Interview
The two-day Premium PSO package was used at the Vorarlberg-based Buchdruckerei Lustenau GmbH (BuLu). The company, which now employs more than 100 staff, aimed to implement the standardisation concept in the company and apply it every day. It was not only important for the company to obtain the certificate, but also that all staff involved understood the concept.
Bernhard Peter, production manager of Buchdruckerei Lustenau GmbH outlines the package.
Q: Mr Peter, what were your key reasons for becoming certified under PSO?
A: Bernhard Peter: For one thing, customer demand for a PSO certificate is increasing. However, it was inherently important to us not only that we undergo a PSO certification, but also that the process standard offset (PSO) is internalised in our printing house and demonstrated every day. That’s why it was also particularly significant for us to train all involved staff in advance. So we had a theory presentation lasting around three hours and involving over 20 employees from the relevant departments on Friday, before the second “printing team” was trained on Saturday. For a few, it was just a case of refreshing their expertise, whilst for others, such as our trainees, their professional competence was significantly improved as a result.
Q: What was the process of the package from your perspective?
A: It started with a theoretical presentation, which covered the PSO in the various departments, and then came the practice-oriented PSO training. After acquiring the fundamental knowledge came the practical part in the pre-press stage. This was where colour management was taught live, the monitor calibration was checked, as were the use of the correct profiles, the data input control, the creation of correct PDF print data and the environmental conditions. It was therefore possible to eliminate vulnerabilities immediately. Proofs were also issued for several printing conditions and these were analysed from a metrological point of view. The whole plate-making process was reviewed, from the sending of the PDF file to the printing plate evaluation. The linearization of the plates, as well as current RIP characteristics were verified. In the print room, our offset printers were taught how to create standardised printed sheets. In addition, the correct measurement technique was taught. This was done live during a print. After a metrological evaluation, existing print characteristics were adjusted slightly.
Q: Were all relevant issues and test criteria handled fully?
A: From our perspective, the range of topics was very extensive and complete. Especially the significance of the PSO and its sustainable use were discussed in a practice-oriented manner. We are therefore able to implement the PSO not only for the test, but also every day in our company. We were able to significantly increase our quality and efficiency. For example, not only were the important ISO standard 12647 (parts 2 and 7; Offset printing and proof) handled, but additional relevant ISO standards were also discussed, such as the ISO standard 3664 for colour matching conditions and ISO 2846 for printing inks.
Q: And did you pass the certification under PSO as a result?
A: Not just that. We were able to successfully pass the Premium PSO certification straight away. To do this, tighter deviation and fluctuation tolerances in dot gains, spreading and the OK sheet, as well as in the production run, had be adhered to constantly. In addition, the tolerances in the colour locations for primary colours were reduced and tolerances were set for the secondary colours and the tertiary colour grey. We were also able to comply with these with no problem after the training. When the certification took place on the Monday, we were able to independently set everything up with our measuring devices. The print quality measuring devices were not used in the certification.
Q: Other institutions, associations and providers are now also offering consultation and certifications. What were the key reasons for choosing the print quality package?
A: Of course, there are also other providers on the market that offer printing houses consultation and certification. A key reason was the convincing and economic overall concept. What’s more, print quality also offers special rates for new purchases of new spectrophotometers for example, which will bring us even greater savings in the future. In addition, Rafael Skoczowski can demonstrate six years of experience at FOGRA and can pass on his experience. And that’s not to mention the excellent cooperation over the three days. The training and certification were delivered very professionally. Mr Skoczowski brought a certain ease to the PSO package, so that those present for those days were highly motivated. The feedback from all of our employees is very positive. The comprehensive package was simply just right. I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
Mr Peter, thank you for the interview.