FORUM 2023 Session Spotlight
Monday, April 17, 2023
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The Value of Color Measurement
Session Chairs: Jason Campbell, X-Rite and Dan Uress, MeasureColor
The Slate of Panelists:
- Michael John, 3M (Brand Owner)
- Ben Abray, Autumn Graphics (Premedia/Trade Shop)
- Robert Ciezczak, INX International Ink Co (Ink Vendor)
- Bob Coomes, PPC Flexibles (Printer)
For a long time, physical standards and visual evaluation have been a mainstay of printing.
The ideas of “good” and “acceptable” were defined by applying a completely subjective process. When we operate with subjectivity, it makes consistency and repeatability a challenge, as we all visually see color differently.
Today’s customers, especially brand owners, are more attentive to the print work they source. Their colors on shelf are their brand identity, and a deviation from what the customer expects could cause them to choose a different product. This makes consistently delivering to tighter specifications critical.
The level of sophistication developing in the print market over the last several years is the culmination of technology and best practices that have been around for a long time. Both specifiers and printers have not fully embraced the value of color measurement as a central part of the production process or realized the treasure it can deliver.
Many of us are aware of the advent of print quality scorecards and reporting. It is not the intention to create a “tattletale” system, but rather to establish accountability and drive continuous improvement initiatives. From that, enhance communication, reduce overhead and, most of all, build trust.
At FORUM 2023, we will discuss this with the intent being to have you come away with an understanding of the value of color measurement. Our speakers represent a cross-section of stakeholders in the modern packaging print process. We will take an open-panel approach moving from brand owner, to premedia, to ink, to printer. Each will share their perspective on the importance of quantifiable color within their roles.
Together, we will take a journey through their workflow and learn how color quality is critical to their success and how each leverages color measurement instruments and software to achieve real-world outcomes, backed by assessing color objectively. Ultimately, every step of the process from design to converting to delivery can be improved via the collaboration made possible with these tools.
Core Attributes
Developing and implementing a color measurement process is an integral part to maintaining quality. In many cases, it is becoming a core requirement for suppliers to win print work from brand owners battling for attention on shelf. This requirement drives competition within the printing supply chain—communicating the quality of production quickly and clearly is essential.
To be a leading print supplier means using leading processes and procedures:
- Recognizing the correct device for a given situation required to successfully measure color in all phases of the process
- Understanding the importance of establishing color targets (and other inputs) in the design phase and why those color targets must be communicated and maintained through the entire process for the desired measurable outcomes
- Appreciating there are proven economic and quality gains for gathering color measurement data at each phase of the flexographic supply chain and why these actions should be implemented at every level
- Continuously learning how to use data to drive home the importance of color measurement to your company’s management team as a quality, cost savings and continuous improvement tool
Our discussion will have key points presented and debated between the panelists. We will offer attendees the opportunity to hear how leading experts are tackling the kinds of challenges they face within their own companies. Whether you are completely new to the idea of color management, facing hurdles to getting it implemented, or still not sure of what value it really provides from a business perspective, the experience our panel shares will inspire your progression and improvement!
While so much of the focus these days is between brands and suppliers, the actuality is that data collected to report quality to the print buyer is also data that can be used to drive process improvement internally.
Both aspects help to deliver a return on investment. Savings in press checks, shipping production samples, and cutting down on the ancillary overhead can all be achieved while building communication and trust between print buyer and print producer.
Business Catalyst
Within our session, our panel will highlight how the methodologies found in Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances (FIRST) process control and training lay a solid base for success. An important takeaway from our session is the awareness that it all goes beyond just buying a spectrophotometer and some software. Color quality is something that must be incorporated into the fabric of a total quality management program within a company.
Measurement data is a powerful tool which can be used to drive process improvements, but collaboration enabled by its objective communication can build stronger relationships. This can become a catalyst for new business—the ultimate demonstration that your customer’s work is treated with the highest level of attention, providing the consistency and confidence they require for each order they place!
The value of color measurement can never be overstated. It is the basis for everything from the quality assurance of every job to the growth of your company and its reputation with print buyers. We look forward to sharing our experiences and achievements to help you take your commitment to quality to the next level!
Learn more about all FORUM 2023’s sessions and register to attend the conference at forum.flexography.org.