Inside IST’s Print Production Powerhouse: A Conversation with Regional Operations Manager David Bednarz
Spotlight on Technology
When organizations think about print production, they often think “copies.” At IST, we think strategy, cost control, accountability, and measurable results. We sat down with David Bednarz, IST’s Regional Operations Manager, to talk about what truly sets IST’s Print Production services apart and why so many organizations trust us as their on-site Facilities Management partner.
What followed was an inside look at how smart systems, like IST Suite, strong partnerships, and operational expertise transform a traditional copy center into a powerful cost-saving engine.
More Than a Copy Center — A Strategic Operation
“Everything we do is built around data,” David explains. At the center of IST’s print production services is IST Suite and Copy Track, our proprietary technology platform. This system does more than submit and process jobs, it:
- Automatically prioritizes print requests
- Tracks every job from submission to delivery
- Provides detailed, department-level chargebacks
- Generates monthly reporting for budgeting and forecasting
- Tracks postage, shipping, and even mileage when needed
For clients managing multiple departments, cost centers, or locations, this level of visibility is invaluable. In some of David’s accounts, IST processes 1,000+ copy center requests during peak months, all of which feed directly into real-time reporting dashboards.
“This is what our systems are built for,” David says. “As we do the work on the front end, it feeds the reporting on the back end.”
That seamless connection between operations and reporting is where IST begins to differentiate itself.
Turning Print Into a Cost-Savings Strategy
One of the most compelling parts of our conversation was how IST helps organizations bring outsourced work back in-house without sacrificing quality. David shared a powerful example:
A hospital previously outsourced its postmortem ID tags at $2.00 per tag.
IST brought the job in-house, producing the same tags on 120 lb. tag stock, then punching and assembling them manually for approximately $0.12 per tag.
The result? Immediate and measurable savings without additional labor costs to the client.
“We already have the team on site,” David explains. “So we’re able to reduce costs dramatically while maintaining quality.”
And that’s just one example. From brochures and business cards to letters and bound materials, IST consistently evaluates:
- Can we produce it in-house?
- Can we match or exceed the quality?
- Can we do it at a lower cost?
Chargebacks That Actually Work
Many organizations struggle with tracking internal print costs. IST’s model changes that. Through detailed product IDs and department-level reporting, clients can:
- Allocate costs by department, school, or cost center
- Track spending by job type
- Forecast budgets for future years
- Identify high-volume print trends
In some accounts, IST operates under a cost-plus model, spreading costs across dozens of departments. In others, the reporting supports budget forecasting and even internal profitability. David shared one example where a site bills approximately $25,000 per month in chargebacks while the management fee is significantly lower, effectively making the print center a structured internal cost-recovery model.
“It’s a different pocket, same pair of pants,” David says. “But the visibility is what matters.”
No surprises. No hidden costs. Full transparency.
Quality You Can Count On
Cost savings mean little without quality assurance. Every job produced by IST is subject to rigorous quality checks, using client-specific QC forms to ensure standards are consistently met. From folding and inserting to GBC binding and specialty stock production, IST calculates unit costs carefully factoring in:
- Paper type and weight
- Single- or double-sided production
- Software costs
- Time per hour for folding/inserting
- Supply costs (combs, envelopes, etc.)
“We monitor and update constantly,” David says. “As paper costs change or new products are introduced, our system evolves.”
That continuous oversight ensures clients always receive accurate pricing and predictable outcomes.
Why IST for Print Production?
When asked what truly differentiates IST from competitors, David didn’t hesitate:
“Our systems. Our reporting. And the fact that we live this every day on site.”
Organizations choose IST because we provide:
- Advanced print tracking technology
- Detailed chargeback reporting
- Proven cost-savings strategies
- Policy development expertise
- Vendor collaboration
- On-site operational leadership
- Scalable solutions for complex environments
In short, we don’t just manage print. We manage it strategically.
Ready to Transform Your Print Environment?
If your organization is looking for a trusted Facilities Management partner that understands the operational, financial, and strategic impact of print production, IST is ready to help. Let’s turn your print center into a high-performing, cost-controlled operation. Learn more at www.istmanagement.com or call (404) 582-8850.
