NZ minister helps printers toast industry training scheme

The Communications and Marketing Industry Training Organisation productivity project- promoted by PrintNZ Training over the last two years - involves consultants assisting companies to achieve greater productivity.

The initiative reviews workplace practices, culture and relationships. A key element of the process is a focus on how each staff member can contribute to both problem solving and establishing a more efficient workspace.

Wilkinson (pictured) told ProPrint she enjoyed the opportunity to discuss the merits of the project with those directly involved.

"If the New Zealand economy is going to achieve its potential then we should be seeking out productivity gains and it's great to see businesses and industry organisations combining to show initiative on this front," she said.

Permark Industries director David Jack said the visit entailed showing the minister examples of how the initiative was being implemented on site as well as a half-hour discussion on the subject.

Jack describes the "lean manufacturing" concept behind this initiative as being "probably the most empowering" of the productivity-enhancing theories he had seen during his career.

"The first technique - 'Five S' - really covers good organisation and tidiness within the workplace," he said.

"That on its own has helped people get rid of junk that has been sitting around for a long time, organise their work areas in a way that they would prefer rather than the way management has laid it out and take some pride in having everything in the right place," added Jack.

"That also has an indirect effect in that it means you don't have to go looking for a rule or a chart of Pantone colours. It makes the place more productive," he said.

"The second technique -- 'Route Cause Analysis' -- means people can identify the root causes within our operational processes that are causing defects or reworks and help resolve those.

"We are only halfway through but we are heavily committed to it and can see the benefits that will arise," said jack.

PrintNZ chief executive Joan Grace said every company that had taken part in the initiative had reported productivity improvements.

"Pressures on costs, changing technology and new customer requirements make looking at productivity improvements a key business imperative," said Grace.

The initiative begun with Department of Labour sponsorship and PrintNZ remodelled the concept to a sustainable scheme in its second year.

This essentially has seen companies returning the funding as they improved their productivity, thereby creating additional funds for the next company to become involved.