“The certification program is exactly what I needed to feel like a pro -- learning the print process and the jargon so that I could speak intelligently with my vendors.”
Designed with busy professionals in mind, our programs include printed materials and self-study resources to best prepare for one or more of the offered pass/fail certification tests.
New Trends in Print Production
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More automation of production processes
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Improved ink formulations for process and spot colors
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New color separation and ink optimization techniques
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Increasing use of variable data and versioning
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Print-on-demand for books and magazines
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Expanding capabilities of digital print technologies (including inkjet)
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"Digital" finishing options for short-run production
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Broader offerings of non-print services
Digital Proofing
- The technologies used for digital proofing
- Different proofs for different purposes
- Color "matching" and appearance modeling
- Quality expectations
- Proofing to standard print conditions
- Soft proofing and PDF markup
Online Print Procurement
- Exploring the options for "Web-to-Print" (W2P)
- Drivers for W2P adoption, including ERP integration and production automation
- Online estimating and order entry (including reorders)
- Tracking file submission, proof approvals and production processes
- Online composition tools: template selection and personalization
- Browser-based inventory management
Multi-channel Marketing
- The quest for end-user engagement
- Interactivity in print: from BRCs to PURLs, Mobile Marketing, QR codes and Augmented Reality
- Premedia options: e-books, Digital Editions and Rich Internet Applications
- Content Management systems and Campaign Management tools
Social Networking and How It Fits with Print Production
Advanced Color Management:
Color Matching
- Matching color on different substrates
- Matching color on different presses
- Matching color with different print processes
Avoiding Color Issues
- Colors that can't be matched
- Color space conversion
- Equipment limitations
Color by Numbers
- Types of measuring devices
- Calibration
- Margin of Error
Effect of ink savings on Color
Standards
- SNAP, GRACOL, SWOP
- G7
- ISO standards
To take advantage of our introductory pricing and order today, go here:
NEW! Best Practices for Sustainability in Print Certification Overview
Course Fees:
$550 for PCPI members
$750 for non-members
We are pleased to release this 300-page plus robust tool kit and study guide with a focus on the best practices for sustainability in print which includes over 100 pages of case studies from major buying organizations. This program contains specific and actionable advice whether you are far down the environmental path or just getting started. This valuable certification will help you create print projects that are more sustainable while making the right choices for your company. If your company has environmental policies in place, this is the perfect resource to help you be accountable within your organization. This advice is geared primarily to major print buyers and marketers, but it is also a valuable educational tool for print suppliers, who are more and more frequently asked to partner with their clients on sustainability programs.
Best Practices for Sustainability in Print is chock full of resources to help you effectively:
- encourage sustainable print practices within your company
- set standards for your print suppliers
- rate how "green" your print projects and suppliers are
Table of Contents:
Purchasing Sustainable Print Projects
- Our Research on Print Buyers and their Suppliers – plus, the fast-growing trends towards sustainability
- Code of Ethics – reasonable, but an effective plan for print buyers and their companies
- Terminology
- In-depth Perspectives:
- Environmental Responsibility for the Paper and Printing Industries by Derek Smith
- “Greenwashing” vs. Making a True Difference by Greenpeace
- The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): Leading Forest Conservation and Market Transformation
- Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI): A Bold Approach to Sustainable Forest Management
Case Studies that give specific and actionable plans from major buying companies including:
- Starbucks
- Consumer Reports
- New World Library
- Society for Neuroscience
- Harvard University Press
- Office Depot
- Temple University
- Dell Corporation
Getting Started
- What is Sustainability?
