What Farb Technologies does

Farb Technologies (legal entity Farb CMS Tech LLP, founded 2007) is a regional distributor and technical services provider specializing in color management and print process optimization for the printing and packaging industry. Operating from Navi Mumbai, India and Dubai, UAE (via subsidiary Phoenix Colour General Trading LLC), the company serves 400+ printing companies across India, the Middle East, and selected African and South Asian markets including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Sudan. Its core business is distributing industry-leading OEM solutions — GMG Color (color proofing, spectral conversion, ink optimization), X-rite (spectrophotometers, color measurement devices, PantoneLIVE), Rutherford (ink key preset and closed-loop color control), Hybrid Software (PACKZ, Cloudflow, iC3D, Stepz for digital prepress), Global Vision (automated proofreading), and IGT (printability testers) — combined with proprietary technical consultancy services covering profiling, press standardization to international standards (G7, PSO, ISO, FOGRA, GRACoL, SWOP, Japan Color), contract proofing, and mockup creation. Anchor enterprise relationships include PepsiCo (Middle East & Africa Color Quality program, won 2015) and P&G (quality inspection system implementation at converters, 2016).

The company's revenue model combines one-time software and hardware license/resale fees, recurring subscription revenue through its proprietary Phoenix PrintSmart MIS, and professional services billed on consultancy engagements. Farb does not own the underlying intellectual property of its primary portfolio — the moat is its exclusive regional distribution rights, OEM-certified engineering talent, and 15+ years of regional implementation track record. The firm operates with a small core team (approximately 6 employees) supplemented by technical specialists, leveraging direct sales presence and OEM-co-marketed seminars/workshops for demand generation, with participation in regional print industry events (Print Pack India, Pamex 2023). Customer segments span offset packaging and commercial printers (primary), gravure printers (primary), brand owners and pre-media agencies (primary), with secondary reach into flexography and newspaper/publishing verticals.

Name

Farb Technologies

Legal name

Farb CMS Tech LLP

Website

https://farbtechnologies.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Farb Technologies is a regional distributor and technical services firm that delivers color management software, spectrophotometers, and print process optimization solutions — sourced from GMG, X-rite, Rutherford, Hybrid Software, Global Vision, and IGT — to 400+ printing companies across India, the Middle East, and Africa.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Navi Mumbai

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Color Management Software & Hardware Distribution: Distribution of proprietary color management software (GMG, Hybrid Software) and color measurement hardware (X-rite spectrophotometers, IGT testers) to print and packaging companies
2. Phoenix Print MIS (PrintSmart): Management Information System solution specifically developed for printing companies to manage costing, quality, workflow, delivery, productivity and profitability
3. Technical Consultancy Services: Professional services including profiling, press standardization, contract proofing, and mockup services delivered by trained color management engineers

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Farb Technologies is a regional value-added distributor and technical consultancy that sells color management software, spectrophotometers, ink-key automation, printability testers, automated proofreading, PDF workflow tools, and a proprietary MIS to printing and packaging companies across the Indian subcontinent and Middle East. It earns revenue through one-time OEM software/hardware resales, recurring MIS subscriptions, and paid engineering services including profiling, press standardization, and contract proofing.

Product overview

Farb Technologies is a distributor and technology partner offering a comprehensive color management and print production solutions portfolio spanning multiple product categories. The core offerings include GMG color management software (ColorProof, OpenColor, ColorServer, FlexoProof, DotProof, InkOptimizer, ColorPlugin, ProofControl, SmartProfiler) for proofing, color conversion, and print optimization; X-Rite spectrophotometers and color measurement devices (eXact family, IntelliTrax2, SpectraLight QC, ColorCert, InkFormulation Software); Rutherford ink key optimization and closed loop color control systems; Hybrid Software PDF editing and workflow solutions (Packz, Stepz, Cloudflow); iC3D virtual packaging design software; IGT printability testing equipment (C1, F1, G1, Orange Proofer series); and Global Vision automated proofreading systems. Supporting products include EIZO color-calibrated monitors, Inkmaker ink mixing systems, Arden Software CAD solutions, and Phoenix PrintSmart MIS for print operations management. The company also provides technical consultancy services including profiling, press standardization, contract proofing, and mockup creation. Farb Technologies serves printing companies across India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Sudan.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Phoenix Print MIS: Print management information system solution developed for printing companies, branded as 'PrintSmart'
• Phoenix

