FIRST CERTIFICATIONS. Paving the way for flexographic excellence through certification and training

Transcription

1 FIRST CERTIFICATIONS Paving the way for flexographic excellence through certification and training

2 What is? Simply put, FIRST (Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances) is a universal set of specifications designed for every member of the flexographic supply chain. When adhered to, the specifications guarantee high quality, consistent and color accurate print results. FIRST METHODOLOGY FIRST supports the methodical approach to process control as outlined in CGATS TR (Graphic Technology Color Reproduction and Process Control for Packaging Printing). With a firm understanding and application of this methodology, flexographers can: Identify potentially troublesome issues Benchmark press performance Utilize statistical analysis to maintain optimal conditions Perform accurate device calibrations Preserve stable, repeatable conditions The final result? An exceptional reproduction of your customer s graphic design. The training and education our plant has received has given us the insight into planning, predicting results and troubleshooting when necessary. I truly believe it is the best training program I have seen in my 35 years in the industry. Dan Doherty, Executive VP of Operations/Principal, Prairie State Group

3 FIRST MEANS PROVEN RESULTS FIRST Certification program provided an opportunity for us to increase our knowledge and expertise The while implementing world class standardized processes and workflows in our plants. Mary Jean Irving, President, Master Packaging, Inc. WHAT IS FIRST CERTIFICATION? FIRST Certification is an internationally recognized certification designed for the flexographic printing industry. This robust certification provides individual employees and entire companies with the education necessary to ensure compliance with FIRST methodology. FIRST Certification is achieved by way of employee development, workflow audit/data collection and workflow compliance. There are two types of certification: FIRST OPERATOR CERTIFICATION INDIVIDUAL FOCUSED, RESULTS DRIVEN In today s competitive environment, you need more than just casual knowledge to succeed. To emerge as a true leader, you must demonstrate a complete mastery of the flexographic printing process from your core foundation to a commitment to process control at the highest level. The FIRST Operator Certification program is designed to meet such goals. The program offers three certifications, all administered online in a proven, self-paced, e-learning environment. Choose to become FIRST Press Operator, FIRST Prepress Operator or FIRST Implementation Certified. Regardless of which designation you pursue, the end results are the same: Maximized efficiency Consistent, repeatable and color-accurate results Increased productivity Reduced downtime, rework and waste Increased and sustained customer satisfaction Reduced cycle times Higher levels of enthusiasm and initiative among employees FIRST COMPANY CERTIFICATION COMPANY FOCUSED, RESULTS DRIVEN A FIRST Company Certification represents the pinnacle of achievement that a plant can attain. It is focused on printing locations that have provided the individual certification programs for their employees, but takes it one step further by applying the practices through compliance with FIRST methodology. Benefits: Exceptional print quality Uncompromised color fidelity Consistency and repeatability Optimized workflows Increased and sustained customer satisfaction Criteria: 40% of pressroom staff must be FIRST Press Operator Certified 40% of prepress staff must be FIRST Prepress Operator Certified 40% of management/production staff must be FIRST Implementation Certified

4 Which Path Will You Choose? FIRST PRESS OPERATOR CERTIFICATION A certified FIRST Press Operator is an expert in the field of flexographic printing and will consistently yield the best possible print quality. This expert press operator is proficient in the areas of color management, process control, troubleshooting and implementing corrective action procedures to bring systems into control for repeatable, predictable results. Benefits: Consistent, accurate and repeatable color Proofs that match natural press conditions Faster make-ready speeds Greater process control through measurement, documentation and verification Increased productivity and uptime on press Effective management of all press components Reductions in waste and erroneous costs Better communication with entire supply chain, including prepress (graphics) Hard to believe it's been nearly three years since I was FIRST Press Operator Certified. What a world of great it has done for me. Level I had me as an assistant who would maybe run some blank labels every now and then. Now, I am essentially leading a shop floor! It really gave me the understanding and knowledge of how the flexo process works. Vince McLaughlin, FIRST Press Operator Certified, Lintec Label & Print Solutions Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances An essential resource for all members of the flexographic supply chain, FIRST has sold tens of thousands of copies worldwide and is available in multiple languages and formats. All FIRST certification training specifically aligns to this document. Get yours at

