Method for monitoring a color standard in a printing machine

A method monitors a color standard for a machine for processing printing material. The color standard results from various parameters of the printing operation and correspondingly associated set points. The color standard may be modified and individually adapted to every machine. The machine is equipped such that current values of the parameters of the color standard are measured and forwarded to a computer. The computer compares these values and predefined set points of the color standard, and based on this information, makes an assessment of the color and quality level achieved in the printing operation. The computer outputs control signals based on the monitoring. The control signals influence the machine control and/or the determining of the current values of the parameters of the color standard in a feedback loop. The color standard is modifiable by the operator by a different selection and weighting of the parameters and the set points.