The latest economic Flash report from Printing Industries of America is out in which Dr. Ron Davis handicaps three possible future paths for the economy and print markets over the next two years. Ron also shares some thoughts on contingency planning for a downside scenario. Get your copy here.

Dr. Mark Bohan, with PIA's Center for Technology and Research offered this definition of 5S: 5S is a method of workplace organization and visual controls developed in Japan and popularized by Toyota.  It is a structured and disciplined method of organizing and running the workplace for improved productivity, safety, and quality at reduced costs and higher efficiency.  

The five Japanese terms starting with "S" have been translated into English as:
 

Sort - Separate needed tools and materials from unneeded ones and remove the latter.
 

Straighten (or Set in Order) - Neatly arrange and identify tools and materials for ease of use.
 

Shine - Conduct a cleanup campaign so the work area is swept and clean.
 

Standardize - Develop best practices for maintaining high standards of housekeeping and workplace organization.
 

Sustain - Form the habit of always following the first four steps.

5S implementation is not that difficult, but becomes truly useful as a key component of Lean Manufacturing.  Join one of our Lean Manufacturing groups to find out various ways to help improve your firm's productivity - regardless of the industry you're in!  Contact Dave Pierson for more information.

Computer equipment.  Production equipment.  Credit card merchant services. Towel & Uniform Services.  401K Plan Administration.  OSHA/Safety Compliance.  Human Resource Outsourcing.

When was the last time you needed one of the above services?  Did you consider contacting your Association?

As your company's Trusted Source, we've developed agreements with supplier partners like Apple, Xerox, CardConnect, ARAMARK, Printers 401K, and several industry consultants who provide exclusive services and special pricing for members.  So, don't forget that we have dozens of programs which can provide your company valuable resources at competitive pricing.  Give us a call and generate an ROI on your member dues!

The Solvent-Contaminated Wipe Rule was put into effect by the EPA on January 23, 2014.  The rule is "de-regulatory," which requires each state to adopt the rule in order for it to be in effect.  Texas has adopted the rule and it is interim in Kansas.  Missouri and Oklahoma are in the process of reviewing it.

EPA's rule modified the hazardous waste management regulations to conditionally exclude both reusable and disposable solvent-contaminated wipes that are managed according to the requirements specified in the rule. 

The requirements are as follows:

* During collection, storage, and disposal, the solvent-contaminated wipes must be in labeled and in non-leaking containers.  The labels must state "Excluded Solvent-Contaminated Wipes."
 

* The containers must be closed at all times.  The EPA defines a "closed container" as one with a lid being in complete contact with the container except when adding or removing wipes. 
 

* The solvent-contaminated wipes must not contain free liquids.  In order to meet this standard, operators must remove the liquid by wringing out the wipes prior to placing them into the container, utilizing a gravity draining system, centrifuging them, or using another approach. 
 

* The accumulation containers must be sealed when they are full as well as when they are being transported to the laundering facility. 
 

* The wipes have to be removed within 180 days from when they are first placed into the container.
 

* Documentation must be maintained in order to show compliance. This includes the name and address of the laundry facility, combustor or landfill where the solvent-contaminated wipes are being sent, how the 180 day accumulation time is being met, and a description of the process used to meet the "no free liquids" condition.

For more information regarding solvent-contaminated wipes, email [email protected] or contact the Association offices at [email protected] 

I was catching up on my readings and read "Printed Electronics - Salvation or Snake Oil" by Bruce Kahn published in PIA's "The Magazine" earlier this year.  I really liked Mr. Kahn's brutal honesty on this topic.  As he stated, "I have been involved in printed electronics for over 10 years. In every one of those years, pundits, prognosticators, and soothsayers predicted great things for the future, particularly the near future, most frequently 'next year'." 
 

Although he did a nice job of making the reader consider that which glitters is not always gold, I felt he could have gone further and reminded the audience that too often we think of technology as the product rather than as a tool to create a successful business.

In the case of printed electronics AND 3D printing, these technologies are not really printing - they are enhanced forms of manufacturing.  Consequently, the target audience for that product is not normally people who buy print - and that's where many of these soothsayers and futurists go astray in challenging our industry to expand into these markets.  

Yes, some print providers may have the know-how to make the technology work, but what is required are customers who buy - in serious amounts - what they are capable of producing. It also requires a sales force capable of selling in that market space.  This is a MAJOR challenge. One just needs to see the uphill battle the industry (as a whole) has experienced in having established sales reps sell digital printed products.

Does that mean printers should just fold up their tents and go away?  NO.  It means we need to focus on the fact that our industry is an integral part of the channels used in marketing products and providing information.  That's where our focus should be - not necessarily manufacturing technologies which happen to have "printing" in their title.