Process Control in relation to Colour Management is a measured system of ensuring that elements of the printing process can be accurately recorded and maintained through a designated plan. The plan will encompass preset parameters starting at the introduction of the file into plate making and the production and subsequent controls introduced when manufacturing the plates though to the finished printed sheet within the press room. At all times there will be an accountable method of recording process control, this will be done through standardization, of chemistry, consumables and process materials. Individual test forms and maintenance plans will be introduced for all equipment within an individual business.

The management team will allocate personnel designated to be responsible for specific parts of the process in both records kept and audits required for group analysis.

Process Control is not a new concept, it is the bringing together of procedures that should already be occurring within a business that is functioning to standards laid out in the printing process. With the advent of new presses and the pressure to improve margins, there are false expectations when it comes to taking responsibility for both consistency and quality. It is always someone else’s problems when something goes wrong.

Process Control brings together a personal discipline for both individuals and management teams to consider, and whilst it is always stated that there is never any time to undertake a process such as this, there is always time when presses breakdown or spoilage occurs.

Process Control will not eradicate spoilage or machine breakdowns, but it will reduce these occurrences through the measured plan that will be put in place giving more confidence to both pre press and printers like in the performance of their duties.

The benefits of a managed Colour Management is:

• Reduced downtime of capital equipment.
• Reduced maintenance costs
• Improvement in quality of end product.
• Improvement in machine utilisation.
• Greater awareness of the printing process for both existing and new minders.
• Greater potential for increased sales by demonstration of that consistency to customers.
• Standardised production and prepress

Iso certification (like ISO 12647-2) can be the hook to start the initiative.