Dennis P. LeStrange President & CEO, BlueCrest
April '24
As we move out of the cold and dark winter and step into the warm light of spring, I find myself reflecting on the meaning of this transformative time. You can feel the energy of nature awakening from its winter slumber. Spring symbolizes new beginnings, fresh starts, and the promise of growth and renewal.
In the spirit of the season, we hosted this year’s Innovation Summit in our Danbury headquarters on April 11, and we were honored to have USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy as our Keynote Speaker. The Summit embodied the essence of spring as we explored the latest ideas, embraced emerging technologies, and envisioned the future of our industry. It was an opportunity to immerse ourselves and our clients in BlueCrest’s state-of-the-art technology.
Innovation Summit celebrates and showcases creativity, collaboration, and transformation. We had the chance to engage with industry experts, experience firsthand demonstrations of groundbreaking solutions, and discover new opportunities to drive our business forward. To everyone who helped make this event a tremendous success: thank you!
Let’s also embrace this season as an opportunity to renew our commitment to BlueCrest. It is a time to reflect on our achievements, learn from our experiences, and continue our course for success. To achieve this success, we must continue to grow and protect our core business, advance our Parcel Automation business, and improve our parts shortages, factory throughput, and quality.
We’ve accomplished a lot in just six short years, and the next six years promise to be even more exciting. We are prepared to deliver exceptional value to our customers and partners—and ultimately, each other.
Together, let’s harness the exciting energy that spring brings and propel BlueCrest to new heights.
Onward!
Dennis LeStrange CEO, BlueCrest
Document Strategy Forum
May 22-24, Boston, MA
DSF 24 is leading the content management, customer communications and customer experience revolution.
www.documentstrategyforum.com
National Postal Forum (NPF)
June 2-6, Indianapolis, IN
NPF, in partnership with the United States Postal Service, presents a dynamic forum for education, networking and growth. At NPF, attendees gain direct access to USPS executive leadership, providing a unique opportunity for insight and dialogue.
https://www.npf.org/
Home Delivery Conference
June 5-6, Philadelphia,PA
Encompasses every aspect of the retail logistics and supply chain process, from inventory management and fulfillment, to delivery at the final destination.
https://www.terrapinn.com/conference/homedelivery-world/
Calendar of Activities
All-Employee Meetings
Feb 8, 2024, 9:00 AM E T
May 9, 2024, 9:00 AM ET
Sept 5, 2024 9:00 AM ET
Dec 5, 2024 9:00 AM ET
Innovation Summit
Danbury, CT
April 11, 2024
Postmaster General
Louis DeJoy
A unified team success.
Innovation Summit event marked a significant milestone for BlueCrest: it was our first time holding the event in 5 years! For those who don't know, Innovation Summit is a clientfacing event held at our Danbury Headquarters where we open our doors to customers and showcase our commitment to, innovation, and teamwork. The immense success of the summit stands as a testament to the collective dedication and hard work of every member of the BlueCrest team. It was truly amazing to see it all come together. From the inception stages to the final execution, meticulous planning and attention to detail were evident throughout. The seamless coordination of client visits, live equipment demonstrations, presentations, and logistics underscored the expertise of our team.
Postmaster General DeJoy said he was impressed by the professionalism of our company.
At the heart of the event was our ICARE Culture, shining through in every aspect. Innovations were on display, collaboration permeated every team, and accountability was paramount. Each member took on immense responsibility with enthusiasm, resulting in a truly remarkable experience for all attendees. The positive feedback received following the summit speaks volumes about the passion and dedication of our team.
Ultimately, the Innovation Summit was not just an event—it was a celebration of our achievements and a glimpse into the bright future of BlueCrest! GO TEAM.
To everyone who made this possible, Thank you.
If you haven't seen everything BlueCrest is doing on social media, you're missing out! Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook, and don't be afraid to take part in the great conversation. From product updates to team member stories to hot job advertisements, we're always looking for content!
Reach out to JUSTIN O'DONNELL if you have an idea for a social media post.
