Mehul Desai: No compromise to be the best

Mehul Desai, the founder and chairman of MOS, is a left-handed batsman who relishes Swedish crime authors. He speaks to Sriraam Selvam on the practices which led the six-and-half year old MOS on an award winning journey.

What you felt when you bagged the PWI Award?
Completely overwhelmed and elated. The commitment, energy and sincerity of my talented and hard working team in executing jobs is vindicated by this award. It was very satisfying to see the smiles on their face when MOS was announced the winner.

One most valuable work lesson that you follow at your press?
No compromise. Whatever we do, we will give our 100%. Be it the effort, quality, material used or the commitment to execute a job.

One thing you always do when you plan for a new print job?
Details. The successful execution of a job particularly the ones which have a lot of VDP depends on how much in detail the job is understood. A lot of departments are involved in seeing a job being completed successfully. It's important that the intricacies of the job are understood by each person in every department involved.

One tip for time management on the shopfloor?
It has to be in a flow. Study the job, prepare an execution schedule, check availability of resources required and have a Plan B.

One key thing in your make-ready routine?
Complete planning of the job from start to finish and ensuring all input material is available when needed.

One way you handle a complex print job?
Study the job in totality, sit with the team and take their feedback/suggestions. Give a brief to those involved in the job so that nothing is missed out. Check the understanding of the team so that everybody is on the same page.

One technique for handling an irate customer.
Speak to customer and meet them. Do not on any count avoid discussion or meeting. Understand the reason and then offer an honest explanation along with a solution.

One good thing about the new generation in the print industry.
The new generation understands the technology and implements it to maximise the output.

One best practice that should be made compulsory in the Indian print industry.
Transparency with customers on the raw material used.

One thing that clinches a deal.
Ability to understand the customer requirement and most importantly, correct pricing.

One definition of key values at your press.
MOS sets high standards for itself. We deliver the clients order on time, every time, with zero errors and top notch production values.

One indicator of performance.
Customer satisfaction.

One favourite activity when you're not in the printing press.
Spending time with the family.

One way to handle unreasonable price hikes.
Cut down on wastage and engage vendors in discussions to show them the impact of an unreasonable price hikes.

One dream you would like your press to achieve.
To be considered a top quality print solution provider.

One good way to foster innovation among your workers.
Encourage participation. This gives a voice to all and brings out new ideas.

One thing that makes you better than your competitors.
Our integrity. We deliver what we promise and use the best material and processes to deliver what our clients pay us for.

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