- Creating Standards for Your Print Suppliers
- Paper Technology and Sustainability
- Ink Technology and Sustainability
- Coatings, Laminates and Adhesives
- Designing, Specifying and Buying Sustainable Print Projects
- Creating a List of Standards for Your Company
- “How to Green Your Copy Paper”
Tool Kit
- How to Use our Tool Kit
- "How Green is Your Print Project?" - Rate your print projects for sustainability
- "How Green is Your Print Supplier?" - Rate your printers as an environmental partner
- The WWF Guide to Buying Paper
- The WWF Paper Scorecard Manual
- FSC Fact Sheet 1 - Logo design rules and regulations
- FSC Fact Sheet 2 - How to pick the correct FSC logo
- FSC Fact Sheet 3 – Sample FSC logo placement guide
- Sustainable Procurement of Wood and Paper-based Products
"Best Practices for Sustainability in Print" Exam
Resources and Print Samples
Course Fees:
$550 for PCPI members
$750 for non-members
This certification is aimed primarily at novice to mid-level print buyers, although seasoned buyers will also greatly benefit from the education, as most print buyers have never received formal training.* PCPI has developed this highly focused certification to help you make the best, most cost-effective decisions when buying printing services. You'll learn how to match your print buying needs with the right solution provider to ensure that the finished product meets all your expectations. We'll show you how to plan and communicate effectively with your printer to avoid rework, missed deadlines, unexpected costs and disappointing results, and how to achieve high-quality results the first time around. We’ll also teach you the fundamentals of print technology, but in a way that’s meaningful and effective for print buyers and marketing communications professionals.
* The Professional Print Production Certification is a prerequisite for the Advanced Print Production Certification. The Advanced program is available on September 15, 2011.
Table of Contents:
The Business of Effectively Buying Printing
· Qualifications/Functions of the Print Buyer
· Evaluating a Supplier’s Capabilities
· Interviewing Print & Graphic Suppliers
· What to Look For In a Plant Tour
· Communicating Specifications & Expectations to Your Printer
· Bidding Print Projects
· Creating Request for Information and Request for Proposals
· How Printers Estimate Your Jobs
· Pricing Tips
· Calculating Production Quantities
· Communication Tools
· Getting an Accurate Invoice
· Managing Your Suppliers
· Developing Print Standards
· Post Production Reviews
· Business Review Meetings
· Partnering with Your Printer
· Negotiating with Your Printer
· Getting the Most From Your Printers
· Accepting Gifts from Suppliers
· Opportunities for Cost Savings
· How to Evaluate Design & Creative Work
· Advancing Your Career
Everything You Need to Know About Print Technologies to Buy Printing Effectively
Color & Ink Technology
· Color Overview
· RGB vs. CMYK
· How to Communicate Color
· Color Q&As & Tips
· Ink Overview
· Ink Options
· Ink Resources
· Ink Q&As & Tips
· Coating Options
Paper Technology
· Main Considerations
· Paper Classifications
· Paper Properties
· Paper Types
· Why Paper Grain is Important
· Selecting Paper: Environmentally Sound Choices
· Should You Buy Paper Direct?
· Paper Q&As & Tips
Prepress
· Rasters, Vectors, and RIPs
· PDF
· JDF
· Computer-to-Plate Technology
Press
· Major Printing Methods
· Printing Terminology
· Sheetfed vs. Web Printing
· Press Tips
· Keeping Up with Technology
· Printing Problems to Avoid
Postpress
· Folding Options
· Binding Options
· Special Printing & Finishing Processes
Proofing
· Function of Proofs
· Printing Proofs
· Selecting the Right Proof
· Proofing Checklist
· How to Do a Press Inspection
· Proofing Q&As and Tips
How to Buy Digital and Variable Data Printing Overview
Course Fees:
$325 for PCPI members
$550 for non-members
How to Buy Digital and Variable Data Printing is packed with information to help you effectively:
- Identify the basic technologies of digital and variable data printing.
- Employ these services more effectively.
- Apply best practices for creating and designing effective campaigns.
- Identify how to best collaborate with your service providers on these special projects.
- Drive digital and VDP campaigns that are profitable for both your company and your suppliers.
Benefits of Certification:
- Recognize the real differences between buying digital and buying offset.
- Identify how to avoid common mistakes when producing digital and variable data projects.
- Discover how to find the right digital printer.
- Receive checklist for equipment and services.
- Set quality and service expectations.
- Effectively manage data.
- Uncover hybrid solutions.
- Prepare files for digital and multi-channel.
- Receive helpful resources such as lists of terminology and additional resource materials.