Remote Press Checks

[billw@mlode.com]

One of our new customers wants to do remote press checks for color. Appreciate any and all education on this process.

Thanks.

[Stephen Marsh]

billw, I am not familiar with "remote press checks" (the client would need to be at the press, not remote, would they not?) - however remote and or virtual proofing is more common (proofing, not press checks).

Many vendors offer remote proofing solutions (hardcopy).

I know that Kodak offer "Kodak Matchprint Virtual Technology" for certified remote softproofing.

If the press operator was also using "Kodak Pressproof Software" then you would know that both the client and the press operator were using the same Matchprint Virtual Technology to view the same softproof (sans harcopy proof).

One would then hope that the press matches the virtual proof!

MATCHPRINT Virtual Technology - Kodak Graphic Communications Group
PRESSPROOF Software - Kodak Graphic Communications Group

If you are based in AU/NZ, then please feel free to drop me a private message for more info on these Kodak solutions.

Best,

Stephen Marsh

[mattbeals]

You can use tools like ICS Remote Director along with well calibrated high quality monitors in a controlled viewing environment.

[gordo]

One of our new customers wants to do remote press checks for color. Appreciate any and all education on this process.

Thanks.

One such system was developed to the conceptual, as well as technical feasibility, level by one of the main graphic arts vendors, however it was never made into a commercial product. A small amount of research was done to determine market interest in such a product. Most of the interest was in the packaging sector.

However, AFAIK, no vendor has brought such a system out as a product although it is certainly a feasible technology. All the components are readily available today - it just needs to be put together.

What it would have allowed is remote press checks. I.e. real time verification of press work color vs proof (or master) as well as monitoring critical color areas for match. Press sheet content (e.g. hickies, missing text, etc.) could also be checked. It also allowed the press operator to know whether press adjustments, e.g. a solid ink density move, would actually correct, or not, a color issue. The system did not require the use of color managed monitors. If they had an iPad they could do a remote press check as long as the customer had access to an internet connection.


best, gordon p

[Xlb]

There is more than standing at a press.

[fiatlux]

There is more than standing at a press.

....and.....?

FL

[Xlb]

How about a Pressroom check?, Procedure check?, Condition of the equipment check?, Maintenance Log check?, Manning of the equipment check?, Safety check?, what do the waste bins look like?, how do they manage waste sheets?, Is it as clean as Safeway or does it look like a the inside of a Dumpster?, a check if they have in-house ink capabilities?, want more ?

[mattbeals]

Greg, is that you?

[fiatlux]

How about a Pressroom check?, Procedure check?, Condition of the equipment check?, Maintenance Log check?, Manning of the equipment check?, Safety check?, what do the waste bins look like?, how do they manage waste sheets?, Is it as clean as Safeway or does it look like a the inside of a Dumpster?, a check if they have in-house ink capabilities?, want more ?

I have never heard of a print buyer checking any of the things you listed during a press check. Most of what you list might be part of an evaluation of prospective print suppliers in order to qualify which ones are worthy of quoting on a specific job - but not during a press check, i.e. when the press is running and the customer is evaluating the print output or as the OP said: colour.

FL

[mattbeals]

Not something I would normally examine during a press check. As FL said, more during the evaluation process. But... They are still important to keep in mind as you make your way around the shop for the presscheck. Everything looks great on a tour but how they keep things day to day can tell a lot about how they run things and level of pride in their work. And that pride or lack of pride will show. But then again, I'm not a pressroom guy. I was a buyer though.