Quality Focus and Improved Company Performance
PIA Study Shows Quality Focus Strongly Contributes to Improved Company Performance Authored by: John Compton, Professor Emeritus, Rochester Institute of Technology, and speaker at the 2017 Continuous Improvement Conference The 2016 Printing Industry Management Survey findings recently published by Printing Industries of America (PIA) provide compelling reasons to attend PIA’s 2017 Continuous Improvement Conference. The survey, which focused on studying effective management practices in the printing industry, was conducted jointly by PIA and the College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University. Companies representing about 5% of the total PIA membership returned completed survey forms. Six different strategic management practices were studied, including: entrepreneurial orientation, strategic thinking, goal setting, quality focus, social capital, and analyzing financial ratios. Each of the six practices was addressed with several different questions. After all responses were received and tabulated, these six strategic management practices were ranked in effectiveness by examining their relationship with company performance. Quality focus ranked a close second, only slightly behind the first place practice of analyzing financial ratios. In the study, quality focus is seen as a company-wide initiative to create a culture focused on continual improvement of processes and products. While several studies conducted by the American Society for Quality and the Association for Manufacturing Excellence have shown that a strong culture of process improvement and problem solving correlates with improved financial performance, those surveys have not specifically focused on printing companies. This study provides evidence that it holds true for the printing industry as well. This is precisely the reason that PIA holds its annual Continuous Improvement Conference. In 2017 the conference will be held April 2–5 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The conference brings together companies that are using quality focus as a strategic management practice, experts in the field of quality and continuous improvement, and companies that are just beginning to adopt improvement methods as a way of boosting performance. Attendees include upper management, middle managers, and department supervisors from printing companies large and small. Interestingly, in the aforementioned study, the two strongest elements most closely connected to the practice of quality focus are emphasis on quality training and management by fact. These two topics and other quality elements contained in the study will be addressed in many of the 25 conference sessions. For more information on the 2017 Continuous Improvement Conference, visit...
read moreQuality Focus and Improved Company Performance
PIA Study Shows Quality Focus Strongly Contributes to Improved Company Performance Authored by: John Compton, Professor Emeritus, Rochester Institute of Technology, and speaker at the 2017 Continuous Improvement Conference The 2016 Printing Industry Management Survey findings recently published by Printing Industries of America (PIA) provide compelling reasons to attend PIA’s 2017 Continuous Improvement Conference. The survey, which focused on studying effective management practices in the printing industry, was conducted jointly by PIA and the College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University. Companies representing about 5% of the total PIA membership returned completed survey forms. Six different strategic management practices were studied, including: entrepreneurial orientation, strategic thinking, goal setting, quality focus, social capital, and analyzing financial ratios. Each of the six practices was addressed with several different questions. After all responses were received and tabulated, these six strategic management practices were ranked in effectiveness by examining their relationship with company performance. Quality focus ranked a close second, only slightly behind the first place practice of analyzing financial ratios. In the study, quality focus is seen as a company-wide initiative to create a culture focused on continual improvement of processes and products. While several studies conducted by the American Society for Quality and the Association for Manufacturing Excellence have shown that a strong culture of process improvement and problem solving correlates with improved financial performance, those surveys have not specifically focused on printing companies. This study provides evidence that it holds true for the printing industry as well. This is precisely the reason that PIA holds its annual Continuous Improvement Conference. In 2017 the conference will be held April 2–5 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The conference brings together companies that are using quality focus as a strategic management practice, experts in the field of quality and continuous improvement, and companies that are just beginning to adopt improvement methods as a way of boosting performance. Attendees include upper management, middle managers, and department supervisors from printing companies large and small. Interestingly, in the aforementioned study, the two strongest elements most closely connected to the practice of quality focus are emphasis on quality training and management by fact. These two topics and other quality elements contained in the study will be addressed in many of the 25 conference sessions. For more information on the 2017 Continuous Improvement Conference, visit...
read moreWhy Analyze Measurement Data Prior to Profile Creation?
