GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., – X-Rite Incorporated is launching two versions of a new software called PersonalDesigner™ PLUS that helps paint manufacturers and retailers to build brand recognition and customer loyalty by offering superior service to their customers as they make paint purchase decisions.

Both versions of the PersonalDesigner PLUS software allow customers to upload digital photographs of their projects, easily identify those objects and areas to be painted, and apply paint colors from a paint manufacturer’s fan deck of offerings. The software also automatically offers palettes of harmonizing colors for the customer to use as accents paints.

“X-Rite is launching two versions of PersonalDesigner PLUS to respond to the ways that today’s customers select and purchase paints,” said Matthew Adby, Retail Market Manager at X-Rite. “Our web-based version allows customers to access PersonalDesigner PLUS via the internet using their home personal computers, taking as much time to experiment with color schemes as they wish.

Our store-based kiosk version adds extra dimensions to the project experience. In addition to all the features of the web-based software, customers can measure the color of inspiration items for their projects and ask store personnel for assistance when it comes to buying paint and accessories. The two versions complement each other perfectly.”

Using color calibrated monitors to assure true color rendering of projects, the kiosk version interfaces with X-Rite color matching equipment such as the CAPSURE device and RM400 and i1 instruments. The software has been developed to readily accept color information from CAPSURE, a rechargeable, hand-held device that gives professional painters, interior decorators, do-it-yourselfers and architects a convenient way to accurately measure the colors of walls, carpets or any textured inspiration object on-site.

The kiosk version is preconfigured for manufacturers’ paint brands, sample projects and color libraries, making it short work for retailers to set up point-of-sale systems.

The web-based version of PersonalDesigner PLUS gives paint manufacturers the ability to customize their own web sites to include their retailer logos, a library of sample photos of projects, fan deck offerings, store locator, and connections to social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. The web-based version also collects web statistics to gain insight into customer preferences and response to promotional campaigns.

Combining both systems at the customer’s home and in-store provides a powerful synergy through consistent look, feel and color offering.

“PersonalDesigner PLUS builds an immediate relationship among the paint manufacturer, paint retailer and prospective buyer, so buyers are much less likely to shop around,” Adby said. He said an estimated 8 out of 10 prospective paint shoppers obtain paint chips from more than one brand and stores for comparison purposes, then return to only one store to make their purchases. Without a visualization software package like PersonalDesigner, potential buyers need to use their imaginations as to how a 1-inch (3-centimeter) square of paint will look covering an entire wall.

Both versions of PersonalDesigner PLUS are offered in several languages such as English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Spanish, with upcoming translations in Arabic, Chinese Simplified, Danish, Dutch, Greek, Swedish, Turkish and Korean.

“What PersonalDesigner PLUS really gives the consumer is peace of mind that a project potentially costing thousands of dollars (Euros) will turn out well,” Adby said. “And companies that offer that kind of peace of mind will have a competitive advantage in the marketplace.”

Paint retailers and manufacturers can purchase and license options of PersonalDesigner PLUS to fit their needs and budgets. For more information, visit the X-Rite website at www.xrite.com.

About X-Rite

X-Rite, Incorporated is the global leader in color science and technology. The company, which now includes color industry leader Pantone LLC, develops, manufactures, markets and supports innovative color solutions through measurement systems, software, color standards and services. X-Rite’s expertise in inspiring, selecting, measuring, formulating, communicating and matching color helps users get color right the first time and every time, which translates to better quality and reduced costs. X-Rite serves a range of industries, including printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, paints, plastics, textiles, dental and medical. For further information, please visit www.xrite.com.