Rodney Allgire
Rodney has been instrumental in maintaining visibility for BlueCrest within Erie Insurance's senior management, even after our products were no longer in use. Thanks to his support, we secured a $2.4 million order to replace B&H sorters and on site service, resulting in (3) Epic inserters and ongoing BlueCrest service. Rodney's continuous support has been crucial to our success. He actively contributes valuable insights on our Viva Engage site, implementing excellent advice for our peers and consistently demonstrating key behaviors. Rodney is an invaluable resource and deserves recognition for his contributions.
Kevin Gibbons
Kevin has been indispensable during our transition from Fluence to BlueCrest for the Sortation Team over the past 2 years. He manages multiple areas at Arlington Heights and quickly mastered our BlueCrest processes and ERP system. Others now rely on him as a D365 expert. Thank you, Kevin, for your ongoing dedication and expertise!
Michael Belcourt
Let's give a big "HIGH FIVE" to Mike, our Associate Warehouse Manager! We've witnessed his unwavering commitment to helping everyone and ensuring they have what they need. Mike never says "no" or "I can't help"—he's always ready to lend a hand. With 20 years of experience, Mike is a wealth of knowledge and has been an invaluable asset in helping me learn the ropes of the business, training on systems, and getting to know the team. Thank you, Mike, for your exceptional dedication and support!
Joevan Grospe
Joevan led the IT effort for the office move from Arlington Heights to Buffalo Grove IL, contributing significantly to its success. He played a key role in designing, building, and implementing various aspects of the project, including network, server, security system, and video conferencing technologies. Collaborating with Facilities, Engineering, and the project management team, Joevan ensured requirements were defined, vendors were identified, and services were coordinated to meet the December 1st go-live date.
Preston exhibited exceptional performance during a recent challenging situation. His clear and concise communication proved invaluable in updating upper management, the Technical Assistance Center (TAC), and Engineering. Preston's commitment to excellence and efficiency in resolving issues make him a valuable asset to BlueCrest, earning respect and recognition from colleagues and leadership alike. We anticipate his continued growth and success within our organization.
Great work, Preston!
Christopher Janke
Chris consistently embodies all five key behaviors, both professionally and personally.
During a challenging period in 2023, he provided unwavering support to a colleague and their spouse, ensuring the client's needs were met while also attending to personal matters with care and dedication. Chris's selflessness and commitment make him an invaluable asset to the team and a rare gem within the company. His actions are deeply appreciated by colleagues and clients alike.
John Weber
John is being recognized for his exceptional work driving quality improvements with our key contract manufacturer, Gregor Technologies. His dedication and enthusiasm have revitalized our relationship, resulting in a renewed focus on quality that benefits our customers. Through his leadership, we've closed 60 out of 110 quality issues over the past year. John's contributions are invaluable, and we look forward to continuing our quality-first approach with all our suppliers. Thank you, John, for your outstanding efforts!
Congratulations to our ICARE Applause Winners from Q4 2023! They were drawn from the ICARE High-Five winners. Who will be next?
Recognize a colleague or team today!
Deana deserves recognition for her exceptional assistance with a BlueCrest benefits provider issue. She promptly and professionally resolved the matter, going the extra mile by faxing receipts when the web portal failed. Her dedication and exemplary service are greatly appreciated. Thank you, Deana, for your outstanding support!
Lyndon played a crucial role in facilitating BlueCrest's transition from a sunsetting module to a newer subscription-based billing and revenue recognition feature. Demonstrating all the ICare values, Lyndon dedicated time from his busy schedule to meet with the team and drive the project to success. His tenacity and willingness to collaborate ensured an expedited transition, setting up the Finance group for success ahead of schedule. Lyndon's proficiency in creating reports in D365 has significantly enhanced efficiency for the team, exemplifying his genuine team spirit. He consistently demonstrates readiness to assist, as evidenced by his quick response in creating a report for the Controllership team on short notice. Lyndon's positive attitude and dedication make him an invaluable asset to BlueCrest. We truly appreciate his contributions and teamwork.
During a recent sales call with Amazon, the facility manager praised Dan as the best project manager they've ever worked with for sorting implementation. Amazon's decision to select BlueCrest for a new project was influenced by Dan's holistic support and BlueCrest's previous performance. Dan's dedication and commitment to project execution and customer satisfaction consistently impress. Thank you, Dan, for showcasing BlueCrest's excellence to Amazon.