This blog post was submitted by Color 2016 sponsor CrossXColor. In many situations measurement data is not perfect for ICC profiling and produces low quality profiles. Erroneous measurements can result in problems in production, often wasting time that could have been saved by making corrections beforehand, including editing primaries, adjusting white point of paper, and compensating for visual effects of optical brighteners in proofing. Ultimately, the quality of ICC or DeviceLink profiles is only as good as the input data. In the course of setting up color management it is unavoidable that one or more of your color targets will contain redundant, non-matching, or just inaccurate data on the same test chart. Most color charts contain over 1000 test patches and inaccurate or erroneous information will likely be read. Measurement data from multiple charts may even need to be combined or averaged to provide a better result. A tool like ColorLogic’s ColorAnt can complement any profiling software in the market. ColorAnt is an easy-to use tool that corrects and optimizes measurement data. The features include the ability to edit primary colors, substrate color, and recalculate measurement data with the use of full-sized test charts. Please explore our full range of high-end color management software solutions online at...
read moreWhy Analyze Measurement Data Prior to Profile Creation?
This blog post was submitted by Color 2016 sponsor CrossXColor. In many situations measurement data is not perfect for ICC profiling and produces low quality profiles. Erroneous measurements can result in problems in production, often wasting time that could have been saved by making corrections beforehand, including editing primaries, adjusting white point of paper, and compensating for visual effects of optical brighteners in proofing. Ultimately, the quality of ICC or DeviceLink profiles is only as good as the input data. In the course of setting up color management it is unavoidable that one or more of your color targets will contain redundant, non-matching, or just inaccurate data on the same test chart. Most color charts contain over 1000 test patches and inaccurate or erroneous information will likely be read. Measurement data from multiple charts may even need to be combined or averaged to provide a better result. A tool like ColorLogic’s ColorAnt can complement any profiling software in the market. ColorAnt is an easy-to use tool that corrects and optimizes measurement data. The features include the ability to edit primary colors, substrate color, and recalculate measurement data with the use of full-sized test charts. Please explore our full range of high-end color management software solutions online at...
read moreWhy Use a Color Server if the RIP Already Has Color Management Included?
This blog post was submitted by Color 2016 sponsor CrossXColor. There are various options when it comes to a RIP and color management combination. Many shops run multiple printers which are all different models with the ability to handle the various print types including offset, large format, wide format, and digital. Having multiple printer models causes a learning curve because now the operators must learn and understand the functionalities of each printer and apply the proper settings before each job to ensure production runs smoothly. Much the same, even though each printer may come with a RIP, each RIP may be different, which means the user also has to learn how to handle color conversion for each printer depending on which RIP it has. With all of the variables involved, the output is not guaranteed to be consistent. Adding a color server to your set up can ensure that your colors are handled consistently by centralizing and synchronizing your color conversion. Other advantages of a color server could include higher flexibility and higher quality with the handling of spot color conversions and rendering intents. When a color server provides all of these benefits, it becomes easier for a printer to handle jobs they may have otherwise not been able to handle due to time or functionality restrictions. Creating room in your budget to add a color server can save you a lot of money long-term since a more reliable and predictable output will be produced. You will also save time in the learning process and preparation. ColorLogic’s ZePrA is a hot folder based Smart Color Server that can be integrated into an existing workflow for immediate results. Not only does the Auto Setup in ZePrA’s easy-to-use interface simplify the process of creating color conversions for any workflow situation, also creating DeviceLinks on the fly with SmartLink is effortless. ZePrA provides several other helpful features including its ability to provide Spot Color and SaveInk Reports directly from the Navigation Panel....
read moreWhy Use a Color Server if the RIP Already Has Color Management Included?
This blog post was submitted by Color 2016 sponsor CrossXColor. There are various options when it comes to a RIP and color management combination. Many shops run multiple printers which are all different models with the ability to handle the various print types including offset, large format, wide format, and digital. Having multiple printer models causes a learning curve because now the operators must learn and understand the functionalities of each printer and apply the proper settings before each job to ensure production runs smoothly. Much the same, even though each printer may come with a RIP, each RIP may be different, which means the user also has to learn how to handle color conversion for each printer depending on which RIP it has. With all of the variables involved, the output is not guaranteed to be consistent. Adding a color server to your set up can ensure that your colors are handled consistently by centralizing and synchronizing your color conversion. Other advantages of a color server could include higher flexibility and higher quality with the handling of spot color conversions and rendering intents. When a color server provides all of these benefits, it becomes easier for a printer to handle jobs they may have otherwise not been able to handle due to time or functionality restrictions. Creating room in your budget to add a color server can save you a lot of money long-term since a more reliable and predictable output will be produced. You will also save time in the learning process and preparation. ColorLogic’s ZePrA is a hot folder based Smart Color Server that can be integrated into an existing workflow for immediate results. Not only does the Auto Setup in ZePrA’s easy-to-use interface simplify the process of creating color conversions for any workflow situation, also creating DeviceLinks on the fly with SmartLink is effortless. ZePrA provides several other helpful features including its ability to provide Spot Color and SaveInk Reports directly from the Navigation Panel....
read moreCalibrate and verify G7 grayscale compliance with Fiery Color Profiler Suite.
