Me & My: Alwan Colour Management Solution

Please describe your company.
We would like to introduce ourselves as one of Bengaluru’s leading offset printing companies, established more than four decades ago. The nature of print jobs is commercial, industrial and packaging printing with a fully integrated print production facility.

When did you start using the solution from Alwan?
We are using the Alwan solution from 2017.

What are the properties of Alwan you like?
Standardised output of printready files; proof to press match, faster file processing, ink savings with maintaining colour, TVI control, OPEN ICC-based system and extended colour gamut (ECG).

Why did you decide to use Alwan?
Our selective clients were demanding high-quality prints with accurate colour reproduction as per pre-defined standards prompted us to invest in Alwan. With this, we can print as per the standards and we can predict what we print. We are also able to extend the same superior quality to our other clients as well. One of the features Alwan offers is that the dot gains on the machine are compensated in the file processing itself rather than altering the curve in the workflow software. With this, maintaining CTP process is much easier. A few of our key clients, who are into lifestyle product segments, recommend Alwan for its unique feature of ECG printing.

Did you look at similar colour management solutions?
Yes, we looked at GMG colour management system.

What are the features that tilted the favour in this?
Alwan being an open ended ICC-based solution with high accuracy of pdf handling tilted the favour. We also considered other features where we can reproduce additional vibrant colours which made us look better as printers. With Alwan at the press, once the colour bar on the random printed sheets is read, the software automatically corrects the dot gain curve for the next jobs. It’s a self-learning software with built-in AI with print standardiser.

How much have these features helped you?
The solution has helped us reduce waste by over 50%. With colour separation and help of our in-line spectrophotometer track, the makeready is done in a jiffy. The speed of file processing with controlled sharpness and contrast feature eliminates many of pre-press side worries. The ability to setup different queues as per our jobs requirement is easy and can be done by ourselves, which is a big plus. It has also helped faster turnaround deliveries to our customers.

For what applications is the solution used?
Many clients share print jobs which do not have the right ICC profile embedded or the files may be in RGB. With Alwan’s help, we can convert the files to CMYK ISO 12647-2 profile without tampering the files and just by drag and drop.

If there’s a critical print job that has come your way, would you rely on this to see it through?
Yes, of course.

What’s the quality like?  
The print output matches the hardware calibrated monitor and calibrated inkjet proofs. It is natural, richer, sharper, with better colour gamut maintained. A huge difference can be seen by comparing standardised print with any regular print. Minute details like hairs, chin shading, ornaments, designs, along with patterns are presented more clearly.

How easy is it to install, use and handle?
It is quite simple to install, use and handle. Anyone can do the installation, but only a qualified and trained colour specialist can configure it to specific requirement.

Would you say that it offers value for money?
Yes, it is value for money only if there is a requirement for exceptional colour reproduction. This software is quite expensive. If your clients are willing to pay that bit of premium for the standardised print, you can get your ROI.

Who do you think Alwan is right for?
It’s perfect for any printer whose clients insists on CMYK prints to be below ΔE 5 and spot colours with ΔE <2. It’s suitable for high-end printing and luxury packaging.