Best Practices 6 of 6
Waste Reduction
Catch wrong crops and insufficient dimensions digitally, then use a small controlled proof before a batch or expensive substrate.
Catch problems in the cheapest stage: validate crop and pixels on screen, test a small or low-cost proof for uncertain processes, then proceed to the production blank. Avoid printing a batch while file compatibility or color interpretation is unresolved.
Use staged acceptance. First reject obviously unsuitable pixels or crop in software. Next test only the uncertain physical combination, ideally with a small or low-cost proof where the method allows. Finally run the full item or batch after the proof is accepted. This sequence can save blanks, ink, transfer media, machine time, and shipping without pretending that every process can be simulated perfectly on screen.