Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 9:34 PM AWST

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Prepare for variable data printing

Prepare for variable data printing

Unit of competency
National Code
ICPPR484C
State Code
D3202
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
05/07/2010
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
10/09/2014
Field of Education
030103 - Printing
Original Release Date
10/09/2014
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to confirm data requirements and prepare and link data to a template ready for printing.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Confirm data requirements
  • 1.1. The job specifications are reviewed to identify document purpose
  • 1.2. Materials required for page design, layout and content are identified from job specifications
  • 1.3. Source and format of data is determined and confirmed
  • 1.4. The page design template is evaluated for printing purposes and static and variable fields are correctly understood and labelled
  • 1.5. Responsibility for data accuracy and other tests such as spell checks and postal software is agreed with client
2. Prepare data
  • 2.1. Data required to populate the copy holes in the variable-data template is established
  • 2.2. The fields to be populated are confirmed and linked to data required to markup the copy holes in the variable-data template
  • 2.3. A composition engine is used to achieve the required data format and page layout requirements for merging variable data and static elements
  • 2.4. Business rules are developed to reduce data errors and discrepancies
  • 2.5. If possible, a sample of the data is obtained and preliminary checks run, making sure the data and format is correct
  • 2.6. A soft proof is performed to ensure the quality of all static and variable elements
  • 2.7. If high variability, RIPped data is spooled prior to printing to maintain higher engine speeds
  • 2.8. A sample from the machine is produced and checked for conformance to the job specifications
RANGE STATEMENT
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.
Job specifications may include:
job sheets, batch processing orders, job specs.
Variable fields may include:
text, images, layout, with flexible placement.
Markup may include:
PPML/VDX, XML.
Composition engine may include:
DL Formatter, Autograph Series, DL Pager, Calligramme, DL Composer.
Quality may include:
efficiency, quality and output rate.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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:
use a database requiring sophisticated variable data fields and a complex page layout with multiple static and variable elements, both text and graphics with flexible placement
confirm data requirements and prepare data and link it to a template ready for printing on TWO different jobs
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
relevant computer hardware and software.

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:
ICPPP385C Operate a database for digital printing
ICAB4135BCreate a simple mark-up language document to specification.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D0455 ICPPR484B Prepare for variable data printing Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AUO61 ICPPRN484 Prepare for variable data printing Unit of competency