This unit requires the individual to produce and manage digital printing systems to achieve maximum productivity. The individual will perform troubleshooting and conduct maintenance, manage digital print client service operations, construct a range of electronic data files, perform basic colour management techniques, design electronic workflow systems, produce and manage a print run and coordinate finishing and delivery.

The competency is best applied in the instant printing and copy shop business environment.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Troubleshoot and maintain operations of a digital print system

1.1. Errors in operation of the hardware and consumable components in the printing module of a digital printing system are identified and rectified

1.2. The source of errors related to the electronic data file, digital front end, workstation or industry software or hardware printing systems is located and rectified and/or technical assistance is coordinated according to manufacturer's specifications

1.3. Preventive maintenance is performed according to manufacturer's specifications to ensure digital print system functions at optimum productivity with minimum downtime and wastage

1.4. Incompatibilities between versions of hardware and software used in digital printing are identified and rectified

2. Liaise with clients

2.1. Print service and quality expectations are clearly communicated to a client according to enterprise procedures

2.2. Advice is provided to clients on how to set up electronic data files for digital printing according to enterprise procedures, manufacturer's specifications and digital print equipment capabilities

2.3. Advice is provided to clients on appropriate substrates and document finishing methods for digital printing jobs, according to the client's budget and job specifications

3. Perform basic electronic document impositions

3.1. Electronic file imposition using a range of industry software is completed according to job specifications

3.2. Document finishing requirements for an imposed digital print job are finalised with co-workers or external services, if required, according to equipment availability and enterprise procedures

4. Perform basic digital colour management

4.1. RGB, CMYK and PMS colour charts are outputted and differences between computer monitor colour and digitally printed colour are adjusted

4.2. Common problems of colour digital printing are rectified and communicated to clients according to job specifications

5. Access and verify electronic data files

5.1. A workstation computer and industry software are used to locate and retrieve electronic data files according to job specifications

5.2. A digital front end processor is used to locate and retrieve electronic data files according to job specifications

5.3. Preview or pre-flight check of electronic data files is performed to verify correct job set up according to job specifications

5.4. Basic troubleshooting methods are applied to identify unverified data files, file errors and job requirement inconsistencies according to manufacturer's specifications

6. Submit data files to a digital print system

6.1. Job priority is determined according to job specifications and production schedules

6.2. Data files are submitted to print and image quality and machine productivity checks are performed

7. Produce digital proof and run print job

7.1. A proof run is conducted to confirm proof conforms to job specifications and/or for client approval, if required

7.2. A print run is conducted according to job specifications ensuring that machine productivity and quality are monitored and rectified throughout the duration of the print job

8. Coordinate and/or perform document finishing and client delivery

8.1. The steps required for document finishing if not performed on in-line finishing units are determined on a web or sheet-fed system according to enterprise procedures

8.2. Finished print work is packaged in a manner to prevent damage and to conform to delivery requirements according to job specifications

Required skills

OHS in relation to operating machinery such as safely switching off machinery before cleaning is started

communication of ideas and information by interpreting the job brief and providing advice to internal and external clients about options and limitations

collecting, analysing and organising information by collecting and analysing data about printing process, machine specifications and performance to calculate appropriate adjustments for the job

planning and organising activities by providing information about time and materials requirements for production scheduling

teamwork when cooperating with other workers and coordinating the production unit to ensure efficient operation

mathematical ideas and techniques by calculating electronic file memory requirements for print job management and scheduling

problem-solving skills by defining whether printing or data processing faults minimise machine downtime and wastage

use of technology by using software to construct electronic files for digital printing

Required knowledge

troubleshooting and problem solving

safety devices that need to be in place when working on the machine

paper misfeed, how to access and clear it

problems with front to back registration

problems that can occur if substrate weight and machine specifications do not match

problems that can occur downloading files from a digital front end and how can they be solved

distinguishing between a problem with downloading from a digital front end and a problem with the printing module

action if a digital front end loses communication with the printing module

quality control

precautions that can be taken to maintain fit, proportion and position of printed images

ensuring that the machine has been calibrated to manufacturer's specifications

what to do if image colour is not consistent

ensuring that correct dimensions and measurements have been set up in the pre-press stage

quality issues that can arise if improper substrate handling procedures are not performed

information sources

machine manuals, safety and other documentation that are relevant to machine operation and maintenance and where are they kept

finding information relating to industry software applications

incorrect version of software or need an update, locating and acquiring this

other sources of information can you identify

job requirements and processing systems

actions if vital information was missing from the job ticket (manual or electronic)

checks to be undertaken prior to set up (availability of material, maintenance)

