Markzware develops FlightCheck, the patented software for preflighting to check documents for print quality control. Since Markzware develops this preflight solution for print media, design and publishing, we noticed a very interesting article titled, “Careless print costs money“. It highlights how a key United Kingdom government department, COI or Central Office of Information, is taking the matter of print buying very seriously. They are doing what any advertising agency, corporation or marketing company should also be doing, yet may not be…
‘Philip Brimley, head of publications for the COI explains: “The principles of our procurement are that we do a good spec that is sent to suppliers in plenty of time so that the suppliers have a fair amount of time to generate a quote, and competition rules must always be in place. We should also promote innovation, and should encourage SMEs to work with us.”
To procure print, COI uses three frameworks: one for printing, which has 76 companies; one for paper supply with six suppliers (although this is set to change); and a framework for typesetting with five companies.
There is also a framework for design work, with half of the COI’s creative work being put through the framework, and half of the design produced in-house. For an internal prepress check either the Adobe CS3 preflight software is used or Markzware’s FlightCheck.’
Source: printmediamag.co.uk June 2008 issue, page 28
It is fantastic to see more and more print buyers taking responsibility for their own digital files destined for the printer. Using FlightCheck or even other preflighting measures is of course a no-brainer. However, some may be surprised to learn of how many do not perform a print quality check on the native or final-press PDF file before sending. (FlightCheck can check both the open or source native files, as well as the resulting PDF.) Lastly, it is even more encouraging to see governmental agencies doing things by the book. They can save time and money and, in the process, operate greener, which is great for the environment. If a bad digital layout or brochure goes to print with problems, you have to print it over again. This costs time, money and materials, such as inks, solvents and, of course, paper. Naturally, the printer’s prepress or repro department should also be using FlightCheck before getting that far.
Visit the FlightCheck page and get pre press software to improve your design process. See more printing solutions on the Markzware Products page.
UK Government Central Office of Information Uses FlightCheck
