Duh in the pressroom

So often what we do in our pressrooms when a problem arises is to just do anything to get through the job - and hope that the problem doesn't show up again. But press problems will not go away if we just keep ignoring them. Fixing problems using guesswork is not a solution. The key is to determine and define precisely what the problem was, as well as its cause through an organized diagnostic process.

Some key steps:

• Ideally you would have a "Golden Reference Press Sheet". This is a press sheet (and its corressponding proof) that was technically documented and archived when the press print condition was first calibrated/set up. It's a snapshot of all the print manufacturing factors when the press ran in an ideal condition. It can be used to compare with the current problem problem sheet to see what has changed.

• Press on your suppliers for help. Ask them for troubleshooting charts and technical guides. Provide them with sheets and ask them to give an evaluation of the problem with possible solutions. Typically suppliers have labs with technicians who have seen and dealt with most of the issues related to their products.