 It's The Workflow
A "hybrid" workflow requires the latest workflow and prepress tools to queue jobs in the most efficient manner and achieve the kind of output quality where the end customer doesn't know (or care) what technologies were used to print them. Two technologies simplify the process.
The first technology is automated workflow integrated via JDF with an offset press, as well as cut-sheet digital and grand-format inkjet devices. Hybrid workflows enable different components of a print campaign to be imaged across different output devices. When done properly, this type of workflow reduces errors, eliminates redundancies, and gives a printer the most cost-effective way to produce the job.
The second technology is color management based on ICC profiling, an easy-to-use "super technology" that delivers measurable savings and a high-quality product. When a provider runs his offset and digital presses in parallel, color consistency is key, especially as print jobs morph into media campaigns. "Smart" or "intelligent automation can enable a shop to automate up to 75 percent of its workload, permitting operators to focus on the 25 percent that needs attention. Smart automation also builds in a common user interface for offset and digital presses with the help of digital management tools designed to facilitate scheduling, job tracking, and job costing for digital jobs, as well as to route jobs to their "best fit" technology.
As more print shops offer a combination of sheetfed offset printing, toner-based digital printing, and wide-format inkjet imaging; high end print buyers will expect their corporate identities to exhibit a consistent look across all types of media. The hallmark of good color management in a hybrid workflow is that the measurable output from various devices appears visually similar, regardless of printing process or materials used.
Regardless of technology used, the first step toward competent color management is to define and commit to a color standard, e.g. ISO, GRACol and SWAP. Options for achieving standardization include G7 methodology or G-7 certified Gray Balance Optimization. In an appropriately color-managed hybrid workflow, an operator uses ICC profiles to manipulate the usable color gamut for each color-calibrated device, such that all devices will output to the chosen standard. Properly implemented, the same color-managed workflow that supports a printer's offset department can give all of the components in a print marketing campaign the same look, feel, and color consistency.
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 Kyger Weighs In on Bulletin Board Policies
A recent discussion on the PIA Human Relations ListServ focused on bulletin boards. Some firms reported having restrictive policies (i.e. postings must be approved beforehand) while others were more laissez-faire. While the argument for open posting can be conducive in helping create a sense of community among employees, there are dangers, according to Jim Kyger, Assistant Vice President of Human Relations at PIA. He weighs in as follows:
There are certainly pros and cons for allowing employee postings on bulletin boards. Traditionally, the reason to restrict such postings was because of a union threat. If management allows open postings to employees, it cannot refuse to allow notices regarding union affairs. Some additional thoughts:
- Printing unions are in decline and so far this year they have only won one NLRB conducted election with a small IT government contractor (non-printer) outside of Washington, DC. There were only six people in the voting unit. 20 years ago there were as many as 40 elections per year.
- Allowing employee postings on a bulletin board directly affects, and possibly invalidates, major portions of any No Solicitation/Distribution policy that a company might have.
- While a decline in union activity is great news, things may change if the NLRB allows for "quickie" elections.
For more information or to join the HR Listserv free of charge, contact Jim Kyger at jkyger@printing.org.
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 When To Write Things Down
Some situations require written documentation. While it seems that society has become addicted to emails, there are instances that definitely require written documentation. Among these are legal agreements such as contracts, and recommendations or approvals in the workplace. The following scenarios also call for written documentation. - Quick Turnaround. If you need a quick decision or response and can't be around to answer questions, you'll save time by writing a note covering the key points and explaining what is needed.
- Complicated Topics. When the subject is hard to understand, providing a thorough background that the reader can go over as necessary is frequently more effective than trying to explain it in person.
- Distribution. If the information must be distributed to a number of people, it's generally more cost-effective to write a message rather than deliver it personally in a meeting. You'll save time by writing it up at the outset, especially if you must copy in more than a few people.
- Control. By putting the issue into writing under your name, you stand a better chance of staying in the loop and controlling how it's interpreted and acted upon. People will be likely to include you - "the author" - in their discussions and plans.
- Protection. When you must make a controversial decision, it's wise to record the decision-making process. Documenting the information available at the time, the options that were considered, and how the final decision was made provides a factual basis for answering questions that might surface later.
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 Consider These Plusses When Vets Apply Recruiting? Here's why you should give service veterans a second look. First, they have varied abilities. Soldiers returning from overseas know how to more than handle a weapon or drive a jeep. In addition to their specialized job skills, they've also learned how to work in self-managed teams, acquire strong communications skills, and keep their heads in a crisis. Second, they've been conditioned to quickly absorb training. And finally, they tend to be goal-oriented and embrace esprit de corps.
Source: Inc.com
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 Quote For The Week "A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows your strengths, feels your fears but fortifies..."
William Arthur Ward
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