Success Is Just the Starting Point

One of the biggest risks for a successful company is assuming that what works today will keep working tomorrow.

New technology, changing customer expectations, and evolving production demands continue to reshape the print industry. That makes continuous improvement in print essential to staying ahead.

At YGS Print Solutions, that means looking at what works and challenging what could work better. It also means investing in the people, technology, and processes that move our customers forward.

That mindset also brought Jack Dowd, our new Executive Vice President of Print Technology and Manufacturing, to The YGS Group. Jack built his career in the print industry, focusing on operational improvement. He joins YGS as new technology and growth opportunities create new possibilities for print.

But his approach isn’t about changing things for change’s sake. It’s about building on what already works and finding ways to make it even better.

Q & A | Building on What Works

To get an inside look at how YGS Print Solutions is building for the future, we spoke with Jack Dowd to discuss his approach to continuous improvement, the role of people and technology in driving change, and what customers can expect as YGS continues to grow.

Continuous Improvement in Print Doesn’t Have to Start With a Problem

A common misconception is that improvement begins when something isn’t working. In reality, some of the most valuable changes happen before there’s a problem to solve. For Jack, that means continually looking for opportunities to make a good process even better.

Q: What does continuous improvement mean to you?

Jack: “Simply put, continuous improvement means making small, ongoing enhancements throughout the end-to-end process. The key is to engage the entire team and empower everyone to challenge current processes and find ways to do them better today than they were done yesterday.”

That philosophy applies to both large initiatives and small everyday adjustments. The size of the change may vary. Jack believes teams should use clear procedures, measurable results, and data to guide the process.

Q: How do you know when a process can be improved?

Jack: “All processes can be improved. A fully implemented QMS (Quality Management System), supported by defined standard operating procedures and metrics, helps identify and manage specific improvement opportunities. I rely on data to guide decisions about which areas to prioritize and address.”

The size and complexity of an opportunity help determine the next step. Some improvements require a structured project and careful analysis, while others can be addressed with a simple adjustment to an existing process. Either way, the goal is to use data to identify opportunities and determine the best path forward.

Investing in What’s Next

Sometimes improvement comes from a small change to an existing process. Other times, it takes the form of a major investment.

YGS Print Solutions recently installed a new HP Indigo 120K Digital Press. It replaced the company’s previous HP Indigo 12K.

The new press provides approximately 30% more volume capacity. That added capacity helps YGS prepare for growth and support additional customer work efficiently.

But increased capacity is only part of the investment.

The HP Indigo 120K also incorporates AI-driven diagnostics and an Eco Mode that uses less energy. Those capabilities connect three areas Jack sees shaping the future of print: digital technology, automation, and sustainability.

For customers, investments like the 120K mean more than having newer equipment on the production floor. They help YGS build capacity before customers need it. They also create opportunities to improve production and support customers as their needs evolve.

Q: Where do you see opportunities for growth and innovation in the industry?

Jack: “The technology in our industry is changing so quickly. I would say we will see continued growth in digital and more advanced use of AI within our product offerings and production facilities over the coming years.”

Technology may change how work gets done, but its value ultimately depends on the people who use it.

Technology Is Only Part of the Investment

New equipment may be one of the most visible signs of improvement. But some of the most important investments aren’t machines.

They’re people.

Jack recognized that quickly when he considered joining The YGS Group. Before accepting the position, he spent time with company leadership and met the teams he would work with each day.

Q: What’s the first thing you look for when joining a new organization?

Jack: “The people. When I was considering joining YGS, the most important factor for me was the people. After spending time with the Core Leadership Team, I had the opportunity to meet the teams I would work with closely each day. It didn’t take long for me to realize YGS was the right fit.”

Jack saw more than industry experience. He saw a team committed to company culture, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration. He also saw a shared focus on meeting customers’ needs.

Today, that team includes employees who have spent more than 40 years with YGS. Newer associates bring different experiences and fresh perspectives.

That combination matters as technology continues to reshape the industry.

Print expertise, automation, digital technology, and new ideas don’t have to compete. YGS can bring them together. That approach helps the company embrace new tools while building on decades of knowledge.

What Customers Should See

Customers may never see many of the improvements happening behind the scenes at YGS Print Solutions.

And in many ways, that’s the point.

They may never see a workflow adjustment or a new standard operating procedure. They may not see a production metric or the conversation that catches a roadblock before it reaches their project.

What they should see is the result.

Better quality, shorter turnaround times, and greater consistency come from the work happening throughout production. Those behind-the-scenes improvements ultimately shape the customer experience.

Q: What do customers value most in a print partner today?

Jack: “I would say that most customers value quality and transparency above all else. YGS continually strives to deliver the highest-quality products while building true partnerships with our customers through transparency throughout the entire process.”

Those qualities become even more important in long-term customer relationships.

For Jack, trust and communication form the foundation of a true partnership. Customers should be able to rely on their print partner for guidance. They should also expect their work to arrive as requested.

When a challenge or roadblock arises, clear communication matters. Customers should hear about it promptly and receive a proposed solution.

Every behind-the-scenes process improvement creates another opportunity to strengthen the customer experience.

Building on What’s Already Here

For all the technology, processes, and opportunities ahead, what excites Jack most is the foundation YGS already has in place.

Q: What excites you most about joining YGS Print Solutions?

Jack: “The people. I truly enjoy working with this team. I learn something new every day from both long-tenured team members, some of whom have been here for more than 40 years, and newer associates who bring fresh perspectives. Everyone on the team adds value and shares a common goal of continuous improvement and meeting the needs of our customers.”

That mix of experience and new thinking will help shape what comes next for YGS. The sales team continues to bring in new opportunities. YGS also continues to invest in technology and identify ways to improve across the organization.

Together, those efforts position YGS for future growth.

The goal isn’t to change what has made YGS Print Solutions successful. It’s to keep building on it.

Continuous improvement isn’t about reaching a point where everything is finally perfect. It’s about continuing to listen, learn, invest, and look for ways to improve.

What could the right print partner help you do better?

Ready to Improve What’s Next?

Contact YGS Print Solutions to see how the right combination of print expertise, technology, and continuous improvement can help move your business forward.