Mellow Colour PrintSpec

Describe your business

We are a flatbed printing company based in Tottenham in north London and we create target proofs and mock-ups for the packaging, labels, tinplate and shrink industries. We create accurate proofs for flexo, gravure or litho on many different stocks including paper, cartons and other flexible materials. This is essential as with every substrate you get a different effect.

What does the software do?
It accurately colour manages our work to the ISO 12647 standard.

Why did you choose this particular product?
We were advised to by one of our clients and they put us in contact with Alan Dresch at Mellow Colour.

Did you look at any other similar products?
As this was an investment recommended to us we didn’t look at alternatives.

What features do you particularly like?
The introduction of this software is the next level in colour accuracy for four-colour print. PrintSpec checks the lighting and that the inks are correct. For example, it makes sure that all process printing is spot on. We have since changed our lighting and ink suppliers to get up to scratch. It has opened our eyes and we now use it for other customers. We can now measure every sheet.

Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn’t?
There isn’t – it pretty much does everything.

What’s the quality like?
That we can meet the ISO standards is an assurance to our client businesses and their brand managers that their colour is always accurate and consistent within tight commercial tolerances.

How easy is it to use?
It is very straightforward. It took us around a month to get our heads fully around it.

How much time or money has it saved?
For a company of our size, it’s a product we’re likely to get a return of investment from over a few years. But we can’t really say that it’s saved us time or money. It just makes sure each job is up to the right standard.

Has it won you any new work?
It hasn’t won us any new business, but other clients have benefited from the software. The big brand owners want consistency, but many don’t know that this product is out there.

Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
It was a very straightforward and simple installation.

What about the pre- and after-sale service?
Alan [Dresch] is very supportive. If there are any glitches, then he’s here to put it right. He explains things very well.

Who do you think the software is right for?
It’s good for big print companies.

Under what circumstances would you buy another?
We would look into any further upgrades but we don’t really think you can go too much further.

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USER'S VERDICT   

Quality 5/5
Reliability 5/5
Value for money 4/5

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SUPPLIER'S RESPONSE
Alan Dresch, director at Mellow Colour, says: LNS is a very unusual client and with PrintSpec they have been able to get consistent mock-ups every time. They are also now printing to the ISO standard guidelines and have a massive niche offering – it’s why they are very busy at the moment. PrintSpec is often used within a printing company to fine tune the process. There are so many variables involved and colour control can reduce wastage.
Price £1,950
Contact Mellow Colour, 01386 421534, www.mellowcolour.com