Hi all,
Following a 6 month project im at the end of a long testing period of web2print / self publishing softwares and feel ready to share
I think the main question i had to ask myself was what do i want out of the software and what the future direction of our business? my answers were quiet simple but still needed in depth analysis.
So we wanted 1. an unlimited user solution that could render artwork online 2. to find a software solution that wasnt pay per order and finally 3. a software house that was able to integrate the functionabilities that we needed for existing clients.
We tested Accura's MIS and online modules, Printable, OPS, Tharsterns and their online modules, Pageflex, Print MIS and DMP's Flo suite.
We found that the sexist solution was the Flo Suite by far with its flexibility, but it is essentially bolted together bits and pieces of indesign server and other smaller software pieces, this was however the most expensive software piece to purchase and to run on an annual basis (50k and 10k per annum) and thats a lot of letterheads to print to make it worth while
Page Flex however still uses the similar foundation of indesign server but why not it is very accomplished. Page flex seems to tick all the boxes but the running costs are high (approx 6k per year to run). But that all said and done if you needed a B2C or B2B solution both are very efficient and as 'future proof' as can be at present. It may also be worth noteing that both can manage PURL (personal URLS) campaigns for all email promotion activities but further charges will be added.
We found that the MIS based Accura and Tharsterns seem to treat their online modules as secondry to their MIS solutions both inegrate well with the local solutions but as a commercial web2print offering to the same standard as Pageflex for example. Accura it would be worth noteing is a good step towards moving your print business online using predetermined templates i.e. A4 letterheads. these can be placed into a shopping basket with the customer uploading the artwork each time for an individual order, but there is no self publishing or artwork manipulation tools.
Tharsterns online modules are very similar with a customised shop centered around your branding are able to manage static pricing structures for your clients and both are fully controlled by the MIS based on your local servers.
Print MIS was the best MIS/online module collaboration we found, catering for B2B and B2C makerts using silverlight as a programme language the software can be fully hosted by you or Print MIS, there is a full suite of artwork manipulation tools.
Printable and OPS next, both very accomplished web2 print softwares capable of branding 'shops' uniquely to the indivdual customers (this isnt unique, all are capable of this bar Accura and Tharsterns) each can manage cataglogues of printed materials for your cusomter be that ad hoc orders or managing stock items, the main difference is that Printable is paid for on a per customer basis which can work if you need a fully integrated web2print solution with scaleable costs. OPS come in various bolt on options and is an unlimted solution, so once you have bought it you pay a hosting and support chagre annually.
I think thats the basics covered. I have no recommendations as all are capable of their set jobs and each requirement is unique my only guide would be if your looking to for an MIS you cant go wrong with any of the ones we tested just make sure you plan the future offering with the online tools, but rest assured all are being consistantly developed and by talking about your requirements you can work with the software developer to grow your web2print presence.
I hope that helps.
