The ProcessStandard Offset (PSO) was created in collaboration with FOGRA/UGRA and the print and media industry associations in Germany. ISO norm 12647-2 defines nominal values and tolerances that represent what is sensible and feasible in the print process; these values can be measured with great precision.

The advantages for customers of the Evers-Frank group:

• True-colour production in compliance with a fixed standard
  
  
• High print quality which is consistent and measurable throughout
  the print run
  
  
• Repeatable results (reprints)
  
  
• No time-consuming colour matching at the machine
  
  
• Certainty as regards the colour shading of the print product

PSO begins with the prepress stage
In the prepress stage, PSO defines the colour settings in image processing and layout programmes. The correct handling and use of ICC profiles, adherence to important data parameters and the creation of PDF/X1a and PDF/X3 data is equally critical.

Output devices, screens and proofers must be calibrated in accordance with Media Standard Print 2006. Proofs must be created for various types of paper, e.g. ISO coated or ISO uncoated. The proof must be issued with a control note listing the file name, the date the file was created, the colour profiles used and the values measured.

The FOGRA media wedge CMYK must be printed on the proof.