Management Tools For Efficiency

Looking for business management software can be overwhelming. Some experts even argue that, given the impact it can have on a printer's business, business management software may be as significant an investment as printing equipment itself. These days, there exist solutions for nearly every kind of print shop.

The start of the economic upturn means that more printers will be looking to invest in a good business management system, says Carol Andersen, chief executive of Prism USA. "People now have finally determined that business is on an upswing," she observes, "and they need to invest in a management system to move their business forward."

Beyond convenience, the most important thing a good business management system can offer is return on investment, says Bruce Moore, president of PowerQuote Software. "Don't buy a system just because it prints mailing labels," he notes. "What's more important is that you have accurate, consistent pricing, and accurate makeready for the paper you're buying, so that you can save time on wash-ups and set-ups and make money for your shop."

But it's also important for a software solution to be adaptable to users' needs, argues John Knowlton, director of marketing for Primac Systems, which produces financial, executive, inventory, and production tools for the graphic arts.

"Printers are getting so specialized now," Knowlton states. "Those who are doing well have got a niche, and they're no longer all things to all people." Everything from order entry to billing might be different depending on the printer's niche area, he notes, whether it's pharmaceuticals, office supplies, or corporate publications.

Many manufacturers have upgraded or enhanced their business management software products since Graph Expo 2002. Below are just some of the offerings available.

Avanti Computer Systems has come out with its latest version (6.5), which offers dynamic scheduling capability. The system offers estimating, job costing and tracking, order entry, milestone scheduling, and more, as well as an Internet-based tool for on-line ordering and fulfillment modules.

Interfacing with technologies such as those from Microsoft Project, Crystal Reports, and Peachtree, the Avanti management system can fit the needs of any type of single- or multi-location shop with up to 1,000 users, says the manufacturer.

The company's Electronic Accounting & Scheduling Interface (EASI) system has been designed specifically to work with Xerox DocuTech, Docu-Print, DocuColor, and iGen3 (DocuSP versions only) series of printers/copiers. EASI electronically collects information to automatically track and cost jobs, and can work independently or as a part of the Avanti production management system.

Meanwhile, Franklin Estimating Systems is previewing some of its new developments for 2004, including a "massive rewriting" of its existing estimating application, according to vice president of sales and marketing Shane Knighton. The new Estimator 2004 features integration with QuickBooks, as well as copy center and digital press estimators. Says Knighton, the upgrades were in response to customer demand, as well as the availability of new development tools.

MetaCommunications is introducing Version 3.5 of its JobManager job tracking, costing, and billing software. The new version will offer an automated way of performing incremental and partial job billing, according to the manufacturer.

Parsec Corporation, which offers two systems—Pinnacle and ELS, an abbreviated version of Pinnacle for small and medium-size printers—has recently launched a touch-screen data collection offering for estimating, order entry, scheduling, inventory control, job costing, and more. The touch-screens can be wall- or machine-mounted, allowing data to be entered inside the pressroom without the worry of installing a keyboard in a different work area, explains Parsec marketing director Sandy Klingenberg.

PowerQuote Software's offering is available in a standard and "lite" version, which offers calculating and quoting capabilities at a lower cost. In addition, says PowerQuote's Moore, the software is the only system specifically built for Mac OS X, while also being compatible with the classic Mac OS system.

By using PowerQuote's schedule report functionality, notes Moore, a shop can streamline its activities and save lots of money. "Eliminate just one 20-minute wash-up on a $60-an-hour press each day, and you can save over $4,000 a year," he states.

Primac Systems can perform custom changes to its software as needed, based on client needs, says company president John Knowlton. In addition, the system is slated to become Web browser-enabled, with field-testing scheduled later this year for ePrimac, a solution that will open Primac's systems to e-commerce and other Internet-based activities.

Printer's Plan this year released version 2003.5 of its software, which is an all-in-one system with some additions available to enhance functionality, explains vice president Tulin Edev. New features of the software, which is designed mostly for use within small to medium-size shops, include more powerful estimating tools, and a new scheduling tool with which users can schedule jobs and print production reports.

"We offer front-to-back solutions, from the time the request for quote comes in through to the shop floor, with direct machine data interface collection," says Prism USA's Carol Andersen. Describing Prism as "an all-around solution provider," Andersen says clients of the company's Enterprise, Online, and WIN systems range from small commercial printers to large multi-plant companies with hundreds of employees.

Profit Control Systems offers its C/S series, a PC network-based management system, which features an e-commerce module as well as estimating, job costing, accounting, fulfillment, and other business management tools.

Tailored Solutions offers Label Traxx, a cross-platform solution for narrow-web flexographic printers, or printers that specialize in in-line roll converting, such as hot stamp or rotary letterpress. The company also makes available its Litho Traxx offering for mid-size commercial sheetfed offset printers and prepress houses. According to sales manager Dorothy Asboth, Tailored Solutions has been receiving much positive feedback from customers who are beginning to appreciate the need to control time spent on administrative duties, and who want to pay more attention to activity-based costing.