ePace

[neiln@colorprintingsystems.com]

Sit tight -- rumor has it that our shop has purchased the system...if this infact has happened, will keep everyone posted.

Nick

[moadib]

We have used pace since 1984 (around this time), and switched to epace when it first released 3 or 4 years ago. Like any software suite it has its advantages and disadvantages. Bottomline, it is an excellent tool, but only as good as the person wielding the tool. We are a small/mid-size commercial printer - $4MM to $4.5MM annual revenue, approx 35 employees.

Advantages:
* _GUI, web-based program_ that is very easy to use for anyone able to navigate websites. May links/ways to get to the screen you want.
* _comprehensive_ suite from Sales, estimating, and production, through accounting and general ledger.
* _open source_ so if you have programming savvy you can customize (or you can pay pace to customize). They also sell a customization module for those without programming knowledge.
* _can be integrated with other software_ (e.g. UPS Worldship)
* _copious reports_ for all modules. reports can also be modified or created sing crystal clear.
* _epacestation queries_ - if you appreciate the power of excel, you will love this query engine. Also incredibly simple to use.
* _top-notch support._ Can't stress enough how responsive and helpful the support staff is.
* _fully integrated modules_ equals a streamlined entry process. _NOTE: it is of utmost importance to follow Pace's prescribed amount of time required for Estimating setup. The better and more comprehensive the initial setup, the more accurate and automated your data and workflow will be._
* _Pace is very open to suggestion_. They realize that MIS's must evolve in order to stay relevant and ahead of the pack so they continuously update and upgrade their products to meet the demands of users - both via internal product research and client recommendations. The annual Pace user conference is also a good arena to get your point across.
* _highly stable system_. In the 8 years I have been at this company, never once have I encountered a serious issue such as a system crash or hijacking. Some issues arise (sometimes) when a version upgrade occurs, but Pace's response and fix is usually one day at most.
* _Data collection_ - invaluable tool to capture labor costs for jobs.
* _Auto Emails_ - you can purchase a module that will send emails to recipients based on system triggers you prescribe.

Disadvantages:
* _can be "keystroke intensive"_ if the front end is partially or incorrectly setup. If you do not take the time to setup estimating, your products, etc, then the CSR will have a good deal of keystroking to perform to get the specs of the job jacket correct.
* in version 16 _gang run operations do not allow_ us to assign the amount of time spent per job. I think this has been fixed in later versions.
* _can be costly for contracted support._ This is support not already covered in the monthly maintenance fees, i.e. onsite visits, web-based training, etc.
* _historically poor documentation_, but they are now working to remedy this via downloadable Computer Based Training modules, ePace University, etc.
* _Dynamic Scheduler_ - "cool" product but unless you have someone that can devote 30 to 40 hours a week to keep this updated, don't invest the time and money until you do, or until pace has fully automated this product.
* can't really think of any others at this time.

If you purchase pace I think you'll be pleased. Again, it is not a "silver bullet" and you can't please everyone all the time. You will get some moans and groans from some nay-sayers but this is nothing more than an aversion to change. Once people get used to the system, you'll think back to how you used to accomplish the same tasks prior to pace and dread ever having to go back to the old ways.

[NBDM]

Have you consider Intraprint? It offers all the functionality of ePace with a fully integrated web to print solution as well. Check out their website www.intraprint.com

[neiln@colorprintingsystems.com]

Moadib

What kind of information do we need to capture for the estimating package? How much detail?

Nick

[SlaveToTheMan]

> {quote:title=Ryan Twose wrote:}{quote}
>Check out their website

Don't you mean "Our" website? You're a rep of the company, some disclosure of that in the post seems appropriate.

[chg]

Satusr1-
I'm interested in hearing more about the estimates that contain pricing for both digital and offset workflows. We currently use ePace software, but I'm not familiar with this function. How do I set it up?

Thanks for your help.

[Nick N]

Our E-Pace system came. Cost $80,000. Will require a minimum of 3-months to program. (Their time estimate, not ours)

[David Watson]

Personally, I don't ever list negotiated prices. I don't think it's fair to the vendor, and can be misleading for a number of reasons. I am NOT trying to start a flame war, I just wanted to put in my plug for Pace Systems Group and ePace.

I spent a substantial amount of time researching MIS systems, and ultimately chose ePace for our shop. It's a decision that I still support today. We purchased about a year and a half ago or so. Our system is very complete with the exception of data collection terminals for the shop employees. (Don't get me started on that one!) Like I said, very complete with Integrated GL, AR, AP, Estimating, Production, Purchasing, Reporting, Inventory, Shipping, and Customer facing tools. Our purchase price including the hardware was considerably less then the price listed in the previous post.

That being said, Pace has a number of options that we opted not to purchase initially. They license their API, integrate with a number of third party vendors, offer integrated CRM, JDF, and a number of other customization products. So, I could easily spec a system that costs $80,000. But the fact is that the base ePace system is very powerful and has a a lot of modules included. I tried to compare apples to apples and get comparably equipped system quotes - and Pace was the leader in price, options, and support pricing. It is also the most flexible system that I have come across to this day.

I don't work for Pace, so I really don't have much incentive for promoting them. (Although a free ride to the users conference this year would be nice....< wink > )

One last thing, and I'll shut up.
One day last year, we had an issue with one of the drives in our server. I opened a call to support around 3pm. I spent the better part of an hour on the phone, and the problem could not be resolved. So now it's after 4pm. I had a new server delivered by 8am the next morning that was pre-configured for our company, and we just had to perform a data restore and we were back up and running by 10am. Now that's service!


Dave Watson
Edwards Printing Co.

www.edwardsprinting.com

[bearwithme]

Thanks for the updates on ePace. We just purchased the system and are in the beginning stages of implementation. I am curious though if there is anyone out there that has ePace and prints on plastic. We are a sheetfed printer that prints primarily on plastic substrates and we are trying to find a way to get the paper portion of estimating to work with plastic.

[aaron kruzicki]

I was wondering if anyone has implemented data and time collection using bar codes