Industry Insight

Process Audits Unlock Operation Inefficiencies

April 16, 1999, Vienna, VA—Chuck Blevins & Associates recently completed process analysis evaluations for the Sarasota Herald—Tribune in Florida and The Columbian in Vancouver, Washington. Results and benefits received from these evaluations helped improve inefficiencies in each newspaperís operation.

Sarasota Herald—Tribune commissioned CBAssociates to perform a three-day process evaluation of the packaging operation. The focus was to seek out opportunities to improve in the areas of productivity, quality, scheduling, communications and expense cut backs. Working with supervisors and lead personnel, CBAssociates identified various problems and offered solutions for short-and long-term implementation. Several recommendations were instituted imMediately. It was apparent, overtime, these improvements will create a high return on investment for the audit performed.

The Columbian requested CBAssociates conduct a production process study. The objective was to identify opportunities to improve quality, organization and processes. CBAssociates formed a team with the staff to look at all aspects of the operation from input by editorial and advertising, to the output and circulation. The process identified an opportunity to improve reproduction and resulted in a press test, during the visit, to benchmark quality. The suggested areas for improvement were documented in a written report, intended for the staff to implement over time.

Like the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and The Columbian, many newspapers are continually challenged to improve their operation. Currently, a special consideration has been the difficulty in obtaining part time help. The average hourly wage per hour worked and the administrative costs have increased more rapidly than any other labor expense. These issues have created the need to improve productivity and simplify work processess.

The intent of a CBAssociates process audit is to evaluate methods used in the process, the deployment of people, equipment utilized and how it is configured. Once this information is understood, opportunities for improvement are then pursued and guidelines for implementation are created. Tasks of an audit often include reviewing production reports and procedures; conducting on-site, interviews and observations; developing short- and long-term improvement opportunities; providing alternative solutions; establishing implementation
scenarios; and providing implementation assistance.

In addition to operations efficiency, productivity and quality improvement services, CBAssociates offers and operations planning, equipment specifications, selection, and design layout; and distribution consulting.

For information on Chuck Blevins & Associates and its services, please contact Janelle Piccola at 303-431-5909 or e-mail us at Janellepiccola@chuckblevins.com.