Print Quality Management: Impress Print’s journey to colour excellence with ISO 12647 certification across digital print

As the industry faces rising costs and tighter margins, running accurate high-quality print first time, is non-negotiable.

Traditionally, the colour management ISO 12647 certification was focused on litho, but technology has evolved and many printers are now fine tuning their processes to maintain high quality, accurate and efficient output across digital print.

Having worked together in the past to achieve ISO 12647 certification for litho printing, Impress Print once again turned to Mellow Colour for guidance in their digital print production.

Technology changes, ISO 12647 standards remain

Rewind to 2006 - print was seen as more of a craft and didn’t usually adopt the manufacturing processes used today. All colour matching at Impress Print was done by eye, which was not unusual 20 years ago. However, Impress Print knew that implementing process driven colour management systems was the best approach to achieve higher standards and consistency across their colour critical print.

Working alongside Mellow Colour, the journey to achieving ISO 12647 certification was under way. Selected for their consultative approach, Mellow Colour challenged Impress Print to make improvements. By 2007 Impress Print had achieved ISO 12647 certification for their litho printing and have continued to go from strength to strength with an excellent reputation for quality, across the last two decades.

Fast forward to 2023, following the installation of their first inkjet digital press, the Fuji Film Jet Press, Impress Print had new concerns. “While the print quality was outstanding, we had no way of knowing if the digital proofs we were supplying to clients were accurate,” said Sue Deeprose, Impress Print. “We knew that working with Alan at Mellow Colour again would give us the confidence in our digital print, and allow us to reap the benefits we’d seen in litho.”

Continuous improvement in print

With Mellow Colour at their side, Impress Print’s ISO 12647 Digital Certification implementation process proceeded smoothly, primarily due to the organisation's prior experience with litho orienting.

Procedures were adapted once again, and ISO 12647 Digital Certification followed.

“Having previously undergone a similar improvement process, we were well-prepared and able to establish many of the required procedures in advance of Mellow Colour's audits,” commented Sue Deeprose.

“With further guidance from Alan, we successfully achieved certification efficiently. Overall, the process was straightforward and effectively managed, facilitated by our prior experience and Alan's support.”

“Recognising areas of vulnerability and continuously striving to improve, is the difference between a business that thrives or just survives. From our initial work together in the early noughties, right up to date, Impress Print have shown an excellent attitude to continuous improvement,” commented Alan Dresch, Mellow Colour. “It’s testament to the success of their business and well-deserved awards they win.”

With the ISO 12647 certification in place, Impress Print are confident that clients, such as prestigious London Galleries, can be assured of the highest quality and absolute consistency in their digital jobs.

Overcoming the challenges

Though the implementation of the quality management project was a success, the project wasn’t without its challenges.

“One of our biggest challenges was the handling of spot colours in the Certification. We needed to learn how to use the Fuji library in the press as it used a wider gamut than the CMYK standard colour space.” Said Simon Webb.

“We had to learn to edit the library to give us full control of customer specific spot colours, being able to edit that library was key.”

Reaping rewards of increased efficiencies

Through collaborative partnership and a shared belief in a process driven approach, Mellow Colour and Impress Print have successfully navigated the challenges of achieving consistent colour accuracy and optimising their printing process.

Striving for consistently standardised print, not only enhanced Impress Print’s reputation, but also led to significant cost savings and culminated in the business achieving industry-recognised certifications for both printing processes.

Using best in class systems - colour management software, proofing systems, and cutting-edge printers, has empowered Impress Print to elevate their print quality to the highest standards, while enjoying improved margins, more efficient processes, sustainable waste reduction and increased client satisfaction.

While digital print isn’t the soul focus of the business - accounting for around 20% of Impress Print’s work – it was historically the most challenging work to deliver, due to the turnaround time and quality that clients demand.

“We have managed to move very demanding work to the Fujifilm Jet Press that was previously printed litho and the customer had to press pass wasting thousands of sheets in the process. The process is now fully trusted, and no more press passing is required. These jobs now have better margins, less waste and shorter lead times.” Commented Mike Kille.

Winning Results

This success story serves as a valuable blueprint for other print businesses seeking to elevate their print production capabilities. Not only has Impress Print’s investment enhanced their brand consistency, they have also achieved significant operational efficiencies and gained a competitive edge in the market.

What did they have to say about Mellow Colour?

“Mellow Colour are very flexible and easy to work with, with fantastic knowledge. They challenge us every visit and highlight an area to improve in - never letting us rest!”

Impress Print are on an exciting journey to achieve their goal of being the leading go-to printer for the highest quality work.