Wil consistently goes above and beyond, even under pressure, delivering results time and time again. His positive and can-do attitude is truly appreciated. Wil's patience and dedication to finding solutions, especially with complex projects like the lockbox solution, keep projects on track and under control. He's a valuable partner, and we're fortunate to have him as a reliable resource. Thank you, Wil, for your unwavering support and dedication.
An email was sent from a Customer at Bank of Ireland, acknowledging Frank Sutcliffe's outstanding contributions. Frank's efforts included security updates, Windows upgrades, new installations, and training support during staff transitions. The customer specifically highlighted Frank's exceptional contribution to onboarding new recruits in Ireland. They also expressed gratitude to the wider Bluecrest team for their support. Great work, Frank!
David Cossentine
Dave's exceptional support to clients and embodiment of our key behaviors have earned him praise from the organization. This commendation describes Dave as a trusted friend, excellent technician, and representative of Bluecrest. Dave's dedication was further demonstrated through his long hours spent assisting with a new machine installation in Washington County, Utah, showcasing his work ethic, collaboration, and positive attitude. Additionally, Dave coordinated a successful customer visit to support a demonstration without sales present, impressing both the customer and the sales team with his technical and customer relations skills. Dave's commitment and professionalism make him a valuable asset to BlueCrest, deserving of recognition through the Annual Standing Ovation award.
Chris Platten
Chris demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills and dedication to customer support in two key instances. Firstly, when faced with a client unwilling to change data files and image resources for a potential Print+ Messenger order, Chris utilized his knowledge of Output Manager to create a custom workflow, enabling the conversion of customer files into the required format for the Print+ Messenger. This innovative solution not only allowed progress on the deal but also opened possibilities for future enhancements in print file generation processes. Secondly, during a public bank holiday weekend in the UK, Chris responded to a major IT outage at Communisis, one of our major UK clients, despite not having weekend support or being on weekend on-call duty. Chris's support was instrumental in resolving the incident, earning heartfelt gratitude from the Communisis team.
Frank's exceptional support during recent operator training at Azure Dublin minimized disruption by resolving technical issues promptly, ensuring the training continued smoothly.
Additionally, he made an outstanding contribution to onboarding new recruits in Ireland, as acknowledged by a Customer at Bank of Ireland. Frank's efforts, including security updates, Windows upgrades, new installations, and training support, were highly praised. His dedication and valuable contributions reflect positively on the wider Bluecrest team. Great work, Frank!
Kris plays a crucial role in both Sales and Service, as demonstrated by his exceptional contributions to the Ricoh/PSPC project. He facilitated quick turnaround for quoting solutions and collaborated effectively with Ricoh to meet PSPC needs. Kris's ability to address unforeseen challenges and find solutions was invaluable, earning gratitude from Ricoh for BlueCrest's commitment and problem-solving approach. Additionally, Kris's client-centric approach and attention to detail have earned him praise from prospects, who appreciate his understanding of their business and excellent communication skills. Kris's dedication, knowledge, and customerfocused approach make him a trusted and invaluable asset to BlueCrest. Standing Ovation to Kris for his outstanding work!
The BlueCrest Software team received an urgent message from client Revenu Quebec reporting a critical system outage. Despite being scattered across different locations and one member on vacation, Ken, Scott, Rodney, and Ray collaborated tirelessly for over 9 hours to resolve the issue. Despite the challenges, including language barriers and hardware failures, Ken and Scott's knowledge, resourcefulness, and collaboration ensured a successful resolution. The client expressed gratitude and offered to treat Ken and Scott to a generous reward for their exceptional efforts. Hats off to these dedicated team members for their outstanding performance and commitment to client satisfaction.
Rick Becerra VP, Global Sortation Strategy on Relia-Vote 360
"In
an era of increasing reliance on mail-in ballots and drop boxes, the pressure on Election Officials to deliver timely and accurate results has never been greater. Relia-Vote 360 helps meet the demands of modern elections by providing greater flexibility and additional automation for mail-in ballots."