This blog post was submitted by Color 2016 sponsor EFI. See how easy it is to pre-calibrate Fiery Driven™ print systems to G7 in the process of creating a custom output profile. Fiery Color Profiler Suite Awarded G7 System Certification EFI Fiery Color Profiler Suite was awarded G7 System Certification from Idealliance on May 20, 2016. The product is the first color-management toolset for cut-sheet digital print systems that provides G7 calibration, verification of G7 grayscale compliance, and output profiling integrated with a digital front end (DFE). Integration with the DFE Fiery Color Profiler Suite is the only integrated product on the market that calculates G7 correction curves and writes them directly into a calibration set on the Fiery DFE. This makes the G7 calibration process faster, easier, and less error-prone since it removes the need to manually load/input the correction curves or values. Verify G7 Compliance and Create Profiles The G7 workflow validates the results of the G7 calibration then guides you through creating a printer profile to work with the G7 calibration. This means users can achieve higher levels of G7 compliance, including G7 Targeted and G7 Colorspace, with a single, easy-to-use software product. No additional investment or training is required for third-party verification software, reducing system cost and operator time. Fast Re-calibration The calibration workflow creates a traditional Fiery calibration set that targets G7 compliance. This makes re-calibration from Fiery Command WorkStation® twice as fast as competing systems, because a traditional Fiery calibration patch target requires fewer patch measurements than a G7 P2P target. Reduced time spent calibrating the digital print system means better productivity and profitability for your customers. Learn More. Visit the Color Profiler Suite website for more product information and to download the latest version 4.9. Be sure to visit EFI at the PIA Color Conference...
read moreCalibrate and verify G7 grayscale compliance with Fiery Color Profiler Suite.
This blog post was submitted by Color 2016 sponsor EFI. See how easy it is to pre-calibrate Fiery Driven™ print systems to G7 in the process of creating a custom output profile. Fiery Color Profiler Suite Awarded G7 System Certification EFI Fiery Color Profiler Suite was awarded G7 System Certification from Idealliance on May 20, 2016. The product is the first color-management toolset for cut-sheet digital print systems that provides G7 calibration, verification of G7 grayscale compliance, and output profiling integrated with a digital front end (DFE). Integration with the DFE Fiery Color Profiler Suite is the only integrated product on the market that calculates G7 correction curves and writes them directly into a calibration set on the Fiery DFE. This makes the G7 calibration process faster, easier, and less error-prone since it removes the need to manually load/input the correction curves or values. Verify G7 Compliance and Create Profiles The G7 workflow validates the results of the G7 calibration then guides you through creating a printer profile to work with the G7 calibration. This means users can achieve higher levels of G7 compliance, including G7 Targeted and G7 Colorspace, with a single, easy-to-use software product. No additional investment or training is required for third-party verification software, reducing system cost and operator time. Fast Re-calibration The calibration workflow creates a traditional Fiery calibration set that targets G7 compliance. This makes re-calibration from Fiery Command WorkStation® twice as fast as competing systems, because a traditional Fiery calibration patch target requires fewer patch measurements than a G7 P2P target. Reduced time spent calibrating the digital print system means better productivity and profitability for your customers. Learn More. Visit the Color Profiler Suite website for more product information and to download the latest version 4.9. Be sure to visit EFI at the PIA Color Conference...
read moreA Better Way to Proof?
