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**To:**  
**From:**  
**Subject:** Composing costs: test simplification and productivity gaps

Composition is TTW's largest production cost at 40–50%, and industry benchmarks show weak productivity relative to competitors. TTW does not know where its process is inefficient, and the problem is urgent: manual composition is understaffed, overtime runs 50% over budget, and the union is pressing a cost claim.

TTW should investigate two areas: test whether simplified quality-control processes work for simple titles, and commission a methods study to find why TTW lags the benchmark by 20–50%. Both are feasible and will show whether composing costs can be reduced. George Kennedy is willing to lead the simplification test.

**Why these investigations:**

1. **Test simplification for simple work.** Currently, every title—whether complex or simple—passes through the same quality-control stages. Testing fewer or differently timed checks on inexpensive titles could save roughly 10% of composing cost. This test is fast, low-risk, and will immediately relieve capacity pressure.

2. **Commission a methods study.** TTW trails the benchmark by 20–50%, but the cause is unknown. A structured study of process, equipment, staffing, and scheduling will identify improvements deeper than simplification alone.

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**Omitted:** administrative framing; names of other staff interviewed; comparison with other printers.

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**Pyramid:**

```
Top: TTW should test simplified quality-control processes for simple titles and commission a methods study to identify productivity gaps.

1. Test simplification for simple work
   - Current process applies uniform QC stages to all titles
   - Testing simpler procedures could save ~10% of composing cost
   - Fast, low-risk option; eases capacity pressure immediately

2. Commission a methods study
   - TTW lags benchmark by 20–50% on productivity
   - Root cause unknown (process, equipment, staffing, scheduling)
   - George Kennedy willing to test alternative composing methods
```