Bridson & Horrox in InPrint

Based in the Isle of Man, this company's directors became interested in the Colour Management Standard ISO 12647/2 almost as soon as details of its impending introduction were released in 2008.

They knew that the quality achieved through its pre-press, proofing and printing processes was good, given its skilled workforce and the fact that its equipment was relatively new. However, no procedures existed to allow an accurate measurement of performance against a colour quality standard such as ISO 12647/2.

Tommy Crowe, Director of Print Operation: "Many of our customers have critical colour requirements and would demand compliance with ISO 12647/2. This led us to contact the Business Division of the BPIF for advice. A Technical Consultant made a GAP analysis of all areas that involve colour production processes."

This analysis measured and recorded the company's performance in the sectors of pre-press, proofing and printing against the standards for ISO 12647/2. The Consultant's report set out a route map for ISO 12647/2 UKAS certification.

Fortunately, the existing equipment could achieve and maintain the new standard consistently with little additional capital expenditure. However, the report highlighted a number of working practices that needed changing or introducing. It was recommended that ISO 12647/2 be integrated with the procedures that the company already had for the quality standard ISO 9001. A small amount of capital expenditure was identified as being necessary as well as some training.

Benefits include efficiency gains, reduced wastage, enhanced customer satisfaction, the ability to tender for more exciting work and a checklist of standards for accuracy and consistency.