Vio Certified Soft Proofing (VCSP) launched yesterday (Wednesday) for all of Associated's newsprint products, which include the Daily Mail, the Mail on Sunday, Loot and Metro.
The bespoke package combines the Remote Director colour-managed soft-proofing technology from Integrated Color Solutions (ICS) with the Enfocus Pitstop library and Vio's Digital Workflow Suite.
Remote Director, which launched in the US in 2003, enables printers and publishers to sign off certified proofs using colour-calibrated screens.
The JDF-compliant set-up allows repro houses and advertisers to certify soft proofs remotely, without having to print and send hard-copy contract proofs by courier. It also ensures that only pre-flighted and certified ads are proofed.
Vio chairman Richard Horwood said that the project, which brings ICS kit to the UK for the first time, could cut contract proofing costs by up to 95%.
"If you're paying 1,000 for adspace in a regional newspaper, and several hundred on top of that for the proofing process, it's a significant saving," he said.
But Horwood insisted that publishers' gatekeeper repro houses, or preferred suppliers, would not lose out from the installation.
"They are our clients. This will save time and decrease costs for them too, and increase their margins. The only loser is the courier," he said.
Associated technical services director Glenn McFie said that he expected to receive more colour ads following the installation of VCSP, which will be available alongside traditional proofing channels.
Story by Josh Brooks
Have your say in the Printweek Poll
Related stories
Latest comments
"Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this Jo, and PrintWeek!
Please feel free to get in touch with the Howden Print Team to arrange your own Free of Charge Cyber Micro-Penetration Test to help..."
"I never quite understand the statements such as "achieved such a positive outcome for this well-established business".
The established business unfortunately failed and no longer exists, a..."
"Genuinely sorry to read this."
Up next...

Commitment, presence and energy will be much missed
Tributes paid to Lascelle Barrow

Around 300 roles may be affected
International Paper to close five UK packaging sites

Asset ownership delayed process
Reflections to be liquidated

'Start of a new era'