Monday, 14 July 2014

A Spotlight on - Our new Digital Presses and their Operators.

The last six months have been a real period of investment here at The SPS Group, with the addition of new equipment in-line with feedback from our clients. Alongside developments to our Mauve Software, we have added the Xerox iGen 150 V2, to increase our product offering with variable data collation. With the addition of several new clients, increasing capacity is a priority for us and the two new HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Presses have not only significantly increased capacity, but also provided excellent colour consistency and print quality.

There is no one better to tell you about the new equipment and what the investment means for you the client than our experts, so we interviewed the three key Digital Technicians to find out what they think about the new equipment.

Nick Applin - iGen Digital Printer

Please can you summarise your print experience to date?

I started a two-year apprenticeship at 16 years old, gained City and Guilds Levels 1&2 and spent nine years in the Army. I worked in the Print Industry in Germany for two years and have enjoyed working at The SPS Group for twenty one years, working with the Konica, screen print, B1 and now the iGen.

What do think are the main differences between the Xerox iGen 150 V2 and previous presses you have worked with?

The collation feature works really well with Mauve and I am already seeing significant time savings. We have used this feature on two major campaigns already with great results.

What do you feel about the equipment upgrades?

I feel really positive about the iGen, the colour management is much more automated, which means that I can concentrate on quality control. My role is much more efficient with the iGen.

How do they compare from an operational perspective?

The iGen doesn't need as much operator intervention, which saves time and increases capacity. The iGen is easier to use and the capabilities such as automated collation are really sophisticated.

Alan Smith - Digital Printer

Please can you summarise your print experience to date?

I have worked at The SPS Group for twenty five years. I worked on screen print for eighteen years and have been working with digital print now for seven years.

What do you feel about the equipment upgrades?

I think that the new HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press is a great investment. The new equipment is easier to use and jobs can be produced much faster.

How do they compare from an operational perspective?

The new equipment is user-friendly and the print quality is very nearly flawless.

Keith Ellis - Digital Technician

Please can you summarise your print experience to date?

I have worked with screen print for eight years and digital print for four years.

What do think are the main differences between the HP10000 and previous HP presses you have worked with?

The print process is much faster on the HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press. The colour management and print quality is also excellent, which has really improved our quality control processes.

What do you feel about the equipment upgrades?

I am really impressed with the HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press. The investment was significant and shows real commitment to organisational growth.

How do they compare from an operational perspective?

The HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press is really user friendly and efficient.

Keith Ellis - Digital Technician

Please can you summarise your print experience to date?

I have worked with screen print for eight years and digital print for four years.

What do think are the main differences between the HP10000

and previous HP presses you have worked with?

The print process is much faster on the HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press. The colour management and print quality is also excellent, which has really improved our quality control processes.

What do you feel about the equipment upgrades?

I am really impressed with the HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press. The investment was significant and shows real commitment to organisational growth.

How do they compare from an operational perspective?

The HP Scitex FB10000 Industrial Press is really user friendly and efficient.

Maria Parker-Harris

Group marketing Co-ordinator

The SPS Group

www.spsgroup.co.uk

Friday, 20 June 2014

The SPS Group's thoughts on Quality Control

Improving quality control is a continuous process for us at The SPS Group. Many projects and initiatives are currently in progress to enable us to produce the highest quality materials efficiently. Providing high quality, intuitive and intelligent retail marketing solutions to our clients is our primary goal. There is always room for improvement, so Darren, Nathan and Phil have shared their plans for future quality control progress.

Darren Clarke - Purchasing Manager

What were our initial QC challenges?

Buying the highest quality of materials, whilst remaining competitive is a challenge for us.

What procedures have we implemented to correct this?

Every effort has been made to test materials before live jobs. We are regularly challenging suppliers to provide new materials and techniques that can improve our production process. We are testing a range of new techniques and materials currently, so watch this space!

Nathan Hearn - Operations Manager

What were our initial QC challenges?

Timelines are becoming really challenging and the turnaround time is shrinking. Ensuring that everyone follows the correct procedure can be difficult.

What procedures have we implemented to correct this?

Quality control is a work in progress. We are increasing staff in the necessary areas, increasing staff training and will be implementing stock control zones. Clear procedures and quality management evaluation will help, alongside constantly challenging each department to look at the full system for improvement, we are also looking to complete the ISO 12647 for colour management.

Phil Chambers - Strategic Safety Systems

What were our initial QC challenges?

It was identified that our policy and procedures needed simplifying and a clear structure put in place.

What procedures have we implemented to correct this?

We have re-written the Quality Management System based on a flow-chart approach which looked at the process from enquiry to delivery. The changes can be found around the premises and department flowcharts are displayed on the relevant walls. This is important to ensure consistency and understanding throughout the business.

