"We consider our department to be a hybrid operation in that we know which process will provide the best result for our clients. That can mean keeping a job in or sending it out," explains Linda Bettler, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Print & Copy Services Manager.

Because printing is regulated by state statutes, all printing not produced internally must go out for bids regardless of the dollar value. "Clients just tell us what they need and we take care of it from there, identifying if it can be more efficiently produced internally or externally," she explains. "This is actually a very nice service which we provide our clients. They don't have to contact vendors or the purchasing department." 

But thanks to the installation of a Presstek DI Press and color copier about 4 years ago, a lot less work is going outside. "The DI is one of the best decisions we have made." Before that the team, comprised of 13 full-time staff members and 6 part-time student workers, didn't have the capability to produce any 4-color work in-house. Now over 50% of their work is 4-color, reducing the work sent out and providing even greater savings for the state.

The DI is a perfect fit, says Bettler, for all of their 4-color, 11" by 17" and under work in quantities ranging from 500 to 10,000. She advises other in-plants considering a similar installment to have experts set up and calibrate the machine for optimum usage. Their other equipment includes a Ryobi 17-inch, two-color press for producing envelopes, business cards and letterhead; and two Heidelberg 14-inch, 2-color presses for larger-run, heavier coverage one and two color work. For short-run color, they rely on the Xerox 240 color copier and for black and white the Xerox 4110.

The Printing Department also manages the printer/copier lease program which has steadily grown to just under 300 machines. "We provide a one-stop service to our clients in that all toner, 20# white bond paper, maintenance and service are included in the lease price," she explains. "It is a real convenience for customers as they don't have to deal with monitoring the machine, ordering paper and supplies." Plus it's provided real cost-savings, compared to clients buying their own printers and having to purchase the supplies and paper on a regular basis.

When the current leases expire next year, they will replace their digital equipment. "We are starting now to research various equipment and the possibilities of expanding our capabilities with new equipment."

Money-Saving Tip for Other In-Plants

Just recently they placed order-agreements for cut-size paper (12-3/8" x 18-1/8") in two of their most commonly used stocks which are only available in full-size sheets. "We ordered a year's worth and the vendor is keeping it on the floor for us. The cost was equal to or less per thousand sheets, plus we save the cost and time of cutting the sheets ourselves for every job. That can add up. We use this size run sheet on all our presses in our shop which is another time saver in itself."