Since the 2004-2005 academic year Instructional Graphics has reduced the amount of office paper used for administrative tasks by nearly 99%. We accomplished this goal through a conscious effort to digitize the workflow. Job tracking, client communication, project proofing, and final production were all impacted by this effort.
Tracking: Our method for tracking projects moved from multiple-carbon-copy paper to a monthly Excel workbook.
Client communication is largely handled through e-mail and is organized in Outlook folders which are shared throughout the department.
Digital Proofing: The proofing process is also handled through e-mail or by posting projects online for clients to download. Every project is converted to a PDF file prior to submission for proofing. This allows client's to add comments to the PDF and extends our options for embedding security protocols for more sensitive documents when needed.
Materials Purchasing: We purchase commonly used materials in bulk. Condensing shipping to once or twice per year saves measures of time and fuel for our staff and our suppliers. Purchasing in bulk allows us to keep chargeback expenses at a minimum for our clients.
Reuse
Some of the materials we use may be returned for reuse in future projects. This is especially true of plastic and metal sign blanks and can also apply to foam core. We share scrap foam core with other departments across campus, like Design, Merchandising & Textiles.
Recycling of Materials
Eliminating consumable materials is not practical for every project. However, reuse and recycling is essential for environmental sensitivity. Everything we produce is capable of being reused or recycled. Most of what we produce, even the trimmings, are recycled.
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