RIPs form an integral part of many print and sign-making operations, but with a host of options available on the market, picking out the right product for your business is not the easiest of tasks.

Marc Hermans, director of sales, Europe, the Middle East and Africa at SAi, comments: “At the beginning of the digital age, the RIP was the premier tool of printers and repro houses. Today, output devices take centre-stage along with file sharing, remote access and Cloud storage applications.

“However, RIPs still matter—a lot—indeed, print quality depends upon it.”

With this in mind, Hermans set out ten key points for sign-make and large-format print firms to follow when purchasing this type of kit.

Firstly, Hermans considers bundled RIPs, saying that this sort of purchase can be a good way of ensuring compatibility, but users should look beyond the headlines and the price tag.

He says: “What is your business’ USP? Fast and cheap; top quality in everything; or somewhere in between? Do you need to consider the ability to add more printers or a cutter in the foreseeable future? These factors should influence your buying decision.”

Hermans moves on to the company that made the software bundled with the printer, saying it is crucial to see if this a well known and trustworthy brand. He says “If you really love the printer, find out if it will run RIP software from a supplier you are familiar with.”

Next, Hermans urges buyers to find out whether the RIP offers the features, versatility and flexibility a business needs, as well as if it will help a company to grow.

“To play golf well, you need more than just a nine iron,” he says, adding: “Look for the tools you need to do the job well. Look also for things that you may need in the future: How easy is it to add new devices? Are there applications missing that you may need?”

Sign-makers and printer should also look at how easy an RIP is to integrate into their business, with Hermans saying that it should be able to support and work with kit that is already in place. Similarly, does it integrate into CNC machining software to enable 3D sign production?

Hermans says that RIP software remains an important consideration and can have a long-term effect on your operation

Hermans goes on to say that companies should consider the level of support available of an RIP solution and if training is available from the manufacturer or supplier. He says: “A good software reseller will want to build a relationship, not just send you some CDs and move on to the next sale.”

Next, Hermans says buyers should see if an RIP requires a major capital investment, or are subscriptions, and other purchase options available, thus helping them to spread the cost. In addition, how easy is an RIP to upgrade, when are these available and will it be of any additional cost to the user?

Cloud connectivity should also be considered before committing to an investment, while Hermans says companies need to consider the value-added services that are available with the product.

Finally, Hermans urges buyers to look at the speed of a product and whether it has the ability to output for multiple devices, thus allowing you to use it across various kit.

Hermans concludes: “RIP software remains an important consideration and can have a long-term effect on your operation. Making the right choice will enable you to get the most from your hardware, and from your business.”

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