file does not transfer correctly action should to be taken to correct the problem

data access and manipulation

checks to be made to ensure the data is in a format that can be used in digital printing

benefits of using electronic data rather than scanning hard copy

ways to submit a PDF file to the digital printer

communication and client interaction

measure that can be taken to ensure clients have correct procedures for providing electronic files

explaining to a client about differences in colour displayed on a computer monitor to printed output

recommendations to a client who has created an electronic file in an incompatible software application

estimating a turnaround time for a client with a tight deadline

steps that would need to be followed for a client approval of the print

proofing and adjustment

circumstances where a job would be modified before printing

why margins would be changed when the job reaches the printer

what the proof checked against

final approval for basic jobs

adjusting colour, toner/ink coverage or density problems

substrate transportation, delivery, in-line and on-line processes

actions if the required substrate were unavailable

maximum and minimum weight of substrate that can be printed on a specific machine

maximum feeding and delivery quantities for the machine

possible problems with incorrect feeding and delivery

OHS procedures to be followed when setting up in-line processes

in-line options are available on the machine

on-line finishing options that are available on the machine

document finishing and client delivery

various types of binding

procedures that would be followed if the binding method required by the client was not available at your site

options that could you suggested if the document size was too thick to staple?

packaging of finished print work is important

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

produce electronic data files and manage digital workflows in the digital print production environment. Communicate clearly and professionally with clients. Design and implement efficient electronic workflows for a range of electronic file types. Access and verify data. Conduct a digital proof run. Produce and manage a digital print run. Manage and coordinate document finishing and delivery

demonstrate use of computerised control and monitoring systems if available and appropriate

demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources

produce a flowchart that demonstrates FOUR examples of digital print workflows for digital printing (one basic document file, one variable data document file, one colour document file and one electronically imposed document file)

create and print a document that provides information to clients on digital print services available and outlines correct methods for submitting electronic files to the services available

electronically construct, digitally print and coordinate finishing for the following set of business stationery that has text and graphic elements:

four-colour A4 Letterhead, which includes static text and graphic elements and variable data name and address elements. Minimum variable components - 10

100 four-colour business cards with crop marks. Maximum number of business cards to the maximum sheet size of the printer eg 20 cards on SRA3

four-colour 16-page A4 business proposal document, perfect bound with own choice of binding

four-colour 4-page advertising brochure using saddle stitch binding method printed on A4 or A3 substrate size

for valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered over a period of time through a range of methods for assessment to indicate consistent performance

evidence for assessment may be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone or through an integrated assessment activity.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

assessment may take place on the job, off the job or a combination of these. Off the job assessment must be undertaken in a closely simulated workplace environment

a digital printing machine and digital front end.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

ICPSU201C Prepare, load and unload reels and cores on and off machine

ICPSU202C Prepare, load and unload product on and off machine

ICPSU208C Operate and monitor machines (basic)

ICPPR281C Set up and produce basic digital print

ICPPR383C Prepare for personalised digital printing.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Electronic data files may include:

range of proprietary or non-proprietary data file formats compatible with a range of workstation computers and industry software.

Manufacturer's specifications may include:

technical, administrator and user specifications documented by a manufacturer for a range of printing machines.

Enterprise procedures may include:

may include rules, standards, OHS guidelines, communication protocols and behaviour codes of a range of workplace environments.

Substrates may include:

range of print media and paper.

Inking systems may include:

range of toners commonly used in 2-colour printing, including special colours.

Machines may include:

range of non-impact printing machines including inkjet and laser with or without colour manipulation capability, and including machines with computerised monitoring and/or control.

In-line processes may include:

minor in-line processes such as perforating, numbering, date coding and imposition that do not constitute another defined unit of competency. Major in-line process is defined as a separate competency eg flat-bed cutting, folding.

Colour matchingsystems may include:

use of visual colour assessment and matching under controlled lighting conditions.

Design may include:

simple graphics and text. Minor variation in registration position.

User replaceable consumables may include:

consumables required to be changed by an individual if damaged or reached expiry. Used by a range of printing machines for correct functioning such as ink, toner, developer, waste toner, cleaning web, fuser, substrates.

User control interface may include:

computerised monitoring and data entry device used to enter machine default settings, job specification settings, monitor machine status and perform machine productivity enhancements.

Registration mechanisms may include:

mechanical and/or electronic controls used to adjust substrate position throughout substrate feeding and transport units of a range of printing machines.

Calibration may include:

mechanical and/or electronic and/or visual controls used to identify and correct ink coverage and density inconsistencies in a range of printing equipment.

Unit sector

Printing

This unit contains employability skills.