"ENSURING A SEAMLESS INTEGRATION OF OUR FOR BLUECREST’S STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES. OUR MANAGED SERVICES PARTNER ENSURES THAT AND ENHANCE THE OVERALL EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE SCALABILITY OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE." - SUBHASHISH
Designed to address the critical challenges faced by Election Officials in the processing of mail-in ballots, ReliaVote 360 sorting software can automate mail ballot packet processing with unprecedented speed and accuracy.
CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP WITH ATOS AS OUR
CONTINUE TO EXCEL IN SERVICE DELIVERY
WHILE FORTIFYING THE RESILIENCE AND SUBHASHISH NEOGI, CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
BlueCrest proudly announces significant enhancements to its IntelliJet Advantage® 2200 Print System with HP Brilliant Ink. This collaboration with HP promises a printing solution that will transform transactional mail applications with cutting-edge features and improved benchmark performance.
Read More OUR TECHNOLOGICAL LANDSCAPE IS FUNDAMENTAL
BlueCrest proudly announces the renewal and expansion of its managed services contract with Atos, a trusted partner in digital transformation. This partnership renewal marks a significant milestone in BlueCrest’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the postal and parcel industry.
Read More
"Clients demand more than just a printing system. They seek transformative tools that empower their businesses. With our enhanced IntelliJet Advantage 2200 printing system, we're not just meeting those demands but exceeding them, revolutionizing transactional mail applications, and setting new standards for productivity, quality, and versatility.."
MODEX, the premier event showcasing global solutions in hardware and software across multiple markets including warehouse management, distribution, 3PL, omni-channel, fulfillment, couriers, and national posts, once again brought together industry leaders and innovators in 2024. This year marked a significant expansion with an additional hall accommodating vendors from around the globe, highlighting the accelerating pace of innovation in automation and robotics.
Among the plethora of advancements showcased, automation in sorting, picking, storage/retrieval, robotics, device OEMs, and enterprise software stood out prominently. As one of the regular attendees, BlueCrest understands the importance of staying abreast of new developments in the field. Notably, BlueCrest unveiled its latest innovation, the Raptor Linerless Labeler applicator with adaptive labeling technology, which garnered significant attention from multi-markets, integrators, and OEMs seeking innovative solutions.
"The transformative potential of automation and robotics in the logistics industry cannot be overstated. MODEX serves as a testament to the ongoing evolution of technology and its impact on parcel automation," remarked Rick Becerra, VP of Global Sortation Solutions & Strategy at BlueCrest.
"Sortation Automation has to be the title of the worst Doctor Suess book ever written."
- Colin Jost, Comedian
The Raptor Linerless Labeler represents a breakthrough in labeling technology, offering versatility and adaptability to meet the diverse needs of different market segments. Its seamless integration into existing workflows and immediate applicability to various industries positions it as a game-changer in the realm of emerging technologies showcased at MODEX 2024.
Both buyers and solution providers seized the opportunity to delve deeper into the fit and functionality of the Raptor labeler, recognizing its potential to streamline operations and drive efficiency across different sectors. The nextgeneration model of the Raptor labeler exemplifies the spirit of innovation that defines MODEX, embodying the cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of automation and logistics.
As MODEX continues to serve as a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, the evolution of automation and innovation showcased at the event underscores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and robotics on modern industries. With each iteration of MODEX, the boundaries of possibility are pushed further, driving the ongoing evolution of supply, innovation, and logistics into the digital age.
Do you ever feel like you are in backto-back meetings all day with little to no rest between? Do you struggle as a remote employee participating in a meeting or understanding what is being communicated? Are you overwhelmed with emails or must keep reminding a fellow employee to respond to your email of phone calls? Then this three-part series of suggested guidelines may help you to schedule more effective meetings and help to support the ICARE culture here at BlueCrest. Each one of us plays a crucial role in enhancing communication and collaboration within our teams.
Effective meetings begin with scheduling them. In fact, this is often the root cause of ineffective communication within your teams. So, here are some important tips and suggestions to help schedule, accept, and attend more effective meetings.
• Check attendee’s calendars first when scheduling meetings to try and find the most mutually convenient time.
• Make sure your calendar is kept up to date for availability, including any company holidays.
