Board games

The scheduling board is the nerve center of most printing plants. It is part of a larger effort that looks at an entire plant and sequences the work for maximum plant optimization. But many so-called scheduling boards are actually "shuffle boards." Most MIS programs offer decent scheduling modules, and with the advent of JDF-enabled equipment, information gathering can begin during the job quoting process. Remember that a scheduler is only as good as the information he or she is given. Mismatched estimating and scheduling standards are the Achilles' heel of many printing plants. Too many printers use their estimating standards to influence selling price. When the quote is converted into a job and entered into the scheduling system/MIS, the hours are unrealistic. Effective scheduling requires company-wide cooperation. This can be difficult -- if someone needs to get a job out, he or she does not want to hear about following procedures. But it all comes down to discipline and workflow.