10 Signs You've Outgrown Manual Color Control

Posted 05 September 2025 by X-Rite Color
Modified 05 September 2025

For print and packaging, color accuracy isn’t optional—it’s essential. Yet many teams still rely on manual color control methods that introduce variability, slow down production, and quietly erode margins. If your workflow feels more reactive than repeatable, it may be time to modernize.

A print operator manually adjusts color settings on a press console, surrounded by color swatches and paper samples—illustrating the limitations of manual color control in print and packaging workflows.

Here are the 10 signs to watch for:

  1. Your color targets live in email threads
    Operators waste time searching or guessing—costing setup time and risking errors.
  2. Operators rely on memory or visual judgment
    Inconsistent results across shifts lead to rework and brand risk.

    A print operator manually adjusts color settings on a press console, surrounded by color swatches and paper samples—illustrating the limitations of manual color control in print and packaging workflows.
  3. Setup times vary—even for repeat jobs
    Without standardized specs, every job feels like starting from scratch.
  4. Color results differ across shifts and sites
    Lack of centralized control undermines consistency and customer trust.
  5. You can’t benchmark performance or spot trends
    Both are missed opportunities to optimize and reduce waste.
  6. Quality data is logged manually—or not at all
    Slow, error-prone reporting limits visibility and slows decisions.
  7. New operators take weeks to ramp up
    Tribal knowledge makes onboarding inefficient and risky.
  8. You struggle to meet brand expectations
    Without real-time feedback, hitting brand-critical colors is a gamble.
  9. Reprints and waste are common
    Failed approvals and mismatches drive up costs and delay delivery.
  10. You can’t share real-time results with customers
    Limited transparency slows approvals and weakens confidence.

The Cost of Staying Manual
Manual color control may seem manageable—until it isn’t. The hidden costs of inconsistency, inefficiency, and missed opportunities can quickly erode margins and customer trust.

What Modern Color Control Looks Like
Forward-thinking print teams are moving toward centralized, digital color workflows.

These systems:
  • Reduce setup time
  • Improve repeatability
  • Empower operators with real-time feedback
  • Minimize waste and protect margins

The result? Less waste, faster approvals, and more consistent output across every shift and site.

If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s time to evaluate your color workflow. Manual methods may have worked in the past—but they won’t scale with your business.

Fill out the form to get started today.




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