Print quality assessment has traditionally relied on the subjective judgment of human observers. As printing technology has evolved and prices have plummeted, image quality has become an increasingly vital differentiator between competing products. Consequently, there is an expanding need for repeatable, reliable, and objective image quality assessment tools. An automated image quality measurement system would provide the ability to measure a large volume of prints as well as the objectivity and repeatability required for quality control and failure analysis.A measurement instrument comprised of a computerized image capture system, high quality, high resolution imaging equipment, powerful image analysis software and integrated motion control would provide a flexible solution to the user who desires automated analysis of multiple image attributes. Automated image quality measurement equipment would be useful in research and development environments by providing timely performance feedback during product development, as well as objective benchmarking and competitive analysis. In production environments, an automated system could be integrated into the manufacturing process to be used for statistical process control and failure analysis.Results from an automated image quality measurement system should be validated through calibration and verification procedures and tools. These processes should include the use of calibration targets with features that are traceable to standards institutes.In this paper, we will be discussing the increasing need for automated image quality measurement systems and the benefits that such systems provide. We will show how automation can be used to augment traditional print evaluation techniques. We will also be discussing in detail a system that has been successfully integrated into both research and production environments.