A method of providing a software zero state for a plurality of ink adjusting modules in a printing press. Each of the ink adjusting modules are provided for adjusting an associated plunger assembly for dispensing ink to an ink rail in the printing press, each ink adjusting module having an ink control lever which contacts the plunger assembly to change the ink volume being pumped by the associated plunger assembly to the ink rail, having a mechanical stop for the ink control lever and having an adjustable ink control rod contacting the ink control lever. The method has the steps of: placing the printing press in a manual mode; positioning the ink control lever of each ink adjustment module at the associated mechanical stop; operating a bidirectional motor in each ink adjustment module to move the ink control lever to a position corresponding to a desired black printing via the ink module control rod which is connected to the motor and which contacts the control lever; and measuring the position of the motor with a potentiometer; storing the position of each motor, from a position value output by the associated potentiometer, in a memory thereby providing the software zeros for the printing press.