Products and services

• GMG ColorProof Professional contract proofing software for color-accurate digital proofs compliant with ISO Offset, PSO, GRACoL and SWOP standards, with plug-and-proof functionality and remote proofing, sold to commercial and packaging printers.
• GMG OpenColor Patented multichannel color profiling technology for packaging that creates custom proofing and separation profiles based on substrates, print parameters, and spot colors, predicting overprinting effects accurately for packaging converters and brand owners.
• GMG FlexoProof Halftone proofing solution for flexographic printing that simulates substrate textures, spot colors, and press conditions for packaging applications, sold to packaging flexo printers and converters.
• GMG DotProof Digital halftone proofing system that predicts plate exposure and press results with accurate screen angles, rulings, and dot shape while maintaining color accuracy, targeted at commercial and packaging printers.
• GMG ColorServer Color conversion software with MX DeviceLink technology for converting RGB, CMYK, and mixed data into any desired output color space with automated workflows, sold to print and premedia operations.
• GMG InkOptimizer Ink saving optimization software that increases black and reduces chromatic colors in separation profiles, saving up to 20% ink while stabilizing the printing process for offset commercial and packaging printers.
• GMG ProofMedia High-performance proofing media in premium and studio lines with OBA-containing options for accurate color simulation under various lighting conditions, including FOGRA 51/52 compliance, sold to proofing operations.
• X-Rite eXact Family Spectrophotometer family (Standard, Advanced, Basic Plus, Basic) for validating CMYK and spot color ink measurements in print and packaging operations.
• X-Rite eXact Auto-Scan Automated press-side color scanning solution with spot, manual, and automated capabilities that reduces make-ready time by over 30% during press runs.
• X-Rite IntelliTrax2 Ultra-fast automated press-side color control system that scans color bars in under 10 seconds for high-speed printing and converting operations.
• X-Rite SpectraLight QC Professional light booth with 7 light sources for color-critical visual assessment under daylight and other lighting conditions, compliant with ISO 3664 and ISO 3668.
• X-Rite Judge QC Light booth solution for color evaluation under standardized lighting conditions for print and premedia environments.
• X-Rite InkFormulation Software Ink formulation solution for accurate, consistent ink recipe creation, storage and retrieval across offset, flexo, gravure, and screen-printing, sold to ink manufacturers and printers operating in-house ink kitchens.
• X-Rite ColorCert Quality control suite simplifying color and print specifications management across production processes, from prepress through production.
• PantoneLIVE Cloud-based digital color standards platform providing Pantone color libraries and private brand libraries for design through production phases, sold as a subscription to brand owners, designers, and print suppliers.
• Rutherford Preset Optimization Ink key preset optimization system using adaptive incremental algorithms to set ink keys at 93% accuracy on first try, reducing waste by 30–60% during make-ready and integrating with X-Rite measurement devices.
• Rutherford Closed Loop Automated closed loop color control system with IntelliLoop/EasyLoop software that adjusts ink keys automatically during press runs using X-Rite scan devices.
• iC3D Real-time virtual packaging design software with Smart Mesh technology for instant 3D mockup visualization of cartons, labels, flexibles, bottles, and shrink wraps, sold to brand owners and packaging designers.
• Stepz PDF editor based on PACKZ technology for digital label and packaging printing with variable data printing, step-and-repeat, and quality control features.
• Packz Professional PDF editor for labels and packaging with editing, trapping, separation handling, barcode creation, step-and-repeat, and VDP capabilities.
• Cloudflow Modular production workflow suite for file processing, asset management, soft proofing, and workflow automation with a web-based HTML5 interface and documented web API for IT integration.
• IGT C1-5 Printability Tester Printability tester for producing color prints with conventional and UV offset inks, designed for color measuring and matching systems, conformant with ISO 2834, ISO 2846, ISO 12647, and ASTM 7680.
• IGT F1 Printability Tester Universal flexo printability tester for solvent-based, UV-curing, and water-based inks on various substrates including corrugated board, conformant with ISO 2834-2, ISO 2836, ISO 2846-3, and ISO 2846-5.
• IGT G1-5 Printability Tester Printability tester for gravure prints with adjustable speed and force for matching production press conditions.
• IGT Orange Proofer Low-cost, easy-to-operate printability tester for offset inks providing highly reproducible results for ink quality checks.
• Global Vision Inspection System Automated proofreading platform with modules for barcode, color, graphics, print, and text inspection to detect errors before printing, sold to prepress operations and packaging print buyers.
• Phoenix PrintSmart MIS Proprietary Management Information System specifically developed by Farb Technologies for printing companies to manage costing, quality, workflow, delivery, productivity, and profitability, sold on a recurring subscription to commercial printers.
• EIZO Color Calibrated Monitor Color-calibrated professional monitors for accurate color viewing and proof verification in prepress workflows, supplied via the EIZO partnership to designers and print professionals.
• Inkmaker Ink Mixing System Software-controlled automatic ink mixing, blending, and dispensing system for accurate color production and reduced wastage in ink kitchens.
• Arden Software CAD/CAM CAD and CAM software for the print and packaging industry used to create key-lines and packaging designs, distributed via the Arden Software UK partnership.
• Technical Consultancy Services Professional services including profiling, press standardization, contract proofing, and mockup creation delivered by trained color management engineers, sold to printing and packaging customers across the region.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 20% ink savings with GMG InkOptimizer
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

