What does it do?
Caldera Flow+ is a centralised quotation, production planning and control system intended for large-format print shops. User access is through a web browser and it provides a dashboard that can oversee the complete production process. It is intended to connect to the RIP (or multiple RIPs), which can be Caldera’s own for direct information exchange, or most major third-party systems. Flow+ enables users to create quotes, manage pre-press files, track production in real time and manage inventory.
When was it launched and what market is it aimed at?
The initial version of Flow+ was released in 2012 and updated to version 2.0 last year. It is aimed at digital large-format printers that need to monitor and manage their productivity. “Print producers are now more concerned with productivity and ensuring profits, they need tools to help them better manage their enterprises,” says Sébastien Hanssens, vice-president of marketing and communications.
How does it work?
It oversees the whole production process. Once a quote has been made and validated, all the relevant information (customer ID, number of copies, type of media, printer, etc) as well as the digital artwork will be transferred to the RIP. Once ripped, the files will be automatically nested where appropriate and sent to the target printer. The stock inventory module not only tracks stores and usage, but helps an accounts system to calculate costs and margins,
Version 2.0 introduced a “streamlined” user interface, a new real-time statistics engine that shows live charts of work going through, and a new production planning module that allows easy prioritisation and transfer of jobs between printers.
Can it exchange data with other MIS/commercial systems?
“Flow+ has been developed only for digital wide-format printing business, we strongly believe that commercial printing is a different market that doesn’t have the same needs and requirements,” says Hanssens.
Accounting and invoicing is handled via connections to popular solutions such as Sage, SAP or QuickBooks. “We have seen a trend where printers organise invoicing through or linked to their accounting solution, whereas production can’t be managed with accounting software,” Hanssens says.
How does it differ from previous versions?
Flow+ 2.0 is faster than the previous version and much more user-friendly, Hanssens says. A recently released dynamic planning tool is among the major improvements. This automatically suggests the production sequence based on the requested printing date.
The package is sold complete, with nothing further needed, to allow tight interactions between the various modules (sales, stock management, production, etc).
What is the USP?
According to Caldera, Flow+ is the only dedicated solution of its kind for large-format printing. It covers the complete printing production process from the quote up to the delivery. “The connectivity to the RIP is also quite unique on the market,” Hanssens states.
How easy is it to use?
“Flow+ was developed with a focus on ergonomics, ease of use and simplicity,” Hanssens says. “Our main objective was to enable any user to easily plan and follow production.”
What training and support is on offer?
Caldera provides training, support and project management, Hanssens says. “Our dedicated Flow+ team ensure project management, training, implementation and support. We also deliver continuous remote support.”
What does it cost?
The cost is based on licences per connected production device (printers and cutters). Typically it will be around €25,000 (£17,700) to implement, including licences, installation, support and training.
What’s the installed base?
More than 50 worldwide.
SPECIFICATIONS
Functions Browser access, quotations, custom production processes, direct data exchange with Caldera Rip, live production monitoring, advanced cost visualisation, statistics export
Price About £17,700
Contact image2output 01707 282710 www.image2output.com
ALTERNATIVES
Clarity Professional
Said to be the first MIS developed specifically for wide-format, it has been regularly upgraded over the years and also spun off a number of related systems such as the Proof of Delivery app for sign installers.
Price Around £1,000 for a single user plus training
Contact Clarity 0121 248 2448 www.clarity-software.com
DDS Accura
Accura is a well-established general MIS and production planning system. It’s not dedicated to wide-format, but handles it as part of its standard set of modules.
Price From about £5,000 for the core module, with additional seats around £900, and specialised modules from about £500.
Contact DDS 02380 240470 www.accuramis.com
EFI Pace
A relatively new browser-accessed modular MIS that can be customised to specific needs. It includes EFI’s CRM module. It can work alongside EFI’s Fiery XF RIP for large-format printers as well as third-party RIPs.
Price Typically around £20,000 depending on spec
Contact EFI UK 01246 298000 www.efi.com
Optimus Dash
Dash was developed for digital print and has sold to wide format users, who find its large format estimating and stock control particularly useful according to managing director Nicola Bisset.
Price Three- to five-user implementation: £13,000-£15,000
Contact Optimus 01483 740233 www.optimus2020.com
Tharstern Primo
Tharstern’s entry-level MIS con be configured for different requirements, including wide-format work.
Price £8,000 for four seats
Contact Tharstern 01282 860660 www.tharstern.com
