EFI has partnered with Ghent Workgroup (GWG) to launch a new service to make it easier for print service providers to achieve certification for digital presses and printers.
Users can achieve Ghent PDF Output Suite 5.0 Conformance Certification using EFI Fiery digital frontend (DFE) print servers. The new certification, which takes less than an hour to apply for, uses trusted PDF test suites from GWG, an international organisation of graphic arts users.
This means print and packaging service providers can prove they can print PDF files correctly and better promote themselves as a partner of choice to existing and potential customers, according to EFI. Once certified, customers 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 GWG site. The certification is valid for two years and is currently available for €380 in Europe and $399 in North America.
EFI Fiery vice president of sales and marketing John Henze said, ‘Print producers are very familiar with conformance to colour standards, 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, set up for certification and ongoing conformance takes seconds.’
Print businesses that already use EFI Fiery DFEs on their digital equipment for cutsheet or wide-format production can order the certification service from EFI by filling out an online form. EFI then electronically sends personalised GWG 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 GWG can complete the certification within a week of receiving output photos.
GWG chair David Zwang added, ‘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.’
