Stafford-based George Street Press and Oxford-based Hunts both bought the system from the stand at the show, which, according to Tharstern sales director Abdul Kassas, is very rare with MIS products.

"It was a nice surprise, as normally MIS orders have a longer gestation period," he said.

"The key, I think, has been that we have been able to show the dynamic interface and the host of improvements to the system, and it has gone down really well with both new customers and existing ones."

The MIS boasts automated alerts and real-time production and management information at the push of a button.

George Street Press ordered a 10-user system with a commercial and production bundle containing shopfloor data capture.

Hunts also ordered a 10-user system, but with JDF connection to its Screen Trueflow workflow. The new system will go live in July.

Kassas added: "MIS used to be perceived as a functional software tool rather than a management system. People are now realising that it is a necessity for managing a business successfully."