What we work to, and how it is checked
Brand guardianship is a set of controls, not a promise. This page sets out the colour standards we hold, the equipment that holds them, the checks every file passes, and how your artwork and data are protected while we have them.
Colour standards
One reference per brand, held centrally, used by every job that touches that brand.
Process standards
Separations, dot gain and tone reproduction built to the ISO 12647 family for offset, flexo and gravure. Confirm which parts apply to your programme and we work to it.
Grey balance
Neutral grey balance held across the tone scale so a file behaves the same on a proof in Chennai and a press in Leeds or Chicago.
Brand colour libraries
Spot colours held as named, measured references per brand, not per job, with tolerances recorded and reused across every SKU.
Substrate compensation
Curves per substrate and print process, so board, film and label stock each get the separation they need rather than a shared default.
Contract proofing
GMG ColorProof on calibrated Epson devices, profiled to the printing condition being simulated and re-linearised on a fixed cycle.
Measurement trail
Every proof carries a control strip and a measurement report, so a disagreement about colour is settled with numbers.
Every file, the same five checks
Automation does the repeatable checks. People do the judgement. Both are recorded.
Intake check
Files, die-lines, copy documents and print specification logged against the job before any work starts. Missing inputs are raised the same day.
Automated preflight
PACKZ runs the checks that machines do better than people: minimum line weights, overprint, trapping, resolution, colour space, barcode integrity.
Studio build
Artwork built or adapted from the approved master. Variants inherit; nothing is rebuilt from scratch.
Independent second pass
A checker who did not build the file reviews it against the source documents and the print specification.
Release record
Approved output, proof measurements and the check record are stored together, so any file can be reconstructed and audited later.
Technology
We license and maintain the same platforms our clients’ converters use, so files arrive in the form the press expects.
ESKO
Automation Engine, ArtPro+ and Plato for separations, trapping, step-and-repeat and job automation.
Adobe Creative Cloud
Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign for master artwork build, adaptation and retouching.
PACKZ by Hybrid Software
Native PDF editing and rule-based preflight, run on every file before it is released.
GMG ColorProof
Contract proofs on calibrated Epson devices, profiled per printing condition and re-linearised on a fixed cycle.
Colour measurement
Spectrophotometry against brand references, with a control strip and measurement report on every proof.
Managed file transfer
Secure transfer with per-programme segregation, named-user access and an audit trail.
How the stack is used
One workflow, three stages, recorded per SKUIntake and set-up
Job logged with die-line, copy documents and print specification. Templates, curves and profiles are selected before any work starts.
Build and automate
Artwork built in ESKO and Adobe, edited natively in PACKZ, and checked by rule rather than by habit.
Proof and release
GMG contract proof measured and issued, then output, measurements and the check record archived against the SKU.
Your artwork, your data
Unreleased packaging is commercially sensitive. We treat it that way from the first file transfer.
Auditing us
Procurement and security teams are welcome to audit the studio, review our controls and set additional requirements before work starts. We will complete your supplier questionnaire and hold to whatever is agreed in writing.
Certification status and formal accreditations are listed in our capability pack, available on request.
Request the capability pack