time at trade shows

    May 1, 2010

    I was interested in a recent IFAI LinkedIn message: “Do you agree that online trade fairs are the most cost effective marketing tool for the industrial fabrics industry?” Surprisingly, the responses, including my own, were to the contrary.

  • The benefits of employee certification

    February 26, 2010

    Certification is no longer an elite group of individuals that are being held in esteem for their measurable qualities, but a need for anyone within your company being able to prove their worth.

  • Reviewing basic sales strategies

    January 1, 2010

    This article will do little to move sales methods in a new direction. However, we sometimes overlook the obvious, no matter the size of the company, in finding the next order.

  • The business benefits of fabric

    January 1, 2010

    Digital technology continues to put fabrics into new and innovative applications.

  • At GGBailey.com, car owners can order carpeting shaped for their particular car and visualize it in different colors and designs. The configurator offers more than 200,000 possible combinations. Photo: GG Bailey.

    Making mass customization personal

    November 24, 2009

    Mass customization helps companies meet customers’ real needs—efficiently.

  • Investing in new equipment and technology

    November 1, 2009

    Using an up-to-date game plan, understanding the purpose, defining a course of action, and carrying out the plan with contingencies will allow you to define the mission and goal.

  • Equipment and workflow: Industry experts answer

    Sponsored by Fabric Graphics Association

    Taking into account all factors, what are your three most important considerations for making an equipment purchase?

    Quality, versatility and price.
    Susanne Jansson, principal, Better Mousetrap LLC, Long Island City, N.Y.

    In order of importance: One is need, two is advancement of technology since last purchase, three is economies of operation, four is cost.
    Pat Hayes, CPP, chairman, Fabric Images Inc., Elgin, Ill.

    What are the needs of my customer and will this equipment fill that need? What are the operating costs associated, primarily consumables? Will this equipment position me for the future or will it only get me caught up? The preference is future position.
    Tony Schmitt, product development manager, Optima Graphics, Fenton, Mo.

    What is your biggest workflow problem, and what steps have you taken to solve it?

    Problem: Finishing and packaging, because clients do not give you enough time to produce a product, and the delay of production because the client file is not supplied correctly and keeping the same due date.
    Solution: Putting verbiage in your requirements and estimates hoping the client will not be working last minute themselves.
    Susanne Jansson, principal, Better Mousetrap LLC, Long Island City, N.Y.

    Problem: Fast turnarounds, and inter-department scheduling.
    Solution: Alignment of staff needs, implementation of new operations software, improved project management.
    Pat Hayes, CPP, chairman, Fabric Images Inc., Elgin, Ill.

    Problem: Time.
    Solution: I have petitioned to have an extra 75 minutes added to each day.
    Tony Schmitt, product development manager, Optima Graphics, Fenton, Mo.