This blog post was submitted by Color 2016 sponsor, GTI. Soft proofing allows the user to view an accurate representation of what a final print will look like on their monitor. This visual representation (soft proof) replaces a traditional hard copy proof and serves as a contract between supplier and buyer. A contract soft proofing system will enhance a digital workflow by providing proofs that are accurate, repeatable, and supported by industry standards. A contract soft proofing system requires software, a light booth, and monitor. The soft proofing software provides tools for sharing digital proofs. The reviewer will have the capability to view, zoom, and navigate high resolution files without having to download the entire file. The software enables multiple users to simultaneously review the same file and offers markup and annotation tools to communicate edits, digital sign-off to indicate approval or rejection, and automated email notifications sent between stakeholders. To ensure accuracy when selecting soft proofing software look for a program that will assign color profiles to the digital files and prompt the viewer to calibrate their display using an external color sensor and pre-set color viewing parameters. Remote Director’s soft proofing software offers this capability. A soft proofing workflow also requires a light booth with dimming capabilities to be used near the monitor. This will allow the illuminance level of the monitor and viewing area to match. A GTI iQ viewing system is equipped to automatically match the luminance level of the monitor. In a soft proofing workflow the monitor is acting like an output device. To ensure accuracy the monitor needs to be a high quality, color calibrated monitor such as those offered by BenQ, Eizo, and NEC. GTI Graphic Technology, Inc. and Remote Director LLC have combined to offer a series of complete soft proofing solutions that include a two year subscription for two concurrent seats to Remote Director Software, a USB instrument to calibrate the monitor, and a GTI iQ enabled ISO 3664:2009 compliant viewing system. GTI light booths are available in desktop and floor stand models. Soft proofing allows for many people in many locations to review a single proof at the same time, as opposed to creating and sending multiple copies of the proof to many people. This allows project stakeholders to automatically consolidate all feedback and approvals in a single file instead of manually gathering and sorting through comments provided by reviewers. Soft proofing also shortens the production cycle by eliminating the need to print and deliver hard copy proofs. By eliminating the cost of the printer, paper, ink, and shipping/delivery soft proofing will also save significant money. Soft proofing will benefit all stakeholders not only by reducing cost and tightening the production cycle, but allowing more time for creativity and creating an opportunity for greater communication across the supply chain. A properly installed soft proofing system completes the digital...
read moreA Better Way to Proof?
This blog post was submitted by Color 2016 sponsor, GTI. Soft proofing allows the user to view an accurate representation of what a final print will look like on their monitor. This visual representation (soft proof) replaces a traditional hard copy proof and serves as a contract between supplier and buyer. A contract soft proofing system will enhance a digital workflow by providing proofs that are accurate, repeatable, and supported by industry standards. A contract soft proofing system requires software, a light booth, and monitor. The soft proofing software provides tools for sharing digital proofs. The reviewer will have the capability to view, zoom, and navigate high resolution files without having to download the entire file. The software enables multiple users to simultaneously review the same file and offers markup and annotation tools to communicate edits, digital sign-off to indicate approval or rejection, and automated email notifications sent between stakeholders. To ensure accuracy when selecting soft proofing software look for a program that will assign color profiles to the digital files and prompt the viewer to calibrate their display using an external color sensor and pre-set color viewing parameters. Remote Director’s soft proofing software offers this capability. A soft proofing workflow also requires a light booth with dimming capabilities to be used near the monitor. This will allow the illuminance level of the monitor and viewing area to match. A GTI iQ viewing system is equipped to automatically match the luminance level of the monitor. In a soft proofing workflow the monitor is acting like an output device. To ensure accuracy the monitor needs to be a high quality, color calibrated monitor such as those offered by BenQ, Eizo, and NEC. GTI Graphic Technology, Inc. and Remote Director LLC have combined to offer a series of complete soft proofing solutions that include a two year subscription for two concurrent seats to Remote Director Software, a USB instrument to calibrate the monitor, and a GTI iQ enabled ISO 3664:2009 compliant viewing system. GTI light booths are available in desktop and floor stand models. Soft proofing allows for many people in many locations to review a single proof at the same time, as opposed to creating and sending multiple copies of the proof to many people. This allows project stakeholders to automatically consolidate all feedback and approvals in a single file instead of manually gathering and sorting through comments provided by reviewers. Soft proofing also shortens the production cycle by eliminating the need to print and deliver hard copy proofs. By eliminating the cost of the printer, paper, ink, and shipping/delivery soft proofing will also save significant money. Soft proofing will benefit all stakeholders not only by reducing cost and tightening the production cycle, but allowing more time for creativity and creating an opportunity for greater communication across the supply chain. A properly installed soft proofing system completes the digital...
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