Mellow Colour's LinkSpec allows printers to exchange colour data and print-run reports with print buyers via a secure portal, creating, in effect, a remote press passing service.
The print run and proof reports can include colour metrics, images and user comments, while print buyers can place print specifications and colour definitions in their own web space so that suppliers can download them for production purposes.
According to Mellow Colour, LinkSpec will reduce the overall cost of a print job by speeding up the approval process and preventing errors.
The software developer cited a common example where an exact brand colour might be impossible to achieve on a particular customer-specified substrate, in which case, the printer could upload a report before starting the print run to get approval for the non-conformance.
Alan Dresch, a director at Mellow Colour, said: "Improved and faster communication between customers and suppliers using a system based on measurement will make the printing process more attractive to customers and more profitable for printers.
"Access to the print approval process and technical data online will ultimately reduce the need to travel to approve colours, resulting in a positive environmental impact."
Mellow Colour will be demonstrating LinkSpec on Stand 09-D364 at Ipex, together with its suite of products for ISO 12647 compliance, including PrintSpec, InkSpec, Flatline and ISOSimple.
