HBP, Inc. Becomes First G7 Master Printer to Receive IDEAlliance® G7® Master Process Control & Conformance Qualification
(August 11, 2011) IDEAlliance® has announced that HBP, a large commercial print service provider with plants in Hagerstown, Maryland, and Falls Church, Virginia, has achieved IDEAlliance G7® Process Control and Conformance (G7 PCC) Master Qualification, becoming the first G7 Master print provider to have its capabilities in media production qualified through independent testing.
The IDEAlliance G7 PCC program assists print providers, agencies and premedia operations with the tools to implement process control and best practices to create lasting efficiencies and productivity gains. HBP operates five sheet fed presses, as well as a variety of digital presses, including Xerox iGen4, HP Indigo, Konica BizHubs, and several wide format devices. The company, already a highly automated production facility, looked to G7 PCC Certified Expert, Ron Ellis, of Ron Ellis Consulting LLC, and the IDEAlliance G7 PCC program, to achieve further productivity gains.
“It comes down to efficiency,” says Jim Hill, CTO at HBP, Inc. “We needed to find ways to produce product more cost effectively and efficiently. G7 has helped in this regard, but a G7 calibration is a moment in time, and pressrooms are constantly changing. With the G7 PCC program we now have standard operating procedures that tell our staff how and when they are going to read samples, and what to do if the sample is out of spec. This will be a big plus for us – everyone will be able to take care of his or her own problems and not slow down production.”
"The G7 PCC program is tailored to serve the needs of multiple segments of the media supply chain," commented Joe Fazzi, Vice President Media Production Technologies for IDEAlliance. "Leading printers such as HBP can utilize G7 PCC to assure consistency and quality in their proofing, brand color management and print processes. As the first print provider to achieve G7 PCC Master Qualification, we applaud HBP’s leadership and support of the G7 PCC qualification program."
About G7 PCC
The IDEAlliance G7 Process Control and Conformance (G7 PCC) Program is designed to help optimize the printing process through on-site training, development of custom standard operating procedures, and periodic assessment. Completion of the program provides the user with a list of productivity deliverables, reference materials, and quarterly reports on print quality. G7 PCC provides media production facilities with more efficient production methods, education, and industry recognition in the form of a qualification certificate. For more information on G7 PCC and how to become a G7 PCC Master go to www.idealliance.org/g7pcc or contact jfazzi@idealliance.org.
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About HBP, Inc.
HBP is a large commercial printer with plants in Hagerstown, Maryland, and Falls Church, Virginia. The Falls Church facility is a result of the acquisition of Balmar, Inc. in 2010. Balmar is also one of the leading printers in the area. The combined forces of HBP, Inc. and Balmar make it one of the largest printers in the mid- Atlantic Region. HBP uses computers and digital technology to produce not only high quality printing, but also to provide a host of graphic, communications and fulfillment services. The company has grown to become one of the largest independent commercial printers in the mid-Atlantic Region and is known for innovative and creative solutions. As HBP’s products have evolved they now offer marketing services. They can also design and produce variable data, email or PURL campaigns. For more info contact Patti Dumas at 301.733.2000 or Jim Hill.
About Ron Ellis Consulting LLC
Ron Ellis is a Boston-based consultant specializing in color management, workflow integration, and press calibration. He has provided installation and training services to dealers, manufacturers, and content creators since 1986. An IDEAlliance Certified G7 and G7PCC Expert and chair of the GRACoL Committee, Ron has performed hundreds of G7 Master calibrations. In addition to calibrating pressrooms for leading printers Ron also specializes in creating internal working spaces for brands and agencies that allow them to work more efficiently with vendors, saving both time and money. He can be contacted at 603-498-4553 or through his website at www.ronellisconsulting.com.
About IDEAlliance
IDEAlliance® (International Digital Enterprise Alliance) is a global community of content and media creators, and their service providers, material suppliers, and technology partners. Our Association identifies best practices for efficient end-to-end digital media workflows—from content creation through delivery. Through our active committees, educational conferences, webinars, training and certification programs, we provide members the forum for the exchange of information that results in the creation of our industry’s most valued standards. www.idealliance.org.
