New benchmarking model for Get Connected conference

The association has unveiled a new look benchmarking system, Rapid Benchmarking, designed to help companies in the printing industry improve their bottom line. The new system comes with a host of features previously unavailable in Australia.

Printing Industries has also engaged international benchmarking consultant Paul Coronel to present a session during the conference, speaking on the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of top performing companies and how these can be translated into profits of other companies.

In the lead up to the conference, the new top end entry level, Rapid Complete, has had its user cost reduced by almost 30 per cent from $1320 to $935. The conference promotion special will run until 25 November 2005.

Philip Andersen, acting CEO of Printing Industries, said Rapid Complete was the closest you could get to having automated integration of company data into a benchmarking system.

“It is designed specifically for the vast number of MYOB users. Companies receive a tailored General Ledger Chart of Accounts to integrate with their existing MYOB software. This provides a seamless integration for all of a company's accounting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs),” he said.

Mr Andersen said research since the introduction of printing industry specific benchmarking in 2002 had shown the time needed for data entry, complexity of the data depth and entry cost (ranging up to $3100) prevented some companies from using the system.

“While establishment of the system was costly, technology advancement has allowed development of many new features and a significant reduction in developmental and maintenance costs.”

“The system is now easier to use, has quicker or automated data entry options, has better graphics and a cash benefit calculator that allows users to quantify the cost savings to be made by fixing any identified performance gaps in their business.”

Rapid Benchmarking features a range of support levels tailored to suit the size and managements needs of all companies - including a basic low cost entry model through to the fully supported Rapid Complete model requiring very little company data entry effort.

The new system will be demonstrated during the Get Connected conference by Paul Coronel, CEO of Benchmarking PLUS and architect of Printing Industries Rapid Benchmarking Online system (see September edition of Print21 magazine). Mr Coronel is the author of the internationally acclaimed Benchmarking Self-Help Manual: Your Organisation's Guide to Achieving Best Practice and a benchmarking consultant to organisations and government bodies in Australia, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Sweden, UK and USA.

Get Connected is being co-ordinated by Printing Industries and is a consolidation of Printing Industries NSW Conference and Business Awards, the LIA's Biennial Conference and the Forum of Asian Graphic Arts Technology being hosted for the first time by Australia.

The conference, at the Sydney Shangri-La hotel from 16-19 November 2005, in addition to the international presentations, will feature a plenary program, an international forum, streamed business sessions and a streamed technical program developed by the LIA.

For more information contact Joe Kowalewski at Printing Industries on (02) 9789 7300 e-mail: joe@printnet.com.au or Bob Lamont at the LIA Ph. (02) 9876 4049 lamont57@ozemail.com.au.