Breaking the proofing process down into four areas: concept / design, intermediate, imposition and contract, Gilberthorpe addressed how each of the current proofing processes can satisfy customers’ needs at each of these stages.

The central point of Gilberthorpe’s message was that any process needed to be able to fulfill the key requirements of consistency and repeatability.

The printing landscape is undoubtedly changing, with the emergence of new technologies and the development of existing technologies to a higher level. While Gilberthorpe addressed each of the processes of inkjet, toner and digital halftone, it was really virtual proofing which was the star of the show.

KPG’s acquisition of RealTimeImage earlier this year has made it a leader in this area and Les Bovenlander was able to demonstrate the process to a large crowd in the first of the breakout sessions.

Virtual proofing eliminates the need for hard proofs, allowing proofing to be carried out on screen, up to contract level. The RealTimeProof system uses a unique streaming technology which allows it to provide the speed and accuracy necessary.

“The technology is only limited by [computer] screen manufacturers,” Gilberthorpe says, “and the technology is advancing rapidly.”

Several large corporates including Nestle, Cadbury and Tetra Pak are already using the virtual proofing solution, Les Bovenlander said, and the advantage they are gaining in turnaround time is considerable. In addition, more people than ever before are able to be involved in the proofing process.

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