Digital input needed
Certification by a government accredited body such as PMC gives print buyers proof that a printer can produce high quality colour print and achieve defined targets, both on-press with documented colour management, and in handling customers. Buyers can hopefully spend less time asking for proof of competence. It could also mean that their work doesn’t need to be tied to a specific printer: as long as reprints are done by an accredited service provider. The same quality can be expected.
The UK’s certification scheme was designed to improve quality for printers with conventional offset presses, but its scope readily includes digital printing. Digital printers who follow it can benefit from the business process controls it requires for compliance, as well as quality assurance. However their input is vital for the future because, as Mr Sherfield explains: ‘From a colour management and standard viewpoint many of the manufacturers are not supplying workflows that reflect the latest standards, and have colour management tools that are often difficult and counterintuitive to use. Clients need to be clear on their colour requirements from digital printing: do they need common appearance across a campaign using digital and other printing methods? In turn users need the knowledge and expertise to meet the client’s expectations. So… there are many gaps and pitfalls in the area’.
Optimised process controls reduce consumables waste and save time. It can also offer greater latitude for achieving good quality on lower grade stocks than might otherwise be possible. Becoming a formally certified ISO 12647 printers can be a boost to a business’s credentials, while for customers is gives a guarantee of reliable and consistent quality, with a defined complaints procedure when things go wrong. As it should lead to greater efficiencies, this can also be a way to cut costs, despite the initial outlay for certification.
