When production engineers talk about process control they say "if you can measure it, you can control it, and if you can control it you can reproduce it" consequently precision colour measurement is at the heart of the PrintSpec colour quality management system.

The longer term aims of both Mellow Colour and DES is to help the printing industry get in-line with other industries where critical process control is the differentiator that separates the best from the rest.

DES is committed to the delivery of top quality pre-press and printing colour management products and consultancy expertise.

We specialise in the implementation of the ISO 12647 printing specification, technical troubleshooting, fine tuning of colour systems and on-going support, covering Australia and New Zealand.

For over a decade, DES has provided consulting and technical resources to facilitate the understanding and adoption of technology innovations for agencies, publishers and print production professionals. Today we provide the industry's broadest range of contract quality digital proofing and workflow solutions.

As you would expect from an industry leader, we are here to listen to you and assist you in managing your critical technology decisions. Rely on us to help you improve colour communications, gain the benefits of digital workflows, meet today's tight deadlines, avoid costly mistakes in the print production process, and help make your business more successful.

Our international team can provide a broad range of customer-focused services and supplies, as well as specialized technical support and training.

Additional specialty training and seminars on all related colour management and colour communication subjects is supported by David Crowther of Chromaticity Aust Pty Ltd.

Your need for improved colour integrity and consistency will be answered by PrintSpec, a colour quality management system developed by Mellow Colour Ltd (UK) and implemented by DES.

Based on the measurement of spectral L*a*b* values, grey balance performance and tone value increase (we used to call it 'dot gain') that a press produces.

Together this information describes colour appearance perfectly.

Looking for trends in these numbers, and comparing them to those in the ISO 12647-2 specification for offset lithographic printing processes, technical problems on press that wouldn't be apparent to the eye can be spotted and rectified earlier and the printer can ensure his press operates within the targets and tolerances of the specification.

"It's not about making the perfect piece of print, it's about positioning yourself in the middle of the safe-zone so you have maximum leeway…it's better to look for trends, rather than make dramatic one-shot fixes"…Alan Dresch Mellow Colour Ltd (UK).