X-Rite and HGS cooperate on color management

HGS is a specialist in packaging technology, supply chain and analytics, promotions management, and end-of-life services. ColorSentry is a web-based enterprise print and color quality management system that benchmarks, characterizes, calibrates and verifies a brand's print supply chain across all print methods and substrates. The ColorSentry system incorporates a custom software and certified hardware suite, and expert optimization, calibration and centralized standards with live reporting on key process indicators for graphic reproduction and print quality. The system proactively provides data in real-time for compliance throughout the contracted print supply network, with demonstrated integration across brand management, design operations, print operations, and supply chain teams.

PantoneLIVE is a cloud-based system that enables the universal Pantone color language to be accurately communicated across the entire packaging workflow – from design concept to retail store shelves.

Under the partnership, HGS will support the PantoneLIVE ecosystem for digital color communications as part of ColorSentry.

Jay Sperry, graphics commercialization director at HGS, noted that complex, global packaging supply chains mean brand owners need to ensure that color and branding guidelines remain consistent across multiple geographic locations, packaging substrates, and printing technologies. ‘Through our partnership with X-Rite Pantone, we are now able to offer all of our ColorSentry customers a secure way to access the latest Pantone Color Standards that are being utilized by packaging designers. This links the packaging supply chain to the creative intent of brand owners and ensures that color is managed to deliver predictable, reliable, and consistent print quality.’

‘More than 1,000 ColorSentry customers now have access to a PantoneLIVE license and can begin incorporating digital Pantone standards in their packaging workflows,’ noted Iain Pike, product portfolio manager at X-Rite Pantone. ‘From design, artwork creation, proofing and production, to quality control, PantoneLIVE guarantees that each person in the workflow is using the correct Pantone reference and can achieve the desired color based on substrate and printing process. We are excited to extend the benefits of PantoneLIVE to HGS customers to improve overall packaging processes.’