X-Rite Launches Open Ecosystem for Brand Packaging Quality Control and Supply Chain Management

 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 2, 2020 – X-Rite Incorporated and Pantone LLC, global leaders in color science and technology, today announced a new ColorCert Reporting API that makes it easier for consumer package goods (CPG) brands to communicate packaging color and monitor print quality control across technologies and global supply chains. Using the application program interface (API), brands and printers can share color data between the ColorCert Suite, any XRGA-based spectrophotometer, and third-party quality control software. This creates an open software ecosystem that allows brand managers to monitor print quality while enabling their print suppliers to maximize existing software and hardware investments. The ColorCert Reporting API is currently supported by Colorware MeasureColor and FLEXICON INKPILOT®.

 

The world’s largest CPG brands have built successful print and packaging quality control programs using ColorCert. As these programs expand, there is a need to open up the technology to all suppliers, regardless of the press-side quality tool they use. With an open software ecosystem, brands can expand their current programs to more print suppliers for greater visibility across their global packaging supply chain. 

 

“The new ColorCert Reporting API is in response to market demands and demonstrates our commitment to helping brands and their converters implement color workflows that are secure, transparent, and efficient,” said Cindy Cooperman, Vice President, Brand Global Strategic Accounts, X-Rite. “With almost a decade of best practice experience built into the ColorCert Suite and PantoneLIVE™, we are extending our ecosystem to third-party QC software while ensuring data compatibility using industry standard encryption and protected CCJ files. This allows brands to receive near-real-time reporting from suppliers who use supported QC software on each print run.” 

 

The cloud-based ColorCert Suite enables digital communication of brand color and print requirements across a complex supply chain. ColorCert software supports today’s digital workflows and integrates with X-Rite Color iQC, IntelliTrax2, PantoneLIVE, XRGA-based color measurement tools, and qualified third-party quality control software. 

 

ColorCert is used by major CPG brands as part of their Brand Quality Control programs. Brand managers use the ColorCert Suite to monitor print quality and see data for each and every press run in an easy-to-understand dashboard with objective and consistent metrics. Converters and package printers send real-time measurement and scorecard data to brand customers using their existing XRGA hardware and quality control software. This speeds the approval process and eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming on-site press checks.

 

For more information about ColorCert, visit  https://www.xrite.com/categories/formulation-and-quality-assurance-software/colorcert.

 

PantoneLIVE is a cloud-based solution that enables the PANTONE Color language to be communicated and targeted for accurate color production across the entire supply chain – from design concept to final color production. The PantoneLIVE family includes PantoneLIVE Design, PantoneLIVE Production - Print & Packaging and PantoneLIVE Production – Plastic, Coatings and Textile. The different offerings are tailored to meet the specific needs of designers, color material suppliers and manufacturers working with paper, film, plastics, coatings and textiles. The PantoneLIVE family is supported by licensed hardware and software that enables each area of the packaging, plastic, coatings and textile supply chains to access spectral data for matching PANTONE® Colors and specific brand palettes. This results in consistent and repeatable color across product families, for a cohesive brand approach regardless of material, media or print technology. For more information, please visit www.pantone.com/live.

 

Founded in 1958, X-Rite Incorporated is a global leader in the science and technology of color and appearance. With Pantone, X-Rite employs more than 800 people in 11 countries. The company’s corporate headquarters are located in Grand Rapids, Mich., with regional headquarters in Europe and Asia and service centers across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. X-Rite offers a full range of solutions used by manufacturers, retailers, printers, photographers and graphic design houses to achieve precise management and communication of color and appearance throughout their processes. X-Rite products and services are recognized standards in the printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, paints, plastics, textiles and medical industries. For further information, please visit www.xrite.com. For the latest news, information, connect with X-Rite on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.  

 

Pantone provides the universal language of color that enables color-critical decisions through every stage of the workflow for brands and manufacturers. More than 10 million designers and producers around the world rely on Pantone products and services to help define, communicate and control color from inspiration to realization – leveraging advanced X-Rite technology to achieve color consistency across various materials and finishes for graphics, fashion and product design. Pantone Standards feature digital and physical color specification and workflow tools. The Pantone Color Institute™ provides customized color standards, brand identity and product color consulting as well as trend forecasting inclusive of Pantone Color of the Year, Fashion Runway Color Trend Reports, color psychology and more. Pantone B2B Licensing incorporates the Pantone Color System into different products and services, enabling licensees to communicate and reproduce certified Pantone values and improve efficiencies for their users. Pantone Lifestyle brings color and design together across apparel, home, and accessories. Learn more at www.pantone.com and connect with Pantone on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.

 

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©2020 X-Rite, Inc. All rights reserved. X-Rite is a registered trademark of X-Rite, Inc. PANTONE®, PantoneLIVE and other Pantone trademarks are the property of Pantone LLC. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Pantone is a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated. Licensed under Sun Chemical Corporation. Sun Chemical’s patented technology enables the communication of a consistent, digital description of the desired appearance of a product.  U.S. Patent Nos. 7,034,960; 7,202,976; 7,268,918; 7,417,764; 7,738,149 and their foreign equivalents. © Pantone LLC, 2020. All rights reserved.