AI capability2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Hybrid Software (Belgium)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022Nominated from Hybrid Software Belgium in 2022 for dealership of PDF editor PACKZ for labels and packaging, Cloudflow workflow suite, iC3D virtual packaging design software, and Stepz digital printing PDF editor.
• IGT (Belgium)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2019Nominated from IGT Belgium in 2019 for dealership of ink draw down machines including printability testers C1, CG1, CTx3, F1, F1-100, G1-5, and Orange Proofer product lines.
• Global Vision (Canada)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2018Joined hands with Global Vision Canada in 2018 for artwork inspection modules including barcode, text, color, graphics, and print inspection systems.
• X-rite (USA)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2013Appointed as distributor and technology partner of Xrite USA since 2013 for growing their business of color solutions across the Middle East and India. In 2015, became the only service partner of Xrite for the Middle East.
• GMG Color (Germany)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2008Appointed as distributor and technology partner for GMG Color Germany in Indian and entire Middle East market since 2008. Provides GMG ColorProof, OpenColor, FlexoProof, DotProof, ColorServer, InkOptimizer, ColorPlugin, ProofControl, and ProofMedia solutions.
• Ink MakerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for ink making solutions and software controlled automatic ink mixing, blending and dispensing systems.
• Rutherford Graphic ProductscoreTechnology or IntegrationPartners with Rutherford for ink key control systems including Preset Optimization and Closed Loop solutions for press automation, integrating with X-rite measurement devices.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• HP Industrial Print: Indigo, PageWide, and Latex printing platforms bundled with color management and workflow software. A broad incumbent whose integrated stacks may squeeze third-party color management distributors like Farb.
• Agfa-Gevaert: Global supplier of inkjet inks, print software, and imaging solutions for commercial, packaging, and industrial print. Overlaps with Farb's color management, ink formulation, and press standardization offerings.
• Konica Minolta Industrial Print: Industrial printing and production print solutions provider with workflow, color management, and MIS-like tools. Competes with Farb at the workflow/IT layer for mid-market print and packaging customers.
• Heidelberger Druckmaschinen (Heidelberg): Global leader in printing press manufacturing and integrated workflow solutions for commercial and packaging printers. Farb's consulting and color management services compete with Heidelberg's Prinect workflow color stack across the same customer base.

Direct peers

• Esko (Danaher): Packaging prepress and workflow software provider covering color management, structural design, and supply chain tools. Directly competes with Farb's Hybrid Software (Packz/Stepz/Cloudflow) and GMG stack in packaging converters.
• EFI (Electronics for Imaging): Digital front-end and print workflow software provider serving commercial printers, packaging converters, and industrial print. Overlaps with Farb's workflow, color management, and MIS positioning across print segments.
• CGS Publishing Technologies: German developer of color management and RIP/workflow software for the print industry. Closest analog to Farb's GMG distribution line as a competing color management software specialist with deep printing-channel relationships.

Emerging players

• Enfocus: PDF workflow automation and preflight software specialist for the graphic arts industry. Comparable to Farb's Cloudflow and Packz integrations around automated file processing for print.
• Caldera: Digital printing RIP and workflow software vendor serving commercial and industrial print customers. Adjacent to Farb's color management and PDF workflow portfolio for digital print shops.

Regional players

• Veritiv Corporation: North American distributor of print, packaging, and facility solutions with color management and equipment resale lines. Geographically separate but a strong structural analog to Farb's specialized print technology distribution model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/farb-technologies-formerly-known-as-percept-printing-solutions

Compliance21 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Farb Technologies