• Propose an alternative meeting time if you will be unavailable or offer an alternative person.
• Schedule the meeting for only the time you need (ex. 30 to 45 minutes) leaving time between other meetings.
• Be mindful of attendee time zones.
• Always include a meeting purpose and preferably an agenda.
• Provide meeting materials in advance of the meeting so attendees are prepared.
As you schedule meetings, try to strive to be respectful of coworker’s time and schedule only the time necessary for the meeting. Be responsible by providing the meeting purpose and materials if applicable. And be responsive to requests to change the meeting time and any follow-up actions.
In part 2 of this series, we will discuss more effective ways to participate in meetings whether in-person or remotely.
"Do you ever feel like you are in back-to-back meetings all day with little to no rest between?"
Check attendee calendars.
Keep your calendar updated.
Propose alternative times.
Use only the time you need.
Leave time between other meetings. Be mindful of time zones.
Include agenda.
Provide materials in advance.
We in the Central District can truly say that 2023 was a remarkable year for us as a team. A year full of successes, teamwork and, above all, shared engagement. In Germany, Switzerland and the three Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Finland and Norway, we achieved great things as ONE team.
Success is very seldom the outcome of individual performance but is instead the result of the joint efforts of all departments. Each of us contributes to the overall success with our abilities and expertise, e.g. with specialist know-how, creativity, reliability, communication skills or other talents. In a strong team, every contribution is as important as the others.
It was particularly nice to see how our team spirit was realised across national borders and how we supported each other.
However, another important factor in our success lies in our close contact to our clients. By working together as partners, we have their trust and can therefore build long-term relationships. We are very pleased by the appreciation shown to us by our clients, and this is the best proof that we have chosen the right approach.
We can look back on the past year with pride, but we don't forget that success doesn't happen automatically and cannot be taken for granted. We want to do everything we can to achieve further milestones in 2024.
I would like to thank each and every member of my team, and with that we close with the motto: work hard-play hard!
Our kickoff meeting in Frankfurt (Nordics via TEAMS) was the start of an exciting new year full of opportunities. We celebrated successes and set our goals and strategy for the year ahead. Our focus on teamwork and efficiency strengthens our team spirit and will enable us to offer innovative solutions to our clients. With a clear vision, we are prepared for 2024.
With bittersweet emotions, we wish happy retirement to two service technicians after many years of service.
Heinz Aigner joined our company on April, 1 1996 and has worked as a skilled service technician. With his wide-ranging expertise, he was last assigned to the South-East region. His 27 years with the company are a proof of his loyalty to our company. Mr. Aigner is looking forward to having more time for his hobby, the garden. Extensive cycling tours, even beyond the borders of Germany, are also planned.
Rolf Middelmann began his career with us on January, 1 1990 and worked as a service technician in the North region until December 31, 2023. With an impressive 33 years of experience, he has made a significant contribution to reliable service. Mr.Middelmann now plans to use the free time to travel, primarily in his campervan.
We are not only losing two valuable employees, but also pleasant colleagues. We would like to thank both of them for their many years of dedicated work, their expertise and their experience and hope they enjoy their well-deserved retirement as much as possible.
The client successfully upgraded an existing sorting solution with sequence sorting just two months ago and has now decided to invest in another Vantage™ Flexline sorting system with 288 sorting bins. This decision makes it possible for MZZ Halle to extend sequence sorting to other districts. It also improves the logistical processes and strengthens his competitiveness.
Our success is attributed to strong collaboration among the client, sales team, and partner ProMail, high satisfaction with existing systems, and the expertise of our Solution Development & Delivery team.
More interesting market dynamics are taking place in our international geographies. A recent example saw a reconditioned Vantage with Mixed Mail Stacker transferred from the German client BridgeTec, Osnabrück to a UK client. As is often the case, a reference site visit was critical in the sales process. For us, this teamwork across Districts meant that BlueCrest had control of the seconduser channel. Such collaboration responds to market demands for environmental responsibility, cheaper hardware, and management of changing postal regulations, which are different in each country. In addition, second-user inserting and sorting equipment is appearing ever more on the market. Working across borders is a crucial element to manage these market dynamics for BlueCrest’s benefit. Congratulations to Thomas Rohs and Gary Warby on their partnership.
