Some vendors also are adding to the ease of use by including powerful search functions. Color quality control and formulation system users often generate enormous databases of color data as well as color formulations. The ability to search through these massive amounts of information for the closest color goes a long way toward satisfying the requirements of your in-house personnel or customers. Once users enter the samples to be used as the search criteria, for example, they should be able to measure this data in the system or retrieve it from a compatible database. The search function should be equally accessible, being initiated by clicking on a button or similar screen icon.
Flexibility is also an important attribute.
For example, some of the most advanced systems let users define and configure screens and report formats to ensure that the system meets their exact needs or the requirements of the department. Color, too, is subject to increasingly tight quality control standards. If anything, effective color control, beginning with accurate and repeatable color measurement and data analysis, is the best test of quality. At present, there are a variety of advances in computerized systems engineered with the idea of improving quality, productivity and profitability. About the author Ray Frugia is business manager for several of Datacolor's industrial markets.