P45: SMS READY certification for print shops

Description

P45: SMS READY certification for print shops

Professional print shops that wish to apply for an SMS READY certification, need to first of all prove their ability to print SMS colours correctly within a MAX dE00 of 3 or less.

Print shops who want to certify as SMS READY need to appoint at least one so-called “super user”, who is responsible for the Printshop working according to instructions provided by Spot-Nordic, to ensure correct reproduction of SMS colours for each media, as well as to make sure that the Printshop in fact is capable of meeting the standards required to successfully print SMS colours within the margin of error (dE00) stated on their SMS READY certificate.

The super user, who will be the technical contact to Spot-Nordic has to be fluent in the English language and must furthermore be knowledgeable in the use of graphics programs used by the print shop and it’s customers. He or she will be the person to answer technical questions of customers concerning printing of SMS colours by the print shop.

The appointed super user must proof his or her ability to work with SMS colours professionally – see instructions here and will, once he or she has proven ability in converting SMS colours from sRGB to the relevant media – Print Graphics, Web Graphics and/or Video Graphics receive his or her own SMS READY Expert certificate, that will remain valid during the certification period of the print shop – see further details about the SMS READY Expert certification – P21 here above.

The appointed super user will be taught how to use the SMS READY control strip correctly and will be provided with an Excel sheet, enabling them to check the dE00 of each colour of the SMS READY control strip (requires a qualified spectrophotometer – for instance the i1Pro3 Basic – see here).

Optionally the printshop can appoint an existing SMS READY Expert during the subscription of the print shop.

For best results, it is recommended that in addition to the super user, key personnel at the print shop, including sales personnel, prepress personnel and printers do the SMS READY Expert training and apply for their own SMS READY Expert certificate. This will enable them to better understand how SMS colours work and what has to be done to ensure correct reproduction. At a minimum the super user has to teach all printers/press operators how to measure the SMS READY control strip correctly (correct M condition and how to fill in the Excel sheet and how to interpret the results, once the LAB values have been entered (whether to run the job or stop).

Personnel of SMS READY certified print shops that are registered by the print shop for SMS READY Expert certification do not have to buy their own SMS P20 colour palette, since they are allowed to use the P20 colour palettes of the certified print shop where they work to complete the choirs requested to get the SMS READY Expert certificate in the field of Print Graphics.

The price per each SMS READY Expert certificate is thus only EUR 60 extra per diploma during the work period of the SMS READY Expert for the SMS READY certified print shop (beyond the free SMS READY Expert training of the appointed super user).

SMS READY print shop certification includes:

• • SMS READY badge for marketing.
  • P20 v7:  2.607 labelled sRGB Standard colours in PDF and ASE format.
  • P20x v7: 2.607 labelled sRGB MAX colours in PDF and ASE format.
  • P20e v7: 2.607 labelled sRGB ECO colours in PDF and ASE format.
  • P20o v7: 2.607 labelled sRGB Standard Home & Office colours in PDF and ASE format.
  • P20xo v7: 2.607 labelled sRGB SMS MAX Home & Office colours in PDF and ASE format.
  • P20xs v7: 2.607 labelled sRGB SMS SuperMAX colours in PDF and ASE format.
  • NEW: P20xs v7: 2.607 labelled sRGB SMS SuperMAX colours in PDF and ASE format.
  • P21: SMS READY training for one employee (super user).
  • 30 minute “Crash Course” for key staff members (max 3 at the time) covering what to keep in mind when accepting jobs containing SMS colours. This includes a discussion about ISO 12647, current tools used for process control, current standard paper types and discussion on what to consider to improve the printing process.
  • Technical support via email and Messenger/Skype/What’s App/Zoom (English only).
  • Online and offline marketing of the print shop .In addition (optional)
  • Further discussion, SMS training and advisory services beyond 30 minutes: EUR 140 pr. hour (max 3 participants).
  • P16: Rating of printed SMS colours (physical copy must be sent to our address): EUR 50 pr. job.
  • P17b: Lookup, adding of additional job specific information to a current job (job ID required): EUR 30 pr. job.

Offset print shops that buy a complete Rutherford or InkZone preset + closed loop system from Spot-Nordic are entitled a free 4 year SMS READY certification, once they have successfully printed the SMS READY control strip within a MAX dE00 of 3 or less.

SMS READY certified print shops are authorized to print or proof the complete SMS colour palettes in swatch/guide or poster format and distribute or sell the printed items to their customers and prospective customers in their region with their logo and contact information for promotional purposes, for quick, visual matching to help brand owners, companies and designers select SMS colours for their jobs.
A copy of each printed SMS swatch/guide or poster should be mailed to Spot-Nordic for approval.

To check if your print shop is in fact capable of offering SMS colours, please contact support@spotmatchingsystem.com and request SMS test/control patches in the CMYK or extended print format you offer your customers (Fogra, G7, Japan Standard 2011 etc).

The price of the SMS READY certification is EUR 950 per year, per location for print shops in any category. If you have more than 3 locations, please contact us for a special quote. 

Please pay with your credit or debit card or, should you choose to wire the payment, send a receipt of your payment along with any job specific information to support@spotmatchingsystem.com to ensure uninterrupted service.

Optionally you may send your order or enquiry to support@spotmatchingsystem.com if you don’t like shopping online.

Once your order has been processed we will contact you by email and get to work on your order.