Press Benchmarking

What is Benchmarking?

Benchmarking is a systematic method of comparing, measuring and analyzing products and processes of an organization against current industry standards. US Ink provides benchmarking services and is represented on the NAA Color Reproduction Task Force which is developing best practices for newspaper print quality and consistency.

US Ink's prepress and press audits utilize benchmarking principles and therefore are tailored to the needs of your pressroom. These audits often include the following areas:

• Plate Room Process and Exposure Checks.
  
• Roller Settings.
  
• Roller Hardness.
  
• Iron to Iron Setting.
  
• Blanket Condition and Height.
  
• Fountain Solution System Checks.
  
• Print Quality Assessment Test.
  

The Basic Benchmarking Process

• Determine what to Benchmark - Prioritize.
  
• Determine benchmarking scope and approach, forming and training a team, defining tasks, and setting milestones.
  
• Teams collect and analyze data.

Value of Benchmarking

Any newspaper will benefit from US Ink's benchmarking services. They have the ability to do the following three things:

1. Provide an understanding of how the particular function is currently being performed.

2. Clearly identify the areas to be improved and the goals to be achieved.

3. Focus on the underlying practices and processes used to achieve better results in the particular area to be improved, particularly as they compare to industry standards.

Here are some of the added benefits:

• Customer requirements are satisfied more effectively.
  
• Measures of productivity, performance and quality are determined.
  
• Strategic targets are established representing current best practices.
  
• Acceptance of breakthrough thinking helps overcome resistance to change.
  
• Better performance is often attained by adapting and using best practices.

Conclusions and Next Step

• Implement current best practice for identified areas.
  
• RealColor utilizes the Benchmarking process to help newspapers realize improved color quality reproduction in a consistent manner.
  
• Education and networking are required.
  
• Benchmarking holds even greater promise in the future as new breakthrough practices require quick implementation.
  
• Improve your color quality with RealColor. Call your local US Ink Representative or dial 1-800-423-8838 today! You can also email us.

[ The information provided here is general in nature and you may need to change the methods or practices discussed here to fit your particular circumstances. The information is US Ink's only based on its past experience, and it shall not be responsible for any results obtained from using this material without consulting a qualified technician experienced in the particular subject and with the particular printing conditions to be applied. ]