Paarl Web printers and imaging solutions provider, First Graphics, have joined forces to create a remote dual proofing system. The system was the brainchild of Paarl Web's production manager, Hentie Olwage, while the hardware and software were supplied and commissioned by First Graphics.

The proofing system makes use of two Epson Color Proofer 9600 machines, one installed at Paarl Web's Paarl branch, the other at the Johannesburg branch. First Graphics also supplied Paarl Web with Best Remoteproof software, which is being used for remote proofing between the Paarl and Johannesburg offices. In November last year, Paarl Web had the first Epson Color Proofer 9600 installed at its Cape Town premises. The machine performed so well that Olwage placed an order for a second machine, which has been installed at the Johannesburg branch of Paarl Web.

The feature of the Epson printer that is of particular interest to Olwage is its ability to print high quality and consistent inkjet contract quality proofs on demand at a cost-effective rate. The machines are being used primarily to do high quality contract proofing, and Olwage says both he and his customers are extremely happy with the quality of the proofing jobs.

The Epson printers, used with the Best software, allow two identical proofs to be printed simultaneously. The client can then sign off the proof in Johannesburg, knowing that the proof in Paarl is absolutely identical. Olwage explains: "Previously, we would have had to print the proof in Paarl, courier it up to Johannesburg for approval and then courier it back down. This system is already saving us a lot of time on jobs, as before it would have taken us at least 48 hours to get approval of a proof, now we can start printing the same day that the proof is printed out."

For more information contact Melody Pereira, First Graphics, 011 799 3800.