The new certification offering uses the PDF test suite from the Ghent Workgroup (GWG). It enables print and packaging companies to easily prove they can print PDF files correctly, and therefore better promote themselves as a partner of choice to existing and potential customers.
Once certified, they 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 and for other marketing purposes. Certified companies also have their name and location displayed on the international Ghent Workgroup site.
Available now, the service costs €380 (£329) in Europe, and $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, setup 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.”
The steps to achieving the certification are said to take under an hour. Print businesses that use EFI Fiery DFEs on their digital equipment for cut-sheet or wide-format 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 the output photos.
EFI said Fiery DFEs are designed with the ability to easily create the correct PDF/X-4 output required for Ghent PDF Output Suite 5.0 Conformance Certification.
It said that on the latest Fiery DFE platform for cut-sheet printers, generating certification-compliant output only requires selecting a single check box in Fiery JobExpert, EFI’s technology for automated optimal PDF print production.
“We are delighted that EFI is joining us in this effort. 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,” said GWG chair David Zwang.
“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.”
Applications for Ghent PDF Output Suite 5.0 Conformance Certification can be made at: fiery.efi.com/GWG.
