Koenig & Bauer’s Florian Spiekermann, director of special projects and analytics, answers questions to a group assembled for a pre-installation training of a Koenig & Bauer Rapida press console

Important proactive approach and face-to-face training for the most sophisticated automated presses

• Pre-installed training on the latest programs, software updates, and processes for peak performance
• Process automation training boosts production performance capabilities
• Development of a significant training initiative in Dallas for press operators

As Koenig & Bauer launches more sophisticated Rapida presses with advanced programs and automation, its service team is continually making a proactive effort to keep press operators and technicians up-to-date with expert training. At its Dallas headquarters, Koenig & Bauer has recently introduced a new training initiative that simulates a complete press electronically from a network perspective. Users have been visiting in small, focused groups to begin training and learn on press operation and software in anticipation of their press arriving.

“We pride ourselves on offering the most robust service organization that provides the highest uptime for our customers,” says Chris Talbert, senior vice president of service and operations at Koenig & Bauer (US/CA). “It’s important for our sheetfed press customers to feel ready to use their new press and thrive at peak performance. They’re operating their new press smarter, faster, and more responsive. To gain that confidence, we are offering maximum process automation training to boost their on-site performance capabilities. It is geared to each individual setting, their unique needs, and press purchase.”

Our presses are the most automated in the industry so it is important prior to the installation to have a thorough understanding of the overall process and how to organize your daily operation for peak performance, explains Florian Spiekermann, Koenig & Bauer’s Director Special Projects & Analytics, who leads the program training. “Some operators and technicians prefer in-person help to follow the documentation. Communication is far more effective in person. There’s a lot of “a-ha” moments.” With the fast flow of new processes and automation being introduced, Spiekermann is the conduit between the factory and the customer technicians to help them get a better understanding. During the training, he uses online quizzes to ensure that they are able to hit the ground running when the press arrives.

“We’re very pleased with the enthusiasm toward the training and the positive outcomes. Having these technicians and press operators on site here in Dallas allows them to focus on the programming tasks and nothing else,” says Spiekermann. “It also allows them to see our corporate office and meet with the various departments that will support their press purchase for years to come.”