Best Option for Printing Training Manuals: In-House or Outsourcing?
Printing training manuals: one of the most critical decisions you will face is whether to handle the printing in-house or to outsource it. Both options have their pros and cons, and the right decision often comes down to the specific needs and circumstances of your business. Let's dive into the details to help make this decision easier for you.
Understanding Your Options
The first step is understanding what in-house printing and outsourcing entail. While in-house printing might give you more control over the process, outsourcing can often provide higher efficiency and potentially lower costs. As an outsourcing company, PDI has a particular insight into this area, and although there is a bias, it's essential to weigh both sides.
Costs
At the heart of the decision often lies the cost. There are several elements to consider:
Paper Costs: The difference in the cost of paper itself between in-house and outsourcing is minimal. However, companies like PDI purchase paper in bulk, which might offer slight savings.
Printing Costs: Known as the 'click,' the cost per page could be cheaper with an outsource company. While the difference in black-and-white printing might be minimal, colour printing presents more significant savings, sometimes up to 25-30%.
Capital Investment: In-house printing requires investing in equipment, either through buying outright or leasing. It's a fixed cost that you'll incur regardless of usage. Outsourcing allows for better machine utilisation since the costs are spread across multiple clients.
Labour: Always difficult to assess on in-house production, unless it is someone’s full time job. However when calculating costs differences between in-house and outsource remember the costs of the person in-house
Mixed Media: When your manuals contain both colour and black-and-white pages, outsourcing can significantly reduce costs and time. Advanced software at outsourcing facilities, like PDI, automatically separates colour from black and white, meaning you only pay for expensive colour when its required.
Bleed Printing: Achieving full-page bleed (where colour extends to the edges) is a challenge on standard office printers. Outsource companies have the equipment to do this efficiently.
Considerations for Machine Usage and Reliability
Machine Utilization: Keep in mind the utilisation of your equipment. Many businesses don't use their machines continuously, especially in the training industry during downtimes such as August and December.
Breakdowns: Outsourcing can offer peace of mind, as failures of in-house machines can lead to delays. Outsource companies usually have multiple machines and can manage breakdowns effectively without outside delays.
Finishing Capabilities
Simple vs. Complex Finishing: Basic tasks like wiro binding can be managed in-house, but more complicated finishes like perfect bound books or printed tab sets might require outsourcing. Not only do these tasks need specialized equipment, but also expertise to achieve professional results.
Final Thoughts
Printing training manuals is not just about putting ink on paper; it's about delivering a quality product that meets your training requirements efficiently and cost-effectively. An outsourced solution might not suit every business, but it does offer many advantages that are worth considering. Should you want to delve deeper into your specific needs, feel free to reach out for a chat to explore your options further.
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Author: David Platt, BSC, BA, MBA. Dip. M
David has been involved in printed training ,amuals for 30 years and ebooks for nearly 10 years, as Executive Director of PDI – he has the scars of printing to match client requirements over many year, as well as a formal education in Business Management and Marketing.