
Supervisor Printing Sector

The most significant issue was organizing and computerizing the production processes. The premises in which we were located as well as our work methods resulted in an incredible loss of productivity (frequent production transfers, employee travel – including long distances and from one location to another, etc.) This change required that our working environment be renovated and reorganized, which was not a simple task at the Université de Montréal. I submitted some preliminary plans as to how I wanted to restructure the work flow inside the premises. I also knew that I had to change our production equipment and purchase newer equipment. But more was required; we needed to computerize the entire order to delivery process. I therefore developed a complete project to renovate, reorganize and computerize our work, this would require an investment of nearly two million dollars, including a self financing plan that would use any productivity and efficiency pay-offs.
We renovated the premises and reorganized production; then we started on the computerization phase. First, we focused on order-taking and acquired the PrintSys software from Prisme Technologies inc. This software would allow our clientele to order online via our website. The second step of this phase involved the installation of ‘drives’ in each sector of production to monitor, in real time, the production process. Online orders were slow to come, but today we get more than 80% of our orders online and our production is nearly 100% computerized. Invoicing remains the only function to be finalized.
To summarize, although theses changes were somewhat upsetting to our staff while they were occurring, our personnel is now very happy with the results and the new work environment. The atmosphere in the workplace is excellent and teamwork, motivation and commitment are just as impressive. In fact, the project was cost-effective and produced a pay-off that will help us reimburse our loan. The project can be considered a complete success through and through.
Director
Auxiliary services