The Ghent Workgroup (GWG) has published a new white paper focusing on packaging and label production following the new ISO Standard 19593-1.
The new white paper discusses the implications of ISO Standard 19593-1, which describes a method for storing data in a PDF file that correspond to the processing steps of printed products, and the potential it has to enable change for the future of the packaging and label community. According to the group, it reflects the ongoing drive to engage and collaborate with existing and new partners to develop and maintain process specifications and associated documentation for best practices in all workflows across many sectors. David Zwang, chairman of GWG stated, ‘This latest ISO standard is a significant step along the way and the beginning of a new era of production automation for packaging and labels.’
Offering 24/7 support, GWG’s new and dedicated landing page for the packaging and label community will provide easy access to specifications plus log-on links to a series of webinars. The page will also link to a variety of useful information which includes the white paper plus testimonials from members, vendors and users. It will also give the option for companies to get involved and join the GWG.
Frank Vyncke, senior software engineer at Hybrid Software explained, ‘All suppliers today are looking at automating their workflows. It is a way to reduce costs, but automation only works if all the relevant parameters are known and, by preference, are included in the PDF file that is being processed. Communication between the prepress house and the print producer requires every essential piece of information to be brought together in one pdf file and processed in a reliable way for the automation to work. By creating all the necessary processing steps and production information in a single file – the advantages are evident. Now, with ISO 19593-1, all the uncertainty will disappear, this will mean reliable automation, reliable reprints and better buyer-producer communication, all resulting in cost savings, less waste and faster lead times.’
Lieven Plettinck, director of Software Engineering at Esko stated, ‘This new ISO standard for packaging and labels nails down one particular way of doing things for everyone – it copes with all the variants – it is a global language with global benefits. We will continue to work with the GWG to reach out and encourage new members and participation and to further the use of this new ISO Standard for the benefit of the packaging and labelling sectors.’
