4 September 2012

BPIF world first for Colour Quality Management

Now the first certification body has gained UKAS accreditation for the BPIF ISO12647-2 Colour Management Scheme, 40% of surveyed* printing companies are planning to implement the scheme in the next 12 months.

The BPIF ISO12647-2 Colour Quality Management Scheme is the first colour management scheme in the world to have an independent certification body that has been accredited by UKAS. Schemes that have UKAS accredited certification, for example ISO9001 and 14001, are now common place and the UKAS ‘tick’ is both unmistakeable and essential for current and potential customers.

Our industry prides itself on the consistent quality and delivery of its print, and realises the importance of controlling costs and improving efficiencies.   The BPIF ISO12647-2 Colour Quality Management Scheme enables and supports the delivery of these sustainable improvements.

The BPIF constructed a quick online survey to gain feedback on this standard.  The survey was based on three simple questions to ensure quick and easy response:

• 35% of respondents reported that the successful UKAS accreditation of a certification body will change their view about implementing the scheme
• 40% are planning to implement the standard in the next 12 months
• More information about the standard is still required; over 60% of respondents wanted information to make a decision about the standard.

Head of BPIF Business Philip Thompson stated, ‘It is important that companies have the information available to help them make strategic business decisions about standards, just creating a new standard is not enough, in fact it can cause standard fatigue and a ‘not another standard’ mentality’.

‘There are, as would be expected, early adopters who have either implemented or have made significant inroads in adopting this scheme. Additionally some companies already work to clearly defined colour management procedures’.

Phil concludes; ‘This scheme provides a framework that will support a business to obtain a fully independent scheme that was created to standardise and improve the consistency and quality of any printing company.

It is too early to say this scheme will become the de facto standard like ISO9001 or 14001. However, with UKAS recognising the scheme, and suppliers looking for guarantees that companies are producing and protecting their brand, the BPIF will continue to educate and support the industry in this area.

* BPIF Colour Quality Management Certification Scheme survey was an online survey of BPIF members run from the 24th-29th of August 2012.

If you would like more information about the Scheme, please contact Philip Thompson at the BPIF on 020 7915 8377 or email Philip.thompson @bpif.org.uk