The Big Picture - June/July 2014 - (Page F10)

FOCUS xpedx www.xpedx.com Optimizing Color Management And Workflow Wide-format printing is a $30 billion industry that continues to grow, creating a tremendous opportunity for print service providers to help brands market in new ways. Recent advances in this technology have made it more cost effective, accessible, and adaptable for print service providers to break tradition and deliver ink on something other than paper. It seems there is no limit to the variety of applications that can be printed on new types of substrates with wideformat equipment. As many print shops explore wide-format opportunities, however, they should re-examine their colormanagement and workflow options to ensure they're delivering the results that their customers expect. For print service providers that don't have this capability in-house, a trusted business partner can help implement color management and workflow solutions to create an integrated print production environment, and ultimately help grow the shop's business. NEW SPECIFICATIONS FOR COLOR WORKFLOW/COLOR MANAGEMENT In today's global economy, brand owners are increasingly more aware of corporate colors and how they affect consumer habits. For example, a cola drink's red or a home improvement store's orange may be instantly recognizable colors that conjure up a brand image and signal authenticity. Marketers demand that these colors be consistent worldwide to ensure the greatest possible consumer impact. Recently, the International Organization for Standardization introduced ISO 15339, a new color standard that contains specifications for Universal Extra Large gamut printing processes (wide format). This digitally based standard includes color specifications more in line with the vast range of substrates and equipment used in wide-format printing. Simply purchasing a new wide-format device, however, is not enough. If equipment is not calibrated to match these new specifications, print service providers are at a greater risk of missing the color mark - which could mean millions of dollars in lost 10 FOCUS 2014 business. Employing an experienced integration team for installation, configuration, and training is critical. Having the proper knowledge and certifications such as a Color Management Professional and G7 Expert can help to navigate the color confusion and get the printer running and profitable as fast as possible. MANAGING WIDE-FORMAT WORKFLOW If a customer is stressing the importance of color consistency, how is that message making its way from the account representative to the print production floor? Or if a job requires more than one process, how does it move from the wide-format equipment to the offset printer? Can it be done faster? These are standard workflow questions for any print provider, but new advanced RIP-configuration settings are required to trigger specific wide-format printing tasks. Software is available that automates many wide-format processes, including mark placement and cutting options, to increase the production volume on the print floor. Automating these specific tasks is an important part of streamlining the workflow so that there are no surprises, but errors in the system could cost millions. Print providers can eliminate the guesswork by turning to a business partner with the depth and experience to implement new, automated workflow software. FOCUSING ON GROWTH As brand marketers feel increased pressure to explore new applications, they'll turn to trusted print service providers for guidance. Are you prepared to answer their questions and deliver upon their increased expectations? Is your equipment color calibrated and automated to turn around a project quickly and efficiently? xpedx offers everything print providers need to "make print happen." Tap into xpedx's expertise on color management and workflow, or explore the various equipment and substrates available that will help expand your portfolio of services on the xpedx website. http://www.xpedx.com http://www.xpedx.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Big Picture - June/July 2014

The Big Picture - June/July 2014
Contents
InSight
Wide Angle
Up Front
Graphics on the Go
Flavorful Interiors
Step-by-Step: Deer Caught in the Spotlight
Stay Sharp with Cutters and Routers
R+D
Explorer

The Big Picture - June/July 2014