EFI has launched a service that makes it easy for print companies to achieve Ghent PDF Output Suite 5.0 conformance certification for digital printers and presses using EFI Fiery digital front end (DFE) print servers.
Once certified, PSPs receive a digital badge to show their PDF output workflow is compliant with the PDF/X-4 standard (ISO 15930-7:2010) for use on their website etc. Certified companies also have their name and location displayed on the international Ghent Workgroup site.
The service costs 380 Euro ($399 in North America).
“We are pleased to be able to offer this exciting new service in partnership with the Ghent Workgroup,” said EFI Fiery VP of sales and marketing John Henze. “Print producers are very familiar with conformance to colour standards and what that means in terms of expected results, happy customers, and reduced waste - the interpretation of PDF files needs to be thought of in the same way, it’s equally as important. On the latest Fiery DFEs, set up for certification and ongoing conformance takes seconds, unlike competitive solutions. Plus, we’ve made this service very easy and very affordable to encourage Fiery DFE users to take this important step to higher quality, and more reliable prints.”
Print businesses that use EFI Fiery DFEs on their digital equipment for wide-format or cutsheet production can order the certification service from EFI by filling out an online form. EFI then electronically sends personalised Ghent Workgroup test forms along with a short video on how to set up their Fiery server to achieve a pass.
Once they print the forms, Fiery users can take photos of their output using a smartphone and transmit the images to EFI for evaluation of each test element required for certification. EFI and the Ghent Workgroup can complete the certification within a week of receiving output photos.
“We are delighted that EFI is joining us in this effort,” said GWG chair David Zwang. “The test form consists of six pages, and especially with the newer generation of Fiery servers, EFI has made it easy to submit and print them. Once approved, the certification is valid for two years and can be a key differentiator for print and packaging service providers as they continue with existing customers and work to gain new ones - especially in a highly competitive environment where customers are increasingly focused on the quality of their printed products.”