Buying new production finishing equipment for your print business is an exciting yet sometimes stressful experience. New equipment can solve problems, boost productivity, and reduce touchpoints. Who wouldn’t want to eliminate production bottlenecks, waste, and lost revenue while generating new profits? When handled correctly, equipment installation can be a smooth and seamless transition. However, without proper planning and execution, the process can quickly turn into a disaster.
So, what makes an installation successful? The key is well-planned delivery, installation, and training. Here’s how to ensure a successful setup:
Source the Correct Solution for Your Needs
Purchasing the right solution for your needs and your customers is key when shopping for new equipment for your print business. If your customers are asking for a specific type of finishing, make sure you’re getting the equipment that has the ability to do so. If not, you’ll be wasting time and money getting the wrong equipment out and the right equipment in.
Read: Print Finishing 101 – Essential Techniques in Printing
Determine the Location for Your New Equipment Installation
Determining where the hardware will fit physically into the production environment is very important. Take note of the equipment dimensions and make sure it will fit into the space you have available.
Having the right finishing device in the correct location plays a pivotal role in an efficient, streamlined process. The production process starts out electronically via computers or workstations before the job goes to print. Place the finishing equipment between the presses and the next production stage, such as packing or shipping. It’s a step that can translate into hours of saved time.
Determine How the Equipment Will Get Inside the Building
After the new equipment is delivered, the next step is to move it into the production environment. If you have a warehouse or dock available, getting it inside should be no hassle. But what if you don’t? What if you’re on the top floor with no access to an elevator? What is the minimum opening the equipment must fit through? Is a forklift and operator available? These are some of the important questions to consider. A site survey is a very good idea so there are no surprises during the installation process.
Ensure You Have Adequate Power Available
Most print shops are already equipped to meet the power requirements of their equipment. It’s still important to take note of the power the new equipment requires and double check your shop has the power sources at the necessary capacities.
Provide Ventilation and Compressed Air
There’s certain equipment, such as UV coaters and perfect binders, that require ventilation and possibly compressed air. If the machine requires ventilation, is there a way to vent the unit? Ensure this is addressed before the equipment arrives.
Train Your Operators During the Equipment Installation
When the proper solution has its place in the facility, it’s time to address the day-to-day operation and maintenance. This is where training comes in.
First and foremost, before the trainer sets foot in the door, make sure to read the instructions! All equipment manufacturers publish documentation. It’s a good idea to review the operation manuals and get familiar with the new equipment. Getting your hands on the documentation during the sales process is a great way to see how a manufacturer views its products and support.
Determine what skills the operators must possess, match them with the equipment, and set up a time with the training staff. Make sure this meets the time required for the training. This is not: “Hey c’mon in Monday morning and we’ll give you an hour.” Training will set the foundation for the success of the new solution. The time set aside for training is just that – time allocated without interruptions, except for the periodic breaks.
When it comes to integrating a piece of automated finishing equipment, workflow is extremely important. A working knowledge of the Digital Front End (DFE) is required. The finishing equipment trainee or operator doesn’t need to know the DFE, however, there needs to be someone who does. A typical digital print environment usually involves more than one person, so the team has to be on board with the training. Prepare to create impositions for the various applications that will be produced.
Ask Questions Before and During the Equipment Installation
And finally, ask questions! Ask questions during the sales cycle, before installation, and during training. Be sure to get the trainer’s contact information and set up a follow up appointment before the trainer leaves. Questions will arise after training and it’s a good idea to address these at the follow up.
There you have it! Your guide to a successful finishing equipment installation. Executing these tasks in the proper order will help result in a hassle-free delivery, installation, and training of your new equipment. It’s all about making the transition easy for you and your staff, and planning ahead will help you get there.
Alan McLean
Regional Sales Director
Duplo USA
