PrintFactory issues efficiencies guide on back of research findings

According to new research from digital print software provider, PrintFactory, widespread reliance on default solutions could be costing large-format operations thousands of pounds in avoidable wasted time, ink and media.

It says 60% of print shops are relying on the Rip software that comes with printers, and 63% are running multiple platforms across their network. 37% are operating both Mac and PCs. Inherent inconsistency across production set-ups could be compounding quality control problems on the shop floor - not least when it comes to dealing with the complexities of colour management, an issue that 21% say is their biggest workflow bottleneck. Erik Strik, CEO of PrintFactory, says: “When considering these findings, it’s no wonder the wide-format printing industry is struggling with inefficiencies. There are many ways to overcome a large number of the challenges, but it will require a break from convention.” In response to the research, PrintFactory has compiled a two-part colour management guide that sets out the many parameters that may be contributing to some of the colour management obstacles identified. These include achieving consistency across substrates (cited by 30% as their greatest challenge), accurate colour reproduction (according to 29%) and ensuring different devices deliver the exact same output (a major problem for 22%). When asked which top two solutions they would consider to help resolve workflow issues, 75% of the respondents stated new software as their first option, though 51% would consider investing in a new printer. Strik added: “The technology to eliminate bottlenecks and deliver identical output across devices already exists, and - with new SaaS models that make even the most advanced systems entirely accessible - these can be extremely cost-effective. We wanted to run the survey to better understand why so many wide-format printers confide they’re continuing to waste costly resource on chasing colour and, moreover, what’s stopping them from switching to a smarter way of working.” Exposing the hidden obstacles to efficient colour management, PrintFactory’s guide to ‘Breaking Colour Convention for a More Productive Wide-format Workflow’ is freely available to download at http://www.printfactory.cloud/pfcmguide/