5 FIRST PREPRESS OPERATOR CERTIFICATION A certified FIRST Prepress Operator is an expert in the field of flexographic prepress (graphics) operations. This expert prepress professional excels in the areas of graphic file assembly, preparation and management, image capture, process color calibration, and measuring and controlling print variables throughout the entire workflow. Benefits: Efficiently build graphic files to provide accurate and repeatable color on press Calibrate color measurement instruments and output devices for consistency Employ best process color separation techniques Evaluate press conditions to achieve optimal print results Effectively use preflight and proofing practices Employ optimization practices for the plate package Use data verification to solve prepress issues before they reach production Improve communication from the customer to prepress to the pressroom program is hands-down This one of the best ways to learn flexo, from anilox to vignette and everything in between. Charles Strezo, FIRST Prepress Operator Certified, Prairie State Group FIRST IMPLEMENTATION SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION A certified FIRST Implementation is an expert in the field of flexographic printing support, consultation and communication. This certification is designed for supervisors, managers and non-production personnel, including suppliers of flexographic products and services. A FIRST Implementation is proficient in communicating the principles and practices of FIRST in order to apply them effectively across the entire flexographic supply chain. Benefits: Foster effective communication between customers, printers and suppliers Open collaboration between prepress and press for consistent and repeatable print Employ process control elements and data collection for quality improvement Calibrate and use measurement devices for print production analysis Incorporate proper fingerprinting and analysis to enhance workflow productivity Communicate optimization practices from the plate package to print production Develop print evaluation and documentation procedures Lead implementation of FIRST methodology across the entire workflow I m a certified FIRST Implementation and I have found the program to be essential in rounding out my flexo knowledge, as well as building upon it. Andy Knapp, FIRST Implementation, Flint Group Flexographic Products BECOME CERTIFIED TODAY! For additional information contact Duane Woolbright (dwoolbright@flexography.org) at or visit

6 Frequently Asked Questions FIRST OPERATOR CERTIFICATION FAQS Q: What s the difference between the FIRST Operator Certification and the FIRST Company Certification? A: The FIRST Operator Certification is designed for individuals who want to hone their expertise and skillsets. The purpose of the FIRST Company Certification is to recognize flexographic printing companies that are applying FIRST methodology and have attained compliance with the specifications and tolerances detailed in the most current Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances (FIRST) document. Q: What is self-paced instruction? A: The term self-paced applies to courses that allow you to move through the course independently and at your own speed. You can proceed from one topic or segment to the next whenever time allows, provided the course is completed within the specified time period. This type of learning is ideal in that it offers the ability to quickly and easily pick up where you left off, or go directly to specific sections for review. Q: How many classifications are there for FIRST Operator Certification? A: There are three classifications: Press Operator, Prepress Operator and Implementation. Q: How many levels do I need to complete to be certified? A: Regardless of which classification you pursue, there are three levels you must successfully pass in order to achieve certification. Q: Do the certifications ever expire? A: Yes. You must recertify every three years by successfully completing the online FIRST Recertification Exam. Q: Are the tests written exams? A: No, all exams are administered online and contain a variety of true/false, multiple choice, matching and fill-in-the-blank questions. Q: What if I fail an exam? A: A minimum score of 80% is required to pass each test. If you do not pass the first time, you can take it again as long as your class enrollment has not expired. Q: Once I successfully pass the Level III exam, when will I receive my official certification? A: Once your exam is scored and you have successfully passed, you will receive a Congratulations Package containing your official Certificate of Excellence, a nameplate for inclusion in your company s FIRST Operator Certification plaque, a personalized certification cap, the certification logo and usage guide, promotional materials and other pertinent information. Q: What are the benefits of a FIRST Operator Certification? A: Earning a FIRST Operator Certification is the surest, fastest way to gain professional expertise and valuable skills that you can use right away. You will prove your proficiency at measuring and controlling your process, every time. You ll be able to communicate effectively with the entire supply chain. You ll quickly assess and troubleshoot problems as they arise. It s also a great way to increase your earning potential, ensure career mobility and become a leader within your organization. Best of all, no classroom attendance is required! That means you can complete your coursework at work, at home or on the road, at your own convenience.

