New “eJobs” Tool Reduces Color Errors

On July 5, 2006, X-Rite announced the completion of its acquisition of Amazys Holding AG (GretagMacbeth’s parent company). Color iMatch and Color iQC were previously developed and sold by GretagMacbeth.

“With multiple operators at varying skill levels across many production locations, color quality problems can lead to significant production delays,” said Rich Knapp, product manager, Industrial Color and Appearance, X-Rite. “eJobs automates processes that were previously entered by hand, reducing color errors that slow time-to-market. It helps to ensure an accurate color measurement each time a color job is performed.”

Using the software, a brand owner or supplier sets up a job, or multiple jobs, with built-in digital specifications and procedures. The job file is easily and accurately transferred to all color partners, where eJobs data and color tolerances are then communicated to individual spectrophotometers for automatic configuration.   

“eJobs can be configured to automatically select the proper dyes for each color job, even compensating for different fabrics,” added Knapp.

By storing unique job functions in a digital file for each color job, information can be easily accessed for accurate repeatability. Less equipment and complex formulation knowledge is required of the operators, which significantly reduces errors, decreases costs and quickly gets the final product to the end user.

“In conjunction with our new Color i®7 spectrophotometer, this software creates a color control system of remarkable accuracy and traceability,” said Knapp. “It is an essential color management tool to help the textile and apparel industries meet increasingly aggressive seasonal deadlines.”

“Open” software systems, Color iMatch & Color iQC 5, including the eJobs function, are also compatible with most commercially available spectrophotometers.