Estimating and Production Standards Used In The Crouser Guide
The following tables illustrate the Estimating and Production Standards which are utilized in this Guide.
An estimating standard is different from a production standard. An estimating standard is a time within which
all typical jobs of that run length should or could be accomplished. Estimating standards are times within which the
job has to be produced in order to pass along total costs to the customer. Estimating standards are typically less
demanding than production standards.
Production standards, on the other hand, take into consideration the specific conditions, for instance, of the
particular press and operator skill levels.
An example is that estimating standards displayed in this guide are for the typical 12x18 or smaller offset
press. Many shops may have two different types of small offset presses with different production standards (mainly
different make ready times). However, at the time the order is entered, it may not be known which press the job
would be produced upon. So, the estimating standard has to take into consideration the longer of the two
production standards. Therefore, there is a difference in the estimating standard such as used in this book and the
actual production standard which is developed in a specific shop. However, again, you should view the estimating
standard as one in which the job "has" to be produced within in order to pass along your costs. And, remember,
this is an average of all jobs of that type, so some take longer than others.
Another variance can occur within the same model of presses due to the state of the equipment. The same
shop can have two Multigraph presses of the same model. However, one may be brand new and another may have
printed millions of impressions. Therefore the performance characteristics of the two presses may be different.
Production standards would take these conditions into consideration; however, estimating standards would not. A
similar variance could be found within the skill levels of two different press operators.
The estimating standard is a good guide for us in establishing production times, although we realize it is not a
production standard. The only way to develop production standards is to measure them within your own shop using
your own equipment and personnel. So, with the understanding that the estimating standard tends to be a loose
timing requirement which should be met by most shops, the estimating standard then can be of assistance to us
when planning production or for verifying pricing.
The enclosed standards assume a production standard which is approximately 75% of the estimating standard.
Be forewarned, however, you may not be able to achieve the production standards in your shop. Again, the only
way to accurately produce production standards in your shop is to measure them in your shop. These estimated
production standards are, however, better than no standards.
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