Home 9 In-line vs Off-line Inspection

The Benefits of Using Both Off-Line and In-Line Inspection Systems

Complement your in-line inspection solution with GlobalVision for packaging and labels that are free of both typos and print defects.

  Pinpoint pixel-by-pixel error detection

Confirm that pre-press files are ready
to be printed

Cost-effective inspection system to
catch all types of errors

Compare In-line and Off-line Inspection by Feature

In-lineOff-Line
Used whenDuring print runBefore, during, and after run
Used to VerifyEvery single component in the runProofs, plate files, samples
Used Primarily to Detect
  • Print defects/ registration issues
  • Mechanical errors
  • Operator human error
  • Artwork inconsistencies
  • Typos
  • Pre-press human error
Uses as a BaselineGolden master (single sample in a run)Master file (approved file)
Ability to Run Multiple Inspection TypesYesYes
High-Resolution Inspection-CapableYes, but, considering the speed of press, barcode inspections can be inaccurateYes
Closed-Loop FeedbackYes, to assist the operator by auto-correcting, depending on the systemNo
No. of Systems RequiredOne per printing pressOne for multiple presses

Compare In-line and Off-line Inspection by Feature

Used When

In-line: During print runOffline: Before, during, and after run

Used to Verify

In-line: Every single component in the runOff-line: Proofs, plate files, samples

Used Primarily to Detect

    In-line:

  • Print defects/ registration issues
  • Mechanical errors
  • Operator human error
    Off-line:

  • Artwork inconsistencies
  • Typos
  • Pre-press human error

Uses as a Baseline

In-line: Golden master (single sample in a run)Off-line: Master file (approved file)

Ability to Run Multiple Inspection Types

In-line: YesOff-line: Yes

High-Resolution Inspection-Capable

In-line: Yes, but, considering the speed of press, barcode inspections can be inaccurateOff-line: Yes

Closed-Loop Feedback

In-line: Yes, to assist the operator by auto-correcting, depending on the systemOff-line: No

No. of Systems Required

In-line: One per printing pressOff-line: One for multiple presses

Add GlobalVision to Complete Your Quality Control Process

We help protect businesses from hazardous packaging errors and typos that can lead to serious consequences with your customers.

Add GlobalVision to Complete Your Quality Control Process

We help protect businesses from hazardous packaging errors and typos that can lead to serious consequences with your customers.

Off-line Inspection


Stage: Proof

What can GlobalVision do? Compare printer’s proof to original PDF to avoid conversion errors.

Off-line Inspection


Stage: Press

What can GlobalVision do?
Inspect plate files so changes don’t get introduced during stepping and separation processes.

In-line Inspection


Stage: Print

Run in-line inspection system during print job as security measure against print defects.

Off-line Inspection


Stage: Proof

What can GlobalVision do? Compare printer’s proof to original PDF to avoid conversion errors.

Off-line Inspection


Stage: Proof

What can GlobalVision do? Compare printer’s proof to original PDF to avoid conversion errors.

Off-line Inspection


Stage: Press

What can GlobalVision do?
Inspect plate files so changes don’t get introduced during stepping and separation processes.

In-line Inspection


Stage: Print

Run in-line inspection system during print job as security measure against print defects.

Off-line Inspection


Stage: Proof

What can GlobalVision do? Compare printer’s proof to original PDF to avoid conversion errors.

Off-line Inspection


Stage: Proof

What can GlobalVision do? Compare printer’s proof to original PDF to avoid conversion errors.

Off-line Inspection


Stage: Press

What can GlobalVision do?
Inspect plate files so changes don’t get introduced during stepping and separation processes.

In-line Inspection


Stage: Print

Run in-line inspection system during print job as security measure against print defects.

Off-line Inspection


Stage: Proof

What can GlobalVision do? Compare printer’s proof to original PDF to avoid conversion errors.

Comprehensive Quality Control Begins and Ends with Off-Line Inspection

In-line systems confirm every printed component is 100% the same, but, if the files are wrong to begin with, the shipment will be 100% wrong… and your customer will be the first to let you know. Use off-line-inspection software as your last line of defense.

  Reduce back-and-forth with customers on
top of wasted printing materials.

  High-res inspections that can verify
barcodes with greater accuracy.

  Easily confirm files are error-free before
they even go to print, in seconds.

For more information

Comprehensive Quality Control Begins and Ends with Off-Line Inspection

In-line systems confirm every printed component is 100% the same, but, if the files are wrong to begin with, the shipment will be 100% wrong… and your customer will be the first to let you know. Use off-line-inspection software as your last line of defense.

  • Reduce back-and-forth with customers on top of wasted printing materials.
  • High-res inspections that can verify barcodes with greater accuracy.
  • Easily confirm files are error-free before they even go to print, in seconds.

The Best Print Companies Use GlobalVision