The term Process Standard Offset (PSO) describes all of the requirements for each stage of the printing workflow. PSO certification is therefore a certification of the graphic process, from the moment when data is received to when the product is printed.
This certification is provided by APCER in partnership with UGRA – the Association for the Promotion of Research in the Graphic Arts Industry, which is based in Switzerland.
UGRA has been conducting research in the graphic arts field for more than 50 years. As a member of ISO TC 130 - Graphic Technology, it is actively involved in the development of various ISO standards. Currently, UGRA operates as an independent institute offering products and services for assessment and quality improvement. It also provides certifications of materials, people and organizations.
Documents supporting the conformity assessment include:
- ISO 9001 – Organization and documentation and production of sheets
- ISO 15930 – Digital data
- ISO 15076 – Color management
- ISO 12646 – Monitoring
- ISO 12647-7 – Proofs
- ISO 12647-2 – Printing
- ISO 3664 – Lighting
The certificate of conformity that is issued includes reference to the Standard ISO 12647-2 "Graphic technology — Process control for the production of half-tone color separations, proof and production prints — Part 2: Offset lithographic processes"
Application
PSO certification applies to the graphics industry.
