Discussion

By Mark Myers on Mar 08, 2017

I found the interview on Modern Litho’s auto account implementation and using the MIS systems to its full capacity although interesting was really not presenting any recent technology advances. Additionally the interview was almost like preaching to the choir as such technology implementation will only apply to maybe one or 2% of US printers. From the large printers perspective the cost of such implementation might justify the large cost not only of the software but it’s implementation, training and ongoing monitoring.

The vast majority of printers today need to rely on an uncomplicated user interface that simply and quickly provides the flexibility for use in small to medium-sized companies. Again I must reiterate that the lifeblood of any printing company begins with sales, so a simple easy to learn and use estimating and basic MIS system can provide a major advantage for the small, medium and even larger printers with 100 or more employees.

Today there are only a few companies that provide such capabilities with a flexible cloud-based system that are both affordable and understandable and at the same time simple to install and easy to maintain.

The majority of US printers should be looking for such a solution to speed the sales process while at the same time easily providing most of the basic working tools so necessary for an efficient plant operation. Those would include customer estimate, the job ticket, cost analysis, job profit, invoice, stock PO, delivery ticket and a simple to use job scheduling and reporting system.

Among those offering cloud based systems are E-Pace, Avanti, Docket Manager and EstimatorCloud.com. You should compare these and other cloud based systems for initial cost, ease of installation and training, as well as maintenance and service responses.

Mark Myers is the president of Estimator Software LLC dba Estimator Corp and EstimatorCloud.com