The instrument part may seem to be not important, however, it is very important to start collecting data and feed the system with periodical updates. 

Register Instrument Inspector Target

We recommend the T-42 Target which makes it possible to compare almost all instruments (spectrophotometers).

T-42 is designed to support most of the instruments on the market. It is spectrally covering most of the typical color space.

Create a Baseline for each Instrument

The baseline is the average that is made from a series of measurements and is a kind of "fingerprint " that specifies how this measurement device sees all 42 color samples. By the definition, we are collecting data based on various measurement conditions, even if in regular production only one is in use. In our methodology, we want to see not a portion but an accurate picture of how the instrument measures. Advanced users may also create a separate baseline for spot and scan measurements - in some cases results are not identical.

Documentation saves money and helps to avoid mistakes

ISO 9001 defines rules about periodical instrument verification, giving the possibility to prove its accuracy. Then proper documentation exists there is no need to send the device to the factory for recertification. Recertification is not cheap and eliminates instruments from production for a couple of days or even weeks.

Self-certification gives us additional knowledge about instruments and gives us more confidence —  whenever the measurements are questionable - it is fast and easy to check if it measures the same way as it was a month, or a year ago.

Compare to see differences

Baselines can be simply compared. That gives us unique practical knowledge about differences. We can select Master Instrument and think about harmonization. One of the key benefits is understanding what is accuracy lost in situations where more than one instrument is used in the production chain. What is the price paid when one instrument is used for ICC Profile creation and another for QC judgments?  Six Sigma methodology brings more light to this topic.