57 www.printmonthly.co.uk Issue 359 - March | April 2026 entire artwork review and approval process into one place, replacing fragmented email chains and version confusion. “Artwork can now be uploaded, reviewed, commented on, and approved directly within Clarity, starting at the quote stage,” Yarnall explains, adding: This reduces delays, prevents costly reprints, and keeps both customers and production teams aligned. It reflects Clarity’s broader approach: building practical tools that reduce friction, build confidence, and give businesses the clarity they need to grow calmly and sustainably.” Seamless Integrations Peter Griffin, managing director of Iteba, agrees that it is important to not just implement an MIS, but continually evolve it. He says that as new technology and functionality is available, it can help streamline business processes – whether this is by updating existing software or turning to a new provider, depending on the current system in place. “In today’s world you should be running a browser-based MIS, which makes the system more far-reaching and accessible,” Griffin says, continuing: “The MIS provider should demonstrate their continual development of the system, so you are not left behind by your competition. “An API should allow for seamless integrations eliminating duplication and errors, which will result in more profit. So, if your existing MIS does not provide this, move to a platform that will be the cornerstone of your business.” Griffin goes on to say an MIS should form the “cornerstone” of a print or print management business, bringing various stakeholders together and providing them with instant feedback on performance. He says a browser-based MIS that provides access from diverse systems over multiple platforms or devices will help the business to grow efficiently and profitably. “The system should allow staff, customers and suppliers to interact with the MIS either directly or via the API,” he says, adding: “The system should have an intuitive, reactive interface that ensures information available from the MIS provides real-time notifications of business issues or opportunities for all users dependent on their roles.” With this, Griffin says SolPrint, available from Iteba, is a very flexible system, allowing it to fit with the business requirements rather than enforce workflow changes. New developments with SolPrint include a new large-format and POS focused estimating engine, as well as integration between the ‘Finished Good Stock’ and ‘Estimating’ modules, allowing for items such as exhibition stands to be included within the main quote. Other recent changes include updated campaign management functionality, allowing for jobs to be created from a client- supplied spreadsheet with the campaign items and store requirements automatically generated. SolPrint is available as either a hosted cloud based rental solution or a traditional purchased software option, making it affordable to all. Iteba offers versions covering all manufacturing types including digital, litho, web, screen, wide-format, and labels, as well as a print buyer version for print management companies. Avoid “End-of-Life” Products Elsewhere in the market, Trevor Cocks, owner and founder of Accura MIS, agrees that the decision to upgrade or take on new software depends on whether the MIS vendor is still committed to developing the existing product, or if it is “end-of-life” and the relationship between the customer and vendor has depleted. “If the product is being actively developed and meets most of the customer’s needs, and the relationship between the two parties is good, then it may make sense to update the current system to the latest version,” Cocks says, adding: “If the existing vendor has made false promises regarding development or features, is giving a poor quality of service, or there is no progression path into areas like ecommerce, then the MIS can in fact be holding the customer back. “In those circumstances the printer may Modern print MIS solutions can track hundreds of live production variables per job, from substrate and ink usage to press time and finishing stages Factoid Businesses should look for systems that allow them to trial the software properly, using real jobs, without large setup fees or long-term commitments ▼ Iteba offers versions of SolPrint covering all manufacturing types including digital, litho, web, screen, wideformat, and labels MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS | ROB FLETCHER
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