PFFC - November 2008 - (Page 14)

PROCESS MANAGEMENT Tune Up Your People products and address any current problems and improvement opportunities. A word of caution: Preview supplier training to assure that a consistent message will be delivered. In addition to the proven training provided by various trade schools and community colleges, there are some very innovative, nontraditional programs now available to converters. Press simulators are becoming more widely used and are available from Sinapse Print (www.sinapseprint.com). These are designed specifically for packaging applications By David Argent in gravure, wide and narrow web flexo, corrugated, Contributing Editor and offset applications. The simulator runs with two monitors—one shows the press and its setup, Cause-and-Effect Diagram and the other shows the resultant print output. Presses can be set up with alternate substrates Manpower Methods and equipment for use as a virtual diagnostic and training program. In addition, custom-designed software packages allow the student to interactively practice problem-solving techniques off-press. Environment Problem (Effect) Included in the software is a monitoring and cost analysis package that allows the training process to correlate effective press utilization with the theoretiMachines Materials cal cost on a “live” press. The training tool analyzes individual student performance against recommended The purpose of this column is to present some solutions to problems. There is a certification program thoughts on effective training, since this endeavor based on industry partnering that links certified trainis a significant time and cost commitment. Here are ers with trainees for training delivery and testing. four basic points to consider as you set up training: Another new training program is being offered by the Flexographic Technical Assn. (FTA) under u Train for specific objectives with numeric the name of “TEST” (Technical Education Services measures relevant to the business and that Team). This is the TEST Virtual Campus, an onaddress the problem or problems at hand. line resource where users can browse, download, or u Use training content to achieve the objectives. purchase streamlined FIRST (Flexographic Image u Deliver the training, and test for comprehension. Reproduction Specifications and Tolerances), which This test does not need to be intimidating— are considered to be compliant learning materials. simple multiple choice works well. TEST currently offers both the Level 1 and 2 ceru Monitor the numeric measures, and reinforce tification programs through the campus and is worktraining as required. ing diligently to have Level 3 available by mid-fall. In addition, TEST offers hundreds of other courses Do you have reservations about past training ex- covering professional development, OSHA safety, and periences? You may wish to examine how this Microsoft, among others. For more informaframework might have helped. tion contact TEST@flexography.org. Most suppliers to the converting inAll of this is well and good, but it dustry have training programs staffed still lies with converter management and funded for their customers, to work through the four steps given and it makes sense to utilize them. above and make sure the training Examples of such training would be gets the required measurable results. ROOT CAUSE on the correct use and handling of If not, it might be the equivalent of ANALYSIS inks, anilox rolls, plates, treaters, and just “taking the trainees to lunch.” A substrates. Suppliers are eager to get nice gesture, but did anything change in front of the hands-on users of their in the operation? he cause-and-effect diagram shown below (also known as the “fishbone” or “Ishikawa” diagram after its creator Kaoru Ishikawa) is used to systematically list all the different causes that can be attributed to a specific problem (or effect). A cause-and-effect diagram can help identify the reasons why a process goes out of control. Many times the focus is on every branch of the chart except “Manpower.” When the Manpower branch is examined, and there is a perceived capability issue with personnel, the subject of training comes up. T COMING NEXT MONTH Process improvement expert David Argent has 30+ years of experience in process analysis with particular emphasis on ink and coating design and performance. Contact him at 636-391-8180; djvargent@sbcglobal.net. 14 | NOVEMBER 2008 WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM http://www.sinapseprint.com http://WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of PFFC - November 2008

PFFC - November 2008 Contents First Glance Calendar of Events From the Editor Web Lines Process Management News Clips Narrow Web & Label Reporter Narrow Web & Label: What’s New Products TLMI Awards Card Making Web Coating Ink Dispensing Lab/Pilot/Technical Facilities Directory Testing & Measuring Products What’s New Products Services Directory Classified Marketplace Advertisers Index Experience Speaks

PFFC - November 2008

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