Project Objectives:
Preparation of the Publications Directorate to meet in 2024 the operational requirements of the multiple book system concerning reorganization, material, and human resources.
Transition of the supply cycle’s operation in 2025 to a new production model to support the first year of the new system’s implementation in the school year of 2025-26.
Support of the annual supply cycle during the next three years (2026-2028) for the productive operation of the multiple book system.
According to the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports’ plan, the multiple book system is expected to be implemented for the first time in the 2025-26 school year. The number of books for primary, secondary, and high school levels expected to be included in the new multiple book title registry will exceed 1.000, compared to 300 that we had up to now.
The increase in the number of new titles will lead to changes in the book demand model, requiring the maintenance of larger stock levels, increased packaging space, larger overall print runs, a new packaging system based on industrial automation, as well as the expansion of IT applications. This will also involve extending the annual production and distribution schedule for books, long-term service contracts for warehouse management with external contractors, and more.
The Publications Directorate began preparations for the transition in 2022 with research to identify larger storage spaces, which involve investments in new infrastructure (shelves, mobile equipment, packaging facilities, information systems, etc.). Furthermore, the reorganization of existing supply chain management processes, the creation of a new organizational chart and job descriptions for personnel (e.g., multiple checkpoints to ensure timely identification of errors and omissions), and additional staff for critical positions/specializations will be required. The reorganization of processes is already underway, and the execution of the overall investment plan is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Meanwhile, the supply cycle for the 2024-25 school year will be carried out, which is anticipated to be the last year of the single book system for the basic education levels.
2025 marks the beginning of the transition to the multiple book system. The determination of book demand for the 2025-26 school year will be based for the first time on the preferences/choices of school units rather than their student population data. This model requires new ordering processes, efficient management practices for pre-print materials, and a consistent policy for handling stock from year to year.
The results of the first year of implementing the multiple book system will be evaluated and used as a guide for the next three years (2026-2028) of productive operation under the new system.