The flow-chart posters were a revolutionary approach and we are pleased to see many other organisations using the idea to improve their quality control procedures, with Certification Bodies promoting the flow-chart approach as best practice. We believe that as our business grows and adapts, so should our procedures. With this in mind our quality control process is constantly changing and improving

What are the industry best practices for QC?

Quality control goes much further than process, we have significantly upgraded our equipment in line with client feedback to provide new materials, techniques and concepts to the ever competitive retail market.

Maria Parker-Harris

Group marketing Co-ordinator

The SPS Group

www.spsgroup.co.uk

Friday, 16 May 2014

Finishing Scheduler Vacancy - Position Filled

Position Filled

Finishing Scheduler Vacancy

The SPS Group is a leading supplier within the point of sale industry working with some of the world’s most prestigious brands. We offer excellent service standards and product quality from initial design to implementation.

Purpose of job

Ensure the efficient loading of work onto the PM chart to meet client delivery dates.

Key duties and responsibilities

· Analyse scheduled resources continuously to anticipate overload and arrange additional resources necessary to resolve these with relevant Production Managers.

· Investigate and report upon potential bottlenecks in workflow to ensure job conflicts are reconciled.

· Constantly update the PM scheduling module to include resource, shift and plan maintenance to reflect the changing factory environment.

· Productively support and enforce the usage of ‘work to’ lists within each factory department together with the necessary pre-works order procedures within the main office.

· Liaise with relevant Managers to ensure client lead times provided are scheduled effectively in amongst live work.

· Provide alternative scenarios and recommendations regarding workflow re-scheduling that allow Managers to maximise capacity and increase production efficiencies.

· Consistently review associated processes and procedures for potential improvements.

Technical Requirements

· Skilled use of relevant Microsoft software including Word, Excel and the Internet.

· Skilled use of Prism (full training will be given).

· Previous experience of MIS system usage in comparable context.

Education and experience

· Relevant experience

· Minimum ‘A’ level education.

Please send CV to Nathan.Hearn@spsgroup.co.uk

#handfinishing, #finishingscheduler, #scheduling #POS, #thespsgroup, #vacancy

Goods In / Stock Controller Vacancy

The SPS Group is a leading supplier within the point of sale industry working with some of the world’s most prestigious brands. We offer excellent service standards and product quality from initial design to implementation.

Purpose of job

To maintain a smooth flow of work throughout the factory by accurately allocating materials and recording stock figures within the department.

Key duties and responsibilities

· Allocate stock to the correct job/promotion.

· Unload & Check materials for quality, Quantity & accuracy

· Forward plan which stock items are required and issue within the agreed timescale.

· Monitor stock levels; maintain stock control using location procedure, update records accordingly.

· Liaise with the Purchasing Manager and re order stock as required.

· Ensure all documentation is filled in correctly and relevant paperwork is taken to the office.

· Count unused stock back onto the system for future use.

· On receipt of new stock ensure it is recorded on system.

· Destroy old stock as and when required with the authority of the Purchasing Manager.

· Assist other stock controller(s) as and when required.

· Work to quality standards and job scheduling as defined by Manager.

· Maintain a flexible attitude to training and multitasking and promoting the team ethos within the department.

· Maintain cleanliness of department and ensure health and safety requirements are adhered to.

· Work cooperatively with all Managers.

· Any other reasonable duties as required.

Education and experience

· Experience of working in a stock control/issuing environment.

· Minimum secondary level education.

Technical Requirements

· Must have a valid fork lift licence.

· Working Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

· Stock Control Experience

Please send CV to Nathan.Hearn@spsgroup.co.uk

#goodsin, #POS, #thespsgroup, #vacancy, #stockcontrol

Wednesday, 14 May 2014

Goods Out Vacancy - Shift Worker - Position Filled

Position Filled

Goods Out Vacancy - Shift Worker

The SPS Group is a leading supplier within the point of sale industry working with some of the world’s most prestigious brands. We offer excellent service standards and product quality from initial design to implementation.

Purpose of job

Space Management of warehouse loading/unloading vehicles

Key duties and responsibilities

· Load finished goods on to the correct collection vehicle and book out on computer system.

· Ensure all pallets are clearly identified with the courier companies labels and paperwork.

· Ensure all pallets are suitably packed and strapped before loading

· Record collection times & names of courier companies

· Refer to the pre Despatch Summary and emails for the list of jobs due out on each given day and any additional updates.

· Ensure all relevant promotions that have been completed are cleared from the bench and stored with disposal date marked.

· Disposal of promotional “overs” once disposal date has expired for recycling or skipped.

