In-plant Takes on Kitting of Gift Items

Del Shankle

At CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, a surprising result of today’s supply chain challenges is a new product line that is already showing results across the Tyler, Texas, organization.

“We have taken on kitting of recognition and new associate gifts, which has become a new line of business,” says Delvecchio “Del” Shankle, director of operations for Print Services at the Catholic-sponsored nonprofit health care provider.

It all started when the talent management department was having a hard time sourcing the products needed to recognize leaders in the organization’s Rise Program, an internal educational program aimed at preparing associates for leadership roles. To help overcome this challenge, the in-plant designed and fabricated acrylic awards for more than 150 recipients.

“Because the events are held regionally, we kitted the acrylic award, certificate, and a tumbler, all in personalized boxes for each person,” he says. “Then we assembled the packages per location, with programs for the event so the local talent management director could stage and present them during their graduation.”

As a result of this initiative, other departments are now starting to take a closer look at the in-plant.

“It’s brought a broader understanding to our organization of what we offer and can insource,” Shankle says. “As a result, we have other departments reaching out for help with their pilot programs and ultimately their full rollout. Our in-plant team is excited to be part of something that touches all areas of the organization.”

This kind of creative problem solving and stepping up to the plate to produce something the in-plant didn’t previously offer, means that “our customers are more likely to return to us as their first option versus their last option,” Shankle says. He already encourages his team to “solve for yes,” and find creative solutions to any problem that walks through the door, but fabrication and kitting are opening up an entire new range of services the in-plant can offer.

Shankle notes that the opportunities to “say yes” are everywhere for in-plant managers willing to just look for them.

“Look inward. Pay attention to the electronic and printed communications you receive,” he says. “You never know what new opportunities and projects are simply waiting on an internal resource to say ‘we can do that.’”