“Two beheadings is too many.”
With the image of King Kim Andersen recently and insights for our business International Partner Channel Off Meeting. This is the for people from across together and reflect on performance, understand strategies for the future, team building activities. District employees can person, so these annual to maintain team spirit solving and creativity to respond to changing conditions. This year we mansion estate that has BlueCrest team, but also Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn
…and the headline to this Henry VIII himself and on!
King Henry VIII looking on, recently presented strategy business to the UK & Channel at the 2024 Kick the annual opportunity across all functions to get on prior year business understand the vision and future, as well as enjoy activities. Working remotely, can rarely get together in annual events are important spirit and foster problem that the business needs changing and dynamic market we were in an historical has hosted not only the also the likes of King Boleyn and Shakespeare!
this article? A quote from a way to get you to read
Consultative selling and superior technology have proven the recipe for success in the UK against stiff competition in multiple sorting deals in recent months. Going head-tohead against the competition, the following accounts are now either the proud owners of a new Vantage sortation system, or have had other sortation systems upgraded and bundled with new service contracts:
• FCS Lasermail (New Vantage) vs BOWE, NPI & KOERBER (See recent post on LinkedIn)
• Capita (Criterion & Apex Upgrades, Netsort, Admail, Economy Mail, Partial Mail Services plus a new 3 Year service contract) vs Bowe who have been displaced
• Service Graphics (Part New / Part Used Vantage and a New Service contract) vs Bowe and NPI
• DHL (Multiple Upgrades)
What’s more, these deals were largely won despite aggressive low-priced offers from the competition, which is testimony to our approach. Congratulations to Alan Thompson for securing these deals.
This is the BlueCrest and TECNAU install team that assembled in Perth, Australia to install the 2 x IJ lines and the TECNAU finishing line. This was a milestone deal for ANZ.
Pictured:
Matteo Freisa, Tecnau, Italy
David Kirk, ATAC , Australia
Scott Moore, Bluecrest, USA
Andy Cleal, Bluecrest, UK
Greg Koert, BlueCrest, USA
Ricardo Ferreira, BlueCrest, Australia
Finland: sign, print, promotion!
The sign, print & promotion trade show in Helsinki from 13 to 14 March 2024 was the most important platform for the graphics industry in Finland. The team held high-quality conversations with clients and prospects leading to promising business prospects.
45 years
Tod Hennen
40 years
James Ferravante
35 years
Thomas Albright
Benoit Doyon
Cyrille Decourt
Joel Beaulieu
Kim Van Do
20 years
Yanez Febbo
Robert Richardson
Adrian Roberts
Regis Thilloy
Clinton Probst
Steven Holubeck
David Wilkinson
John Dyer
Dana Hoggat
Gilbert Hollander
Kevin Marks
5 years
Pawel Jez
Nikeia Stradford
David Barragan
Chhong Nhep
Christopher Ruiz
Vicki Caldwell
Joshua Olson
Lana Underwood
Christine Wood
Christopher Smith
Cassandra Moore
Antoni Knezevic
Every quarter, we like to celebrate the many team members who have reached milestone achievements of 5, 10, 15, 20 years—and beyond! Thank you to each one of you for all that you to do make BlueCrest great.
25 years
30 years
Erik Lilleseth
Chiaki Suzuki
Frederic Mauchamp
Daniel Blackwell
Tam Pham
15 years
Allan Freed
Steven Velasquez
Hung Nguyen
Naouel Lounaci
Sebastien Meunier
Frederic Gibrat
David Grime
Kevin Maloney
Stuart Griffiths
Wayne Raby
Michael Fortin
Robert Sult
Ralf Willie
Stuart McGill
Craig Shaeffer
Gregory Skinger
Allison Zito
Raymond Grant
David Dandeneau
Jerome Barrat
John Chapman
Guido Rietti
10 years
Ian Foster
Khasan Dempson
Jacek Hudecki
Kimberly Stokes
Craig Richard
Jeremy Stone
George Waters
Karen Gray
George King
Robert Leitenmeier
