The world of education is constantly changing, but one thing is for sure: students will always need reliable, high-quality learning materials to enhance their learning experience.
Here are five key areas directors of operations for K-12 education publishers can focus on to ensure they have a successful and productive year in 2023.
1. Streamlining logistics and distribution processes
In a competitive market, it’s essential to ensure books and materials reach their destination quickly, efficiently, and on time.
The quickest way to lose trust with a customer—regardless of it being their first purchase order, or their fiftieth—is to fumble the distribution timeline. Educators are typically maintaining tight deadlines that can’t be moved around due to delays, misprints, and shortages, meaning the job of ensuring on-time delivery is critical to a positive customer experience.
Directors of operations should look for ways to optimize their logistics and distribution processes, whether it be through new technology, new partnerships, or reevaluating existing systems to boost efficiency and provide guaranteed delivery dates.
2. Staying ahead of industry trends
Because the education publishing industry is constantly evolving, it’s crucial for directors of operations to stay ahead of the curve.
It’s no longer enough to flex and flow with trends as they come your way; nowadays, it’s important to predict and anticipate them, so you won’t be caught off guard when the tides change in favor of a new, lesser-known method.
Staying informed about the latest industry trends and advancements in technology can help ensure that your company is well positioned for success in the coming year, in addition to building your reputation as a company that’s on the cutting edge of the latest trends.
3. Building strong relationships with suppliers
Strong relationships with suppliers are crucial for ensuring the timely delivery of quality materials and products! And while it’s possible to still get what you need without a human connection, building rapport with your supplier can only benefit you in both the short and long term.
Directors of operations should take the time to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure a steady supply of high-quality materials. This way, in the event of a problem or last-minute need, a relationship has been established that allows you to address what needs attention, fast.
4. Fostering a culture of continuous improvement
You’ve probably heard the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”
For the printing industry, however, you don’t want to wait until something goes sideways to anticipate what needs to be done. By being open to continuous improvement, you can help ensure your operations run smoothly and efficiently, year after year.
Directors of operations should encourage their teams to identify areas for improvement and implement changes that will drive efficiency and effectiveness, while thinking ahead to the next semester, season, or quarter to forecast what may require additional attention.
5. Remaining agile and adaptable
In a rapidly changing industry, it’s essential to stay agile and adaptable.
Directors of operations should be open to new ideas, new technologies, and new approaches to ensure that they can respond quickly and effectively to changes in the market. By keeping an open mind and fostering a willingness to learn, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish when you also have a fantastic printing partner in your corner!
JPS Books + Logistics is your one-stop-shop for all your printing and publication needs. Learn what makes us different and start a conversation at
