Dataline Solutions will introduce a new version of its MultiPress business automation and optimisation software at Fespa Global 2024. MultiPress 6.0 Sirius, which specifically includes new features for sign and large-format companies, will be available Q3 2024.
According to Dataline, sign and large-format companies working with small teams often lack specialised support and knowledge for prepress and production supervision, leading to challenges in coordinating production processes, planning follow-up and differences between calculated and actual costs. MultiPress 6.0 Sirius, which follows on the back of MultiPress 5.4 Polaris, includes Order Manager 2.0 tools for checking and repairing incoming files, driving the proofing flow with tracking approvals, and via simple checks assigning files to specific print production and finishing processes - all from an intuitive dashboard.
A Display Wizard has also been introduced, which enables users to perform faster calculations of displays and their specific parts, manage designs and cutting frames efficiently, keep an overview during material reservation, print production and finishing processes, and to group all elements during assembly and dispatch - even when using different materials and production technologies.
Dataline has made efforts to strengthen the entire logistics chain within MultiPress with applications such as expedition planning, an installation app, and integrations with platforms such as nShift (Transsmart, Sendcloud) and Bumbal. In this context, it is now possible within MultiPress to bundle different parts of various orders into different shipments in a simple way, and to track these partial orders throughout order management up to delivery.
"In developing MultiPress, we constantly strive to ensure that the MIS/ERP of sign and large-format companies optimally meets their current needs. We are convinced that MultiPress 6.0 Sirius will assist these companies even more than before in streamlining and automating their business operations," said Dataline’s Christoph Krohn.
Also new to MultiPress 6.0 Sirius is a revamped MultiPress App first introduced in 2019, and which allowed sign and large-format installers to track every assembly job in real time. In addition, an app in which customer data can be accessed within MultiPress mobile had also existed for some time. Based on user feedback, both these apps have been reworked and packaged into one application for iOS and android devices.
The CRM app provides access to all customer data in MultiPress and has been extended to all communications, estimating data, pricing information, historical data and much more. Commercial staff and management can access all data of their customers and relations from anywhere.
The installation or assembly app is designed to process all the work and costs involved in delivering sign and large-format orders as correctly and easily as possible in MultiPress. The revamped app taps into the expedition planning in MultiPress, allowing installers to follow the order of their jobs and the process flawlessly. The app also offers installation guidelines and the ability to accurately add working hours of all employees, additional materials purchased and photos of the completed work. The customer can digitally sign and send the delivery note. With the revamped app, handling sign and large-format installations onsite is fully integrated into the MultiPress workflow so that accurate post-calculation and financial settlement can smoothly complete each project.
Krohn said: "With this updated app, we can now really speak of a fully-fledged 'MultiPress App' that will help many MultiPress users to follow up their work even better. CRM and installation are the first and most important features, but we are already looking forward to subsequent app releases with which we will make MultiPress even more mobile."
In addition to MultiPress's ongoing development, Dataline has underlined its commitment to integration with certified technology partners, its newest integration being with Print.com, a Dutch online printing platform. MultiPress users now have the ability to integrate MultiPress calculation software with Print.com's ordering software.
Users can easily select products in the MultiPress calculation environment and add them to MultiPress, with all specifications fully mapped and adopted. Uploaded PDFs are sent from the MultiPress folder structure to Print.com. The entire order flow, including logistics, is automatically followed up from the quotation. All administrative and product data are retained in the MultiPress database, ensuring full transparency and control over the order flow.
Dataline is also strengthening its partnership with Agfa (re Asanti), OneVision, Caldera (re PrimeCenter), Onyx and others. It is also expanding its integration with Antalis' online ordering platform within MultiPress. This collaboration has been successful in Belgium and the Netherlands for some time and is now being rolled out to other European countries.
Dirk Deroo said: "There is no lack of passion for the sign and large-format industry at Dataline. That is why we are happy to unveil these groundbreaking insights and groundbreaking product innovations that will help transform sign and large-format businesses across Europe."