It is showing its Pace MIS and Fiery XF RIP apps at the show and is also developing an app for its Monarch MIS. The app for Fiery XF enables users to track the production status of prints and proofs and to tie into its global quality management tool Web Control Center.

The firm claimed that by producing an app it could take advantage of the technologies built into the iPad and iPhone such as geo-location, which wouldn't be possible with a browser-based application. The apps link directly into the MIS database ensuring an accurate realtime view.

"You can start a job on your iPad or iPhone and take it all the way through," said EFI director of product marketing Dan Crnarich. "The iPad makes it easier."

Customers have already expressed an interest in equipping their teams with iPads to enable shopfloor data collection and the firm said it was looking at extending the functions on Apple products and developing similar services for other smartphones.