· Maintain cleanliness of department and ensure health and safety requirements are adhered to (isles and hatched areas are kept clear redundant pallets are removed).

· Supply finished stock to relevant stock holding area and assist stock controllers with destruction lists.

· Book material in on computer system, update stock accordingly, any stock items are reordered through Manager.

· Ensure parcels are palletised and separated corresponding to relevant couriers ready for collection and relevant stock for despatch is retrieved and palletised.

· To assist the Finishing Department with any other finishing requirements.

· Collect and deliver goods on behalf of SPS. (Dependant on licence requirements and insurance cover)

· Maintaining a flexible attitude to training and multitasking and promoting the team ethos within the department.

· Liase closely with the Finishing, Logistics and Despatch Departments

· Work cooperatively with all Managers, Team leaders.

Technical Requirements

· Forklift truck licence – Counterbalance and preferably Bendi.

· Fully skilled knowledge of all hand finishing and ancillary equipment.

· Basic computer skills.

Education and experience

· Relevant experience

· Minimum secondary level education. GSCE or equivalent in English and numeracy

Please send CV to Nathan.Hearn@spsgroup.co.uk

#goodsout, #POS, #thespsgroup, #vacancy, #stockcontrol

Pre-press Operator Day Shift Vacancy - Position Filled

Position Filled

Pre-press Operator Day Shift Vacancy

The SPS Group is a leading supplier within the point of sale industry working with some of the world’s most prestigious brands. We offer excellent service standards and product quality from initial design to implementation.

Purpose of job

Preparation, Manipulation & Production of digital files ready for print.

Key duties and responsibilities

· Be ready for work at the allocated start time.

· Work cooperatively with all managers, team leaders and other staff members.

· Work to quality standards and job scheduling as defined by Manager.

· Maintain a flexible attitude to training and multitasking, promoting the team ethos within the department.

· Be responsible for and work within all cleanliness and health and safety requirements, keeping work areas clean and tidy.

· Ensure Jobs flow smoothly, accurately & efficiently through the department.

· Assess jobs, Manage & Plan appropriate action.

· Maintain a high level of accuracy & attention to detail.

· Maintain a high level of understanding of all relevant software packages.

· Problem solving, Assesses problems & finds the appropriate answer.

· Any other duties as required.

Technical Requirements

· Proven Knowledge & Understanding of Mac & PC platforms & all relevant software packages.

Education and experience

· Minimum secondary level education

· Minimum 2 Years Pre-Press/Design experience in litho.

Please send CV to Nathan.Hearn@spsgroup.co.uk

#litho, #POS, #thespsgroup, #vacancy, #printing #pre-press

Litho B1 Operator Vacancy - Position Filled

*Position Filled*

Litho B1 Operator Vacancy

SPS is a leading supplier within the point of sale industry working with some of the world’s most prestigious brands. We offer excellent service standards and product quality from initial design to implementation.

Due to our continued growth, we are now looking for a Litho No1 Operator. The candidate will need to demonstrate a strong colour management and quality control skills.

Purpose of Job

To ensure that all Litho jobs are completed to the highest standards, on time and in accordance with client requirements.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

· Work cooperatively with all other managers and team leaders to maintain good production schedules and work flow and ensure that there are no delays or bottlenecks in other parts of the production factory as a result of your section.

· Manage staff to ensure the workflow requirements are fully delivered to the next production section.

· Ensure all print is approved following the relevant process.

· Be aware of job planning through the system, i.e. prioritise jobs that need to go through extra procedures before leaving the factory to meet delivery deadlines.

· Highlight any potential problems as soon as possible and keep managers of relevant departments informed.

· Motivate and develop staff to ensure that their skills meet the requirements of the job

· Consistently control quality, accuracy and consistency for all jobs.

· Complete quality control certificates for all jobs.

· To produce and make ready printing plates for the machines when necessary.

· Complete all relevant forms and process data sheets e.g. Data capture, issue and return to stock forms.

· Ensure that all required health & safety measures are undertaken and that staff understands the risk assessments of their machinery.

· Ensure that all working areas are kept clean and tidy and free of hazards and that all required health & safety procedures are followed. (Following 5S program).

· Ensure that all equipment is operated and maintained effectively. Maintain press to a good working and clean standard, preventative maintenance as well as repair organisation. Surrounding area should be kept clean and waste managed.

· All other duties as required.

Technical Knowledge

· Fully skilled knowledge of all litho machinery and associated ancillary equipment.

Education and Experience

· Minimum 5 years experience working in a litho environment.

· Minimum secondary level education

Please send CV to Nathan.Hearn@spsgroup.co.uk

#litho, #POS, #thespsgroup, #vacancy, #printing