7 Additionally, when you promote the fact that you and your staff are FIRST Operator Certified, you will attract and win new business by demonstrating a proficiency in the flexographic printing process. Your organization will quickly become a leader in quality, consistency and color accuracy. You ll observe an increase in customer satisfaction and as a result, will see repeat orders. Your plant will enjoy enthusiasm, initiative & innovation among its employees. The end result? A decided advantage over the competition. FIRST COMPANY CERTIFICATION FAQS Q: Does the FIRST Company Certification ever expire? A: FIRST Company Certification is valid for three years provided the company: maintains the required number of certified staff; complies with the FIRST workflow methodology; and adheres to the ongoing data submission requirements. Q: What does the on-site audit entail? A: Once a self-audit is performed, FTA will visit the facility to verify that the Workflow Mapping, Device/Equipment Calibration Schedule/Manufacturer s Recommended Operating Parameters (MROP) Documentation, Workflow Tagging, Tonal Value Aimpoints Documentation and Ongoing Workflow Compliance Data Collection specifications are being applied. This audit utilizes the same criteria as the self-audit. Q: How will the company s certification be promoted to my customers? A: Your company certification will be listed on the official See Who s Certified page of FTA s website. Your company will also receive a FIRST Company Certification plaque and the official FIRST Company Certification logo and usage guide. FTA will also feature your company in FLEXO Magazine articles, in conference programs, press releases and on social media when and where applicable. Additionally, FTA offers a complete marketing tool kit that includes a wealth of promotional copy, templates and ideas that you can use to promote your certified status both internally and externally. Q: How long will the audit take? A: The on-site audit will take four to eight hours. Verbal results of the audit will be conveyed to the company on the same day, and formal documentation of the audit proceedings will be provided within 30 business days. LEARN MORE AT

