Determining Production Management Requirements in Graphic Arts Companies

For some time, production management systems have been developed for and implemented at companies in the graphic arts industry. Earlier studies show, however, that many companies, do not have enough resources in time or competence to determine the need for and the right level of a system. This also depends on missing or poor business concepts and strategies. It must be clear what kind of production the production management system shall support. This paper deals with production focus analysis in graphic arts companies, primarily of small size with up to 50 employees. The companies can themselves analyze their activities and focus with respect to a number of key figures and critical parameters (e.g. product structures, production equipment, collaboration and networking). The results of this analysis will assist companies in making an appropriate specification of requirements for their production management system.