Quick Overview
- 1#1: PrintSmith Vision - Comprehensive print shop MIS with advanced job estimating, costing, scheduling, and production management.
- 2#2: EFI Pace - High-end print estimating and planning software that optimizes complex production workflows for maximum profitability.
- 3#3: Prinect - Integrated digital workflow solution featuring precise print job estimating and automation for large-scale operations.
- 4#4: Avanti - Cloud-based print ERP system providing automated estimating, order fulfillment, and shop floor control.
- 5#5: Cyrious Control - All-in-one management software for print and sign shops with fast quoting, CRM, and production tracking.
- 6#6: NovaPRESS - Professional print estimating tool delivering detailed cost breakdowns and pricing optimization for diverse jobs.
- 7#7: Presto - Accurate and efficient estimating software designed specifically for commercial print shop quoting and profitability.
- 8#8: Tool Kit Estimating - Versatile print estimating system supporting custom calculations for a wide variety of print products.
- 9#9: PressWise - Automated web-to-print platform with integrated estimating, imposition, and production workflow management.
- 10#10: ShopWorks - Full-featured print management software offering estimating, inventory, scheduling, and customer management.
Tools were chosen and ranked by evaluating key attributes: feature depth (estimating precision, automation, workflow integration), software quality (reliability, scalability, user support), usability (intuitive design, customization), and overall value (cost-effectiveness, ROI, and adaptability to small to large-scale operations).
Comparison Table
This comparison table evaluates top print shop estimating software tools—including PrintSmith Vision, EFI Pace, Prinect, Avanti, and Cyrious Control—exploring their key features, workflow integration, and functionality. Readers will gain insights to determine which solution best suits their business needs, from报价 accuracy to customization options.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PrintSmith Vision Comprehensive print shop MIS with advanced job estimating, costing, scheduling, and production management. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | EFI Pace High-end print estimating and planning software that optimizes complex production workflows for maximum profitability. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Prinect Integrated digital workflow solution featuring precise print job estimating and automation for large-scale operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | Avanti Cloud-based print ERP system providing automated estimating, order fulfillment, and shop floor control. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Cyrious Control All-in-one management software for print and sign shops with fast quoting, CRM, and production tracking. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | NovaPRESS Professional print estimating tool delivering detailed cost breakdowns and pricing optimization for diverse jobs. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Presto Accurate and efficient estimating software designed specifically for commercial print shop quoting and profitability. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Tool Kit Estimating Versatile print estimating system supporting custom calculations for a wide variety of print products. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | PressWise Automated web-to-print platform with integrated estimating, imposition, and production workflow management. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | ShopWorks Full-featured print management software offering estimating, inventory, scheduling, and customer management. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
Comprehensive print shop MIS with advanced job estimating, costing, scheduling, and production management.
High-end print estimating and planning software that optimizes complex production workflows for maximum profitability.
Integrated digital workflow solution featuring precise print job estimating and automation for large-scale operations.
Cloud-based print ERP system providing automated estimating, order fulfillment, and shop floor control.
All-in-one management software for print and sign shops with fast quoting, CRM, and production tracking.
Professional print estimating tool delivering detailed cost breakdowns and pricing optimization for diverse jobs.
Accurate and efficient estimating software designed specifically for commercial print shop quoting and profitability.
Versatile print estimating system supporting custom calculations for a wide variety of print products.
Automated web-to-print platform with integrated estimating, imposition, and production workflow management.
Full-featured print management software offering estimating, inventory, scheduling, and customer management.
PrintSmith Vision
enterpriseComprehensive print shop MIS with advanced job estimating, costing, scheduling, and production management.
Advanced gang run optimization that automatically nests jobs to maximize sheet utilization and minimize waste
PrintSmith Vision by EFI is a comprehensive cloud-based MIS/ERP solution designed specifically for commercial print shops, offering advanced estimating, job planning, production scheduling, and order management capabilities. It automates complex calculations for gang runs, large-format printing, packaging, and more, ensuring accurate quotes and efficient workflows. Integrated with EFI's ecosystem like Fiery servers, it streamlines the entire print production process from order entry to delivery.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate and fast estimating engine for complex jobs including gang runs and variable data
- Seamless end-to-end workflow automation with strong JDF integration and real-time production tracking
- Robust analytics and reporting for business intelligence and profitability analysis
Cons
- Steep learning curve and requires significant training for full utilization
- High implementation costs and custom pricing can be prohibitive for smaller shops
- Customization options demand IT support or professional services
Best For
Mid-to-large commercial print shops handling high-volume, complex jobs that need precise estimating and integrated production management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $2,000-$5,000/month based on shop size and modules, plus setup fees.
EFI Pace
enterpriseHigh-end print estimating and planning software that optimizes complex production workflows for maximum profitability.
Virtual Factory database that simulates entire production facilities for hyper-accurate, shop-specific profitability estimates
EFI Pace is a powerful web-based print estimating and job management software designed specifically for commercial print shops, packaging converters, and in-plant operations. It automates accurate cost calculations for complex jobs across substrates like paper, labels, folding cartons, and wide-format graphics, factoring in materials, labor, presses, and finishing equipment. Pace integrates deeply with EFI's ecosystem, including MIS/ERP systems, to streamline quoting, planning, and production workflows for faster turnaround and profitability.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate estimating engine with a vast database of pre-configured products and real-time cost modeling
- Seamless integration with EFI Fiery, Radius, and other production tools for end-to-end workflow automation
- Handles high-volume, complex jobs with advanced features like what-if scenarios and profitability analysis
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its depth and customization options, requiring significant training
- High pricing that may not suit small print shops or startups
- Interface can feel dated and occasionally sluggish with very large job databases
Best For
Mid-to-large commercial print shops and packaging operations needing precise, scalable estimating integrated with full production MIS.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $10,000+ annually with modules and user scaling; quotes required via EFI sales.
Prinect
enterpriseIntegrated digital workflow solution featuring precise print job estimating and automation for large-scale operations.
