Content-Rich Annual Conference Explores ‘21st Century Economics’

After a networking break, Jeff Howard, principal consultant of The George Group gave an in-depth exposition of the tenets and applications of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma as they apply in various industries as well as for printing equipment suppliers.

Howard’s presentation was followed by the NPES Chairman’s Report, in which Agfa Graphics President Thomas Saggiomo outlined some critical aspects of transformation our industry is undergoing. Modern printers are integrating their business models with return-on-investment strategies for their customers; new technologies (particularly those developed by NPES member companies) play a crucial role in bolstering efficiency and productivity to enhance the bottom line. Although print encompasses the fourth largest industry in the country, Saggiomo explained, productivity per employee currently ranks only 50th at $125K per employee,