The system, which allows users of its ColorProof software to have hard proofs printed and delivered anywhere in the world, is being tested by Auckland-based Inkbox, as well as an unnamed Australian printer.
Inkbox director Glen Blamey told ProPrint that such a system “probably has more interest for Australian and New Zealand printers”.
“To get a package from Europe down here, you’ll be waiting for two days before it comes through via Singapore or the US. But with this system you could submit a file from Europe and conceivably have a proof out in half an hour, ready to be dispatched.”
“And why would you risk it in transit, when it could get delayed or lost,” he added.
Inkbox started testing Proofr last week, and has already printed and dispatched a job back to Australia as part of the trial. Inkbox has a client base which includes multi-nationals such as Cadbury and Dairy Farmers.
Blamey said participating in the beta trial was a good opportunity for his company to contribute to the development of a proofing system and standard that all printers can use, as well as opening up a new revenue stream.
“It is another means of generating revenue, particularly in New Zealand. A lot of international companies from time to time wish to run campaigns down here, and rather than shipping proofs internationally, they can just submit them through this system.
“So as an out-putter, it’s about having another facility to generate income.”
GMG’s Andy Fraser told ProPrint that selecting Australian and New Zealand printers to test out the new product was no coincidence.
“I suppose the most obvious reason would be that these two countries are fairly remote from almost anywhere else and it makes sense to do as much business over the internet as is possible,” he said.
Fraser said that the software would be “open for business” once testing is completed.
“We expect to have a good user base in this part of the world, [as] both countries have excellent creative industries that we feel will take advantage of this service as soon as they know about it,” he said.
Proofr was launched at May’s Ipex exhibition in the UK.
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