Digital Color Proofing -- Proof or Consequences

If a shop has standardized its proofing operations on a specific digital system, or if the proofing solution is being dictated by an outside party (customer or third-party prepress provider), matching the press to the proof may seem like a logical solution. One drawback to this approach is that digital proofing technology is still evolving, so a specific product/model will probably be a transitory standard at best. The bigger issue, though, is the merit of risking any negative impact on pressroom performance, given the sensitivity of the process, as well as the investment in dollars and effort required to create an efficient operation.