What does it do?
EFI Radius 15.1 is the latest yearly update to a long-established ERP (enterprise resource planning) system that’s aimed entirely at packaging and label printers. ERP in this context takes in MIS, CRM and supply chain management, with customer access to stock levels, job progress and so on to let them self-manage aspects of their own jobs. It is intended for end-to-end management and operations of folding cartons, rigid containers, flexible packaging and label producers.
When was it launched and what is the target market?
The estimating system that was developed into Radius was launched in the 1980s, becoming dedicated to packaging and labels in the mid-1990s. The company was British owned until its acquisition by EFI in April 2010 and the main operations are still carried out from the Dronfield office.
There’s a regular six monthly upgrade cycle. Version 15.1, introduced in June this year, is the latest update.
Target markets are all sizes of packaging and label printing businesses; however, most users are mid- to large-sized.
What’s in the latest version?
The takeover by EFI is leading to more shared technology and modules with the group’s extensive collection of other MIS and ERP systems. Radius 15.1 integrates with the EFI CRM system, including contacts management, calendars, e-mail generation and so on. This is also used in the Monarch and Pace MIS. It includes mobile CRM for iOS devices, with Android tablet support planned in future. They can be used on the road, with some local storage in case Internet access isn’t available.
Another shared technology that’s now in Radius 15.1 is EFI’s Printflow dynamic scheduling. This uses global optimisation theories, taking a holistic view of the jobs in production and the equipment available to, plan production, using real time data.
EFI also makes printing systems, including the Jetrion digital label presses. “We’re trying to lead the way in building in support for Jetrion and we’ll address other digital presses in the future,” says Kevin Blakey, director of Radius product. “We can also integrate Fiery XF controllers to drive Jetrions and other printers.”
There’s also extended third-party pre-press integration, especially with the latest Esko Automation Engine 14, also introduced in the summer. Previously only labels pre-press was supported, but this is now extended to cartons and flexibles.
What modules and options are available?
There’s support for integration with other systems, including Esko’s ArtiosCAD structural design software; the Esko Automation Engine production workflow; Kodak’s Prinergy workflow; and Arden Software WEBcnx. JDF/JMF can be used with shop floor data collection (keypad links from shop floor stations to the central ERP can also be used), while the Radius X-Link open interface allows users to create their own links to other systems if they want.
What’s the USP?
“Radius is unique in the packaging space as an end-to-end solution,” says Blakey. “There’s the web front-end, acquisition, order management, links to Fiery XF and digital label presses, CRM, business intelligence. EFI has the whole portfolio. There’s nothing else like that in the industry.”
How easy is it to use?
Getting easier, according to Blakey. “It’s quite a mature product now, so we’re focusing on work with customers to improve the working processes, the gathering of information, etc.”
Training is aimed at both new users and replacement staff at existing users. There’s also an online help desk with 24-hour global coverage. “We’re growing a lot with new customers,” says Blakey. “We have a professional services team that guides customers in configuring systems for their needs, then follows on to help extend the system as their needs grow or change.”
How much does it cost?
Every system is different and configured to a customer’s individual needs, so there’s no such thing as a list price. However, EFI quotes a typical starting figure as £80,000.
Installations and sales targets?
There are now some 350 Radius sites worldwide, with 250 in the US and the rest mainly in Europe, though there are some in Asia and other territories. There are about 70 user sites in the UK. “Our target is double-digit growth and we have maintained that in recent years,” says Blakey.
SPECIFICATIONS
Platform Windows, with option for Unix servers to run the database
Standard modules Estimating; job costing; advanced scheduling; production; sales order management; purchasing; inventory management
Optional modules Shop floor data collection; quality management system; financial management; CRM; manufacturing resource planning; business intelligence; shipping management; portal; EDI
Price Typical system from £80,000
Contact EFI UK 01246 298000 www.efi.com
ALTERNATIVES
Imprint Business Systems MIS
Imprint offers MIS set-ups for packaging and labels. Most of the process-specific features are in the estimating modules.
Price From £18,000
Contact Imprint Business Systems 01245 231670 www.imprint-mis.co.uk
LabelTraxx
LabelTraxx has always concentrated on MIS for label printers. It supports narrow-web flexo and digital label presses.
Price From £11,500
Contact LabelTraxx 0161 261 7405 www.labeltraxx.com
Optimus Dash
Dash was developed to meet the needs of printers “who think in terms of campaigns rather than ink on paper.” Developed for digital print, there are packaging clients.
Price 20-user system from £40,000
Contact Optimus 01483 740233 www.optimus2020.com
Shuttleworth MIS
Shuttleworth acquired Jenem, a packaging MIS developer, in 2002, and labels developer Compass in 2004. Elements of these systems have been incorporated in the MIS.
Price From £10,000
Contact Shuttleworth 01536 316316 www.shuttleworth-uk.co.uk
Tharstern Primo
Tharstern’s MIS can be configured for packaging and labels.
Price £8,000 for four seats
Contact Tharstern 01282 860660 www.tharstern.com
USER REVIEW
“We use it for purchases and factory management. We can now make accurate quotations and know that the margins we aim for are what we will actually get” 4/5
Dawn Mutter Finance director, Firstan Quality Packaging
