The importance of an efficient color management workflow is not to be underestimated. Color
quality and consistency are crucial to any packaging printer who wants to keep their clients – especially
brand owners – happy. Do you feel your color management isn’t all it should be? Then let’s get it (back) on track! This article lines up four key components every
color management workflow should consist of.
1. A color management platform
Without clear two-way communication, you’re setting yourself up for color disaster. Surely, Pantone 215 is always the same color, whether it’s printed in Paris, Los Angeles or Amsterdam. But not all colors are named colors. If you want to make absolutely sure
all stakeholders in the packaging supply chain work with the
same set of color data, setting up a common communication platform like
Color Engine is a must.
2. Accurate color-proofing software
More often than not, the same color on one substrate looks different on another. To avoid disappointing clients with inconsistent hues, having a
color management system like
Color Engine in place that allows for accurate
color prediction on various substrates is no luxury. Even before having signed off on the production, brand owners will know exactly how their brand colors will appear on the finished packaging.
3. Calibration, calibration and more calibration
We probably needn’t tell you that proofing devices and presses must be calibrated on a regular basis to ensure color consistency. Additionally, however, you should also be verifying
how accurate your color calibration is. Enter, once again, Color Engine! Its Check Strategy procedure keeps you informed on the deviation between press and proof, and easily detects out-of-gamut colors.
4. A light booth
Next to
color management software, a physical light booth is crucial to avoid color surprises. Next to providing standardized lighting, a proper light booth is also able to simulate every other lighting condition the packaging may be viewed under, from daylight to midnight, and from
store light to home or office light.
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