BGP has revealed that its investment in a new manroland soft proofing system, the PressProof TC (True Colour), has helped improve production processes and has provided BGP’s customer’s with a high quality cost effective alternative to conventional proofing.

The new system was installed on BGP’s four manroland Lithoman 72pp web presses at the company’s Bicester site in September last year, and the TC soft proofing system is the first to be installed in a commercial web facility.

The PressProof TC soft proofing system has enabled BGP’s production processes to push the boundaries of colour reproduction and quality, and provide BGP’s customer’s with an alternative to conventional proofing, and also a high quality cost effective product. Having high resolution proofs for all titles in today’s markets where cost is everything is giving added value to customers and pushing the boundaries when it comes to colour quality.

The TC soft proofing system has also allowed BGP to have high resolution proofs for all its titles available on press. The proofs are created from the original PDF files which are sent from BGP’s customers and will have the correct paper profile attached. The System also enables the printer to run to bespoke paper profiles.

One advantage of the new manroland system is that the proofs are of a consistent standard and do not rely on the condition of a proofer print head or linearization. The monitors are also calibrated on a weekly basis and will not display if the calibration has not been performed or has failed.

Each of BGP’s four Lithoman presses was installed with a monitor that tracks across the web and has a touch screen for the vertical position. The system can also be used by the other presses which are yet to have the proofing system applied. The navigation system is fast and easy to use and have been utilised in a positive manner by press crews and customers.

BGP has also opted for an integrated solution, where the benefits include removing cost from the ad supply chain and allowing a faster delivery of both advertisement and editorial pages to press.

Prior to installing the PressProof system, BGP worked in conjunction with one of its biggest clients, Bauer Media, who have been using the soft proofing system for some time. As a result, BGP was able to ensure the system was the right one by using Bauer’s prior to purchase.

Future developments will see customers having the option to log on and see what BGP are targeting as a proof when printing. This option is still in the development stage and will give BGP the complete closed loop colour solution if successful.

Commenting on production improvements, BGP Group Colour/Systems Manager, Nigel Westlake said, “This system is cost effective for both BGP and our customers. It gives colour consistency on a repeatable basis. This system is ideal for customers who are looking to reduce cost whilst maintaining colour quality and consistency. This installation has enabled the minders to trust colour proofs and set a higher standard of colour accuracy.”

Speaking on behalf of the manufacturers of the software, John Charnock - Remote Director's European Advisor and ex St Ives Technical Director also enthused about the installation. He stated, “On press monitor proofing has been used on single monitors successfully in pre-press for some time but this installation is the first of its kind that truly demonstrates how monitors can be dynamically integrated into the press console to assist with high speed navigation for the operators. Having the system as part of the press really is the most elegant way to do it. I believe this demonstrates that on press monitor proofing has come of age. I congratulate Nigel and the BGP team for completing a most impressive installation.”

To view a video YouTube on the Press Director in action at BGP’s Bicester’s plant view:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO1RijGI0hQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player