(Pismo Beach, Calif.) In the February 2022 article of the Graphic Communication Advisors Group (GCAG), well known industry consultant, Howie Fenton, presents an article entitled, A Roadmap to Becoming an Industry Leader in Print Production.

In his article, Fenton stresses the importance of having multiple skill sets that he calls traditional and new skills needed to be successful in the modern printing industry. He presents examples of how production expertise relates to specific leadership requirements such as listening, identifying staff skill levels, hiring the right type of person, developing a competitive edge, problem solving, and understanding the risks of new technology.

Fenton also stresses the importance of knowing how to quantify day-to-day performance, and establishing what he calls “benchmarking ratios.” His article describes five specific strategies used by industry leaders: Process improvement, root cause analysis, bottlenecks assessments, cross-training, and software automation. Fenton concludes that, while many companies believe they are world-class manufacturers, only a few achieve that level of performance when not practicing the management strategies that he describes.

Harvey Levenson, Cal Poly Professor Emeritus and coordinator of the GCAG, said: “Howie Fenton is a longtime advisor, consultant, author, and speaker for the printing industry. He has a proven track record of success in assisting companies to grow and prosper, and be competitive in a fast-changing industry.”

Fenton’s complete article can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/2nmx8ee5 

Howard “Howie" Fenton is a trusted advisor to commercial and in-plant printers. A noted author of five books and hundreds of articles and blogs, Fenton is a sought-after consultant and engaging speaker. He is a subject matter expert on benchmarking operational and financial performance and the best practices used by leading companies. His knowledge of hardware, software, process improvement, and best practices allows him to identify and repair inefficient processes, overcome bottlenecks, and improve financial and operational effectiveness. Howie’s knowledge of the printing industry is rooted in market research and practical experience. After honing his skills for decades with GATF, PIA, NAPL, and InfoTrends he founded Howie Fenton Consulting. He can be reached at: [email protected] or phone: 720 872-6339.

About the Graphic Communication Advisors Group
The Raymond J. Prince Graphic Communication Advisors Group (GCAG) is a team of specialists and experts accessible to the printing, publishing, packaging, and related communities. The group provides fresh, outside perspectives representing a broad range of experiences and a long-term commitment to all facets of the graphic arts industries. Many of the GCAG consultants and practitioners are printing industry “household names” and best-known managers, technologists, scientists, researchers, authors, and Expert Witnesses. They bring the power of their deep expertise and problem-solving acumen to bear on training and solving difficult problems. See: https://hrlevenson.wixsite.com/gcag.