Color management systems and methods are provided wherein operations associated with an individual color measurement instrument are integrated into system-level operating software. Color measurement-related information associated with or derived from such color measurement instrument, e.g., color measurements, instrument-related messages (e.g., error messages), instrument status and the like, is automatically broadcast to other programs, instruments and/or applications that are adapted/registered to listen for and receive such broadcasts. An operating system program that includes, defines or interacts with an OS notification center facilitates communication with the ancillary programs, instruments or applications. Two way communications by way of the OS notification center are also facilitated.