The Ghent Workgroup (GWG) is spearheading an important initiative (with support from Kodak, Esko, IDEAlliance and the Flexographic Technical Association) to insure that pre-media and print professionals understand that standards are vital to their survival. Industry experts worldwide agree that using standards can save pre-production and production facilities thousands of hours and thousands of dollars. GWG’s ongoing efforts include contributions to Technical Committee 130, appointed by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization), to develop working standards for graphic technology. Both Kodak and Esko have asked GWG experts to educate their members regarding the need to use standards at their forthcoming user conferences.
The first presentation is being held today at the Kodak GUA (Kodak Graphic User Association) meeting San Antonio, Texas. Presenters include Jason Lisi, Associate Professor, Ryerson University (and regular Graphic Arts Magazine contributor) and GWG Documentation Officer Steve Carter, Senior Vice President of Technology, Photoype and GWG Co-Chairman of the Packaging Subcommittee. The second presentation will take place at the EskoWorld User Conference June 14-16 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Presenters will include Lieven Plettinck, Director Software Engineering at Esko and GWG Co-Chairman, Packaging Subcommittee, as well as Steve Carter.
“Those who don’t utilize the GWG standards,” said GWG Chairman David L. Zwang “are finding that they’re drifting away from high-paced centres of industry activity. They aren’t as fast as their peers, they’re unable to automate efficiently, and they’re generally not seen to be the front-runners they might have been before.”
“GWG standards, specifications and other deliverables are free – and not difficult to implement,” said Esko’s Plettinck. “Downloading and using the standards isn’t something to be intimidated by. Yes, standards groups have to use some million-dollar words, but the truth is that it’s simple stuff, and the value is tremendous.”
Kodak and Esko user groups ask print experts to educate their customers on benefits of using standards
