Project description
A new era for error-free printing
Processing and printing online documents is a daily occurrence for most businesses. A lot of ink and paper are also wasted in seeking the best colour balanced print result, especially if it is for an important presentation. In this context, the EU-funded ColorBOX project is developing a new tool to improve the process workflow with image enhancement and colour calibration. The solution comprises an automated, customer-friendly, plug-and-play resource that saves workers from manually adjusting images and files. The project will target users of digital and commercial printers, as well as newspapers and editorial companies.
Objective
As Pico Technology & Solutions we are a Value-Added Distributor based in Reggio Emilia distributing technology, software and IT solutions since 1987. Amongst our clients are Apple Premium Resellers, Corporate Resellers, Value Added Resellers and Systems Integrators. We have developed a solution (ColorBOX) under the Publishing, Prepress and printing business unit. We are focussing on the prepress colour management segment of the printing industry set to grow from €71.7B in 2017 to €131.4B in 2025. ColorBOX is an all-in-one solution that automatically optimizes the printing properties of PDF and image files in the printing workflow. It also enhances the images according to International Color Consortium (ICC) standards and colour profiles for typical prepress workflow. Target user include digital printers, commercial printers, WIDE Format Digital Printers, newspapers as well as editorial companies. Our solution offers the following benefits: * Reduction in raw material needs [35% ink savings, 0% printing error] * 90% Reduction in disposal costs * Reduction in operational costs [50% faster printing time, 10% reduction personnel cost, 30min starting time] * Easier compliance to industry standards and regulations [ICC optimized image colour profile] Having invested €0.5M to produce a technically viable prototype, we are progressing our development to a commercial version. We will undertake a Phase 1 project to finalise functionality and specifications for the dashboard, the specific end-user demographics as well as search for development and commercial partners for technical and commercial success. In addition to developing a detailed Intellectual Property strategy and dissemination plan, we will also outline the activities and timelines we will adhere in the Phase 2 project towards a 2019 market launch. We anticipate that ColorBOX will yield a turnover of €17.2M and cumulative profit of €7.5M by the 5th year on the market.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinator
42124 REGGIO EMILIA
Italy
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.