First local Fogra PSO partner for Africa

Colour Management and Print Standards expert John Panton from Digital Distributors has just become Fogra’s first Process Standard Offset (PSO) Certification partner in Africa after successfully completing a course and examination at Fogra in Munich, Germany.

Shortly after obtaining his renewed EFI Fogra Certification for proofing according to ISO 12647-7, Panton endeavoured to further his field of expertise to not only consult with regards to colour proofing, but also on the ISO standards for Offset printing processes. What this means for local Offset print shops, is that Panton – as one of Fogra’s limited number of print partners and the only PSO certified expert in South Africa – can consult and audit the standards of Offset printing presses. As examiner, Panton overseas the testing done by the customer and the collection of all data, which is then submitted to Fogra, where complete evaluations are done. A second check is done by Bundesverband Druck und Medien (BVDM), before Fogra issues certification.

Passing the two day course followed by a practical exam on the third day with flying colours, Panton comments: “Offset printing process standard certification is based on ISO 12647-2. It takes colour management a step further – from the proofing stage to the actual printed product, ensuring a certified printed product.

“The benefit to printers is that this certification provides proof of the quality they’re capable of. Inside the printing company, it ensures smooth production, increased profits and customer satisfaction.

“PSO is really a collection of all the ISO standards that make up the total Process Standard. All these standards are covered in both our testing and the certifying of the print shop. It is largely broken down into a Pre-Press and Print section.

“The Pre-Press items covered include a basic audit on the equipment used and how well they are maintained, and checking that a standard operating procedure is in place. Monitors have to be checked, calibrated and standard viewing conditions programmed in accordance with ISO 12646 and ISO 3664. Practical testing follows about the understanding and use of International Colour Consortium (ICC) profiles. Finally proofs have to be created and checked to be ISO 12647-7 compliant.”

He also explained the topics covered in the Print Section: “A basic audit is done of equipment used, calibration and standard operating procedure. An understanding and implementation of CTP correction curves and the main factors effecting TVI need to be understood. Plate Making and control procedures need to be checked and the physical press run done in accordance with ISO 12647-2. Multiple sheets are submitted and evaluated in accordance to their deviation from the Aim values and variation through the print run. Tolerances in accordance with ISO 12647-2 must be adhered to, and are checked by Fogra and the BVDM.”

PSO Certification means that Panton, as a Fogra print partner, can be onsite at a local print customer to check not only that the required target values were achieved on the press, but also establish that the necessary quality controls exist at this printer to ensure consistent production over the long term.

The PSO Certification is valid for a period of two years. After the first year, at no further cost, the printer is required to submit six standardised, printed examples from any print run with the appropriate control strips and a Digital Proof to Fogra for monitoring purposes. This checks that quality standards are maintained.

Concludes Panton: “It is important to understand that proofing and production printing are integrally related and a good understanding of both ISO 12647-2 and ISO 12647-7 are required. It is an honour for me to be a Fogra partner and I am looking forward to adding further value to customers by being able to provide the necessary consulting and assistance to certify their production colours in accordance with ISO 12647-2.”

PSO Certification costs are available from Digital Distributors on request. Please contact john@digitaldistributors.co.za. For more information on the expert services and quality products offered at Digital Distributors, please visit www.digitaldistributors.co.za.