Johnny Pants definitely is looking for as way out of this. And there is… but it’s likely to have his head on a platter sometime soon by what’s left of the stock holders.
It’s what’s for dinner. 🧂
23 replies (most recent on top)
Well we can't cut off print to nothing and just milk it like UB did to get into "services".
But we do need to do something. I would:
- continue investment into print for now, just as a short term (6 year) - currently not doing this
- Start investing in tech similar to print (3D printing) - we started this, so that is good.
- Look at other related fields we could go into. - I have not seen much of this
- Start moving experienced people from the legacy print to new transitional tech - I am definitely not seeing this. Instead its a build it from the ground up mentality
Basically follow the Fuji model, they switched from film to plastics for example, they had a lot of chemists and the tech already.
Unfortunately the current leaders and the corporate raider are not looking long term or after the experience they have, so I don't see this happening.
I have to laugh.....thinking it was Johnny Pants that created the original post, looking for suggestions on a way out of this mess.
The first step has already occurred. Structure the company to segregate relatively independent businesses, see if any of them can succeed / grow.
With respect to the core printing business, either take the lead in consolidating with other industry players or ride the current business until it becomes small enough to be absorbed as part of someone else’s industry consolidation play. Since the current management team was brought in as a reaction to the merger attempt with Fuji, it feels like we’re on the latter path.
A hundred years ago the horse saddle makers were in the same situation.
Print has been declining more than ever and this is natural.
Business cards are no longer a thing with the young.
Contracts are done digitally. Signed... digitally.
Offices are virtual. Why would you print this?
I mean, there are very few vectors of growth left for print.
In fact, I can't really name a serious one with a straight face.
Print will not disapear, just like horse saddles are still around.
But it sure as H3!! not making a comeback.
Now realize that your skills are mostly likely transferable.
Horse saddle makers went to work for Ford, because they understood process.
What will you choose to believe?
Fire the C level execs and replace them with ones who are capable to turn the company around...starting with the head of HR! How they pick the least liked person to run HR is beyond me. She has ZERO people skills (background is strictly compensation) and is the one who pushes for employees to be laid off, work 3 or 4 jobs for the price of one, zero raises, etc. If your employees are happy, they will be productive.
If I had an infinite amount of money I would buy Xerox just for the satisfaction of firing all the jack as--s that run this company
TS212
“ “Give the product away”. That makes no sense.”
- thought you wanted to solve revenue decline? Makes perfect sense/cents &………..scents!
Impossible to fix stupid........that ship started sailing when they destroyed GIS with outsourcing.....I hope they lose every last penny!!
I hate Xerox.....#1 example of top management of having no F'ing clue what it takes to adjust and adapt to an everchanging industry....they are like the stupid archaic old coots in D.C.
Immediately fire all the stupid id--ts who bought into the Lean Six Sigma nonsense. The damage done can never be repaired.
PARC monetizing IP has been a strategy for the last 50 years. When will it happen?
Industry Consolidation (could even look at Fuji again), new Executive committee focused on Customer First and Technology and PARC being able to monetize on its intellectual property ... this will lead to taking back the industry. SaaS is good. Another thought is bringing back customer support back to America.
Start producing buggy whips!
“Give the product away”. That makes no sense.
Take it to the back of the barn and put a bullet in it….also sell products someone wants.
The largest stockholder has his illustrious ones running amok in the bod and EC, so don't hold your breath
“reverse the revenue decline” - Solution: give the product away… that was easy!
Ball peen hammer and plasteeck 🧨
Yes I spelled that wrong purposely.
Return to a customer first attitude, stop the outsourcing and push to restore pride of ownership to all employees.
Fix means reverse the revenue decline.
What does “fix” mean? If you’re a shareholder I think things are “fixed” just fine for now. If “fixed”means a profitable sustainable business with unique products/ services customers actually need… that ship sailed long ago. Had my dog “fixed” a few months back… maybe that’s the definition you’re looking for?
I would use every available dollar to do sensible acquisitions.