8 SEE WHO S CERTIFIED The companies on this list have one or more FIRST Certified employees. ACTEGA WIT Implementation Advantage Label and Packaging Press Operator, Prepress Operator, Implementation All Printing Resources, Inc. Implementation American Packaging Corporation Press Operator, Implementation AMSPAK Press Operator Anagram International Press Operator, Prepress Operator Anderson & Vreeland, Inc. Implementation Astro-Med Inc. Prepress Operator Automated Packaging Systems Press Operator, Prepress Operator, Implementation Belmark, Inc. Prepress Operator, Implementation Bemis Company, Inc. Press Operator Berry Plastics Corporation Press Operator, Prepress Operator, Implementation Berry Plastics Corporation, Evansville, IN FIRST Company Certification Best Label Company, Inc. Press Operator, Prepress Operator, Implementation Best Label Inc, Union City, CA FIRST Company Certification Bryce Company Press Operator, Implementation Carey Color Inc. Prepress Operator, Implementation Central Piedmont Community College Press Operator, Prepress Operator, Implementation Clark Container, Inc. Press Operator Coastal Packaging Co., Inc. Implementation Colormasters, LLC Implementation Constantia/Spear Implementation COVERIS Press Operator Cyber Graphics, LLC Prepress Operator, Implementation Dart Container Corporation Implementation Dhalumal Packaging Industries LLC Press Operator Direct Plastics Ltd Press Operator Distinct Packabilities Prepress Operator, Implementation Duro Bag Manufacturing Co. Implementation Emerald Packaging, Inc. Press Operator, Prepress Operator, Implementation Environmental Inks-Mbr of Siegwerk Implementation Esko Implementation Excelsior Packaging Press Operator Farnell Packaging Ltd. Press Operator, Prepress Operator, Implementation Fine Line Graphics, Inc. Implementation Flexible Technologies, LLC Press Operator, Prepress Operator Flexo Transparent, Inc. Press Operator, Prepress Operator, Implementation Flexo Wash LLC Implementation Flint Group Flexographic Products Press Operator, Implementation Frankston Packaging Press Operator Fres-co System USA, Inc. Press Operator, Prepress Operator, Implementation Georgia-Pacific Corporation Press Operator, Implementation Glenroy, Inc. Prepress Operator, Implementation Global Packaging, Inc. Implementation Grand Rapids Label Co. Press Operator Graphic Measures International, Ltd. Implementation Graphic Republik Implementation Harper Corporation of America Implementation Hood Packaging Corporation Press Operator, Implementation Identco Press Operator, Prepress Operator, Implementation InterFlex Group Press Operator, Implementation Intermec Press Operator, Prepress Operator, Implementation International Paper Company Press Operator INX International Ink Company Implementation JDSU Label, LLC Prepress Operator Jet Printing Implementation Johnson Bryce, Inc. Press Operator, Implementation Kodak Implementation Labeltape, Inc. Prepress Operator Lintec Label Solutions Press Operator Mark Andy, Inc. Press Operator, Implementation Master Packaging Inc. Press Operator, Prepress Operator, Implementation Master Packaging Inc., Borden, Canada FIRST Company Certification Menasha Packaging Company LLC Press Operator Mr. Ali Reslan Press Operator, Implementation Mr. James Fleming Prepress Operator Mr. Stefano d Andrea Implementation Nilpeter USA, Inc. Press Operator, Implementation Nosco, Inc. Press Operator Overnight Labels, Inc. Press Operator, Implementation Pioneer Balloon Company Implementation Pitman, An Agfa Company Implementation Plastic Packaging Technologies LLC Press Operator, Implementation Plastic Packaging, Inc. Press Operator, Implementation Poly Print, Inc. Press Operator Portco Packaging Press Operator, Implementation Prairie State Group Press Operator, Prepress Operator, Implementation Prairie State Group, Franklin Park, IL FIRST Company Certification Prime Label & Screen, Inc. Prepress Operator Printpack Packaging de Mexico SA de CV Press Operator Printpack, Inc. Implementation ProLabel, Inc. Press Operator, Prepress Operator, Implementation Provident LLC Implementation Rossini North America, LLC Implementation Sealed Air Corporation Press Operator, Implementation Shields Bag & Printing Company Press Operator, Implementation SmileyColor & Associates LLC Implementation Smyth Companies Press Operator, Prepress Operator, Implementation Smyth Companies, Minneapolis, MN FIRST Company Certification Star Packaging Corporation Press Operator, Implementation Steven Smith Co. Press Operator Stevenson Color, Inc. Implementation Sun Chemical Corporation Implementation Tetra Pak, Inc. Press Operator TKM Implementation Trident Prepress Operator Trinity Packaging Corporation Press Operator, Prepress Operator Turner Labels Prepress Operator, Implementation Tyson Foods, Inc. Prepress Operator Unique Industries, Inc. Press Operator, Prepress Operator, Implementation Universal Products, Inc. Press Operator Vitex Packaging, Inc. Implementation Walter G. Anderson Corporation Press Operator Western Family Foods Prepress Operator, Implementation WestRock Packaging Systems, LLP Press Operator, Prepress Operator, Implementation Winterfield LLC Press Operator, Implementation Yellowstone Plastics, Inc. Press Operator, Implementation Zeller+Gmelin Corporation Press Operator 3920 Veterans Memorial Hwy Ste 9 Bohemia NY Tel: Fax: