ePace

[HiTech_Monkeyboy]

Hi Gang,

Just wonder if anyone is using ePace and would like to comment on it. Sounds good but is it as good as they say?

Thanks,

Monkey

[Cory Smith]

Not using it but am in the same situation as you. Just starting to look at what is out there and get some demo's going. The ePace product does look nice (which means it's probably out of our reach financially

Have you done the demo of it yet?

[HiTech_Monkeyboy]

Saw MOST of the demo, had to duck out for an IT issue. Looks sweet and it's all browser based so there's no software updates to worry about for the clients. It does have a proprietary box to run on though so I'm calling that a drawback. Max storage on the box is 10G. I'm used to dealing in Teras of storage space so something that's only a few gigs seems tiny. Course it only for database files. As for pricing, I haven't heard. Not going to worry about that until I get my top 3 list together.

[Tinahug]

We have been using Pace2020 and ePace for over 11 years. In comparison to other MIS systems it offers complete functionality throughout the print shop. The biggest advantages are:
Web based GUI - no special database connections and special operating system configurations
ePace Station - create your own queries with your data eliminating all the custom Crystal Reports
Custom API with other vendors

It has been a positive experience for our company.

[neiln@colorprintingsystems.com]

Tina,

What size shop do you have and do you use e pace for estimating.

[Tinahug]

About 65 employees
Not really, but note that it is an important piece of the puzzle in order to get accurate job costs out of the system. The estimating module is easy once all preferences are set-up for your shop.

[neiln@colorprintingsystems.com]

Thanks Tina

Do I understand correctly that your company does not use e pace for its initial estimating, but uses e pace for the rest of the MIS and billing? -- If this is correct, what estimating system do you use?

Nick

[HiTech_Monkeyboy]

Hey Guys, I was interested to hear why the estimating wouldn't be used in ePace. The salesmonkey that pitched it here had our estimator foaming at the mouth. He's all set to switch over to an automated system. Does it work like they say? Any comments?

[Satusr1]

We've been on ePace for 7 years now. The system is virtually bulletproof. No freezes, or system wide crashes inherent with the Windows based systems out there. Estimating is intuitive and fast, with minimal keyboard entry to run an estimate. it can estimate Digital, Sheetfed, Web, and Wide format. The system can even toggle between them on its own, all within the same estimate... based on the estimate quantity input. Very Slick.

We run all the modules, including dynamic scheduling... A fully intuitive electronic scheduling board for all departments. Times and specifications from the estimate are converted to the job and fed into Scheduler automatically upon job entry. The scheduler board functions in real time as the jobs are being worked on, showing job start, progress and completion. Employees are queued to the next job on the list, and can see loading for the day/ week/ month. Jobs can be moved around and prioritized, and the board displays how a move affects the delivery date of subsequent jobs on the board. From the day we implemented ePace Scheduler, the manual schedule boards and printed schedule sheets "went away" in the plant. We would really be lost without it.

Browser based, platform independent, accessible from home or on the road... and simple to operate. It won't do your work for you, but it will let you do more work with less people. In my opinion, you would be hard pressed to find an MIS system that could surpass ePace.

And no... I don't get paid to say all this. I just think its that good. When you were brought up in the industry doing everything manually, you just appreciate amazing technology so much more.

[HiTech_Monkeyboy]

Are there any unusual security concerns with the ePace server? Like our VP likes to say, "We don't want no possums comin' in through the dog door."