In preparing for today’s post this morning, I was thinking back to my MBA subject on management theory and the timeless wisdom of Peter Drucker: “what gets measured gets managed.” This golden rule, though broad, has found a special home in the heart of our ZenSmart production management system both unintentionally and incredibly intentionally at the same time. “Unintentionally” because any smart production management system would be forced to bring this idea to life by tracking every step of the production journey to offer a level of oversight and fine-tuning for the whole process and “Intentionally” because we have never limited ourselves just to the production process, thinking about all the pre-production processes and post-production processes equally.
The “Must-Have” of Detailed Tracking
Navigating from the start of an order to its shipment is complex, filled with spots where things can slip through the cracks. Old-school methods, or even worse, no system at all, mean parts of this journey are left unseen. This can lead to mistakes, delays, and those feared “black holes” where both products and profits vanish. But, with a sophisticated production management system lighting the way, these once murky processes become clear and controllable.
The shift to such a system is literally game-changing. What used to be a process shrouded in mystery, reliant on guesswork, becomes transparent and under control. This clarity doesn’t just make things run smoother; it also lets managers spot and fix issues before they become bigger problems.
But just tracking everything isn’t enough. The true magic of a modern production management system is in how it takes all that data, breaks it down, and shows managers where and how they can improve. With tools for reporting and dashboards, managers get the insights they need to make smart decisions fast, tweaking the workflow on the go to cut down on waste and boost profits in real-time.
A Closer Look
Imagine a system that doesn’t just follow the order process but also keeps an eye on everything from how jobs are grouped and processed to how efficiently each printer is working, the performance and productivity of staff and even what happens after printing, like shipping and handling. This kind of system doesn’t just track every possible aspect of production but also gives the means to dive deep into the data and make real changes where they’re needed.
In today’s tight-margin world, I don’t think being able to fully see, understand, and adjust your production process is just nice to have; it’s essential. A production management system that can do all this gives print-on-demand businesses a way to leap over traditional hurdles, turning problems into chances for growth and new ideas – and anything short of total oversight is either naivety to available solutions or malpractice on the part of the management team.
Wrapping Up
Drucker’s idea that you can only manage what you measure finds its perfect match in modern production management systems like ZenSmart. By offering detailed tracking, deep analysis, and actionable insights, these systems equip businesses to not only survive but thrive in the bustling print-on-demand market. As the industry moves forward, adopting these tools will be crucial for staying efficient and keeping ahead of the competition.
If you’d like to learn more about how ZenSmart integrates the principles of comprehensive measurement, analysis, and actionable insights into its platform, and how it can transform your print-on-demand operations, visit our website at zensmart.ai. Discover the full capabilities of ZenSmart in streamlining your production processes, enhancing efficiency, and driving growth in a competitive landscape.
