GIST Introduced During PLGA Fall Conference By Sam Ingram, Clemson University Specification, a detailed, precise enumeration or description of particulars. Merriam-Webster THE GRAVURE IMAGE SPECIFICATION AND TOLERANCES (GIST) project was the focus of the closing session during the Fall Conference in Louisville. Moderator Sam Ingram of Clemson University and Jean Jackson of Allison Systems Corporation offered the fundamentals and rationale of standards and specifications. Ingram provided a broad look Newsletter December 2007 at the development of standards and specifications throughout print related processes and market segments. Jackson offered a closer look at current initiatives - specifically the effort by the flexographic printing community regarding the Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications and Tolerances (FIRST). FIRST is rapidly approaching the completion of the fourth edition primarily due to committee effort and broad industry support. Laura Wayland-Smith Hatch and Rudy Wiesemann provided an overview of the GIST Summit held in July at Clemson University. Comments included a detailed discussion of the role GravurExchange can provide, GIST objectives, and a proposed timeline. Among the stated objectives for GIST were producing a reference document for printers, print buyers, and suppliers describing best practice-target tolerances for gravure printing. Gist will provide a set of global specifications positioning the industry to better meet the demands of print buyers. Attendees then moved to break-out sessions identified by facilitators Hatch and Wiesemann as areas providing the best opportunity for organization and input of GIST content. Industry expertise is crucial for the project’s success. Contact Jim Lepp or Laura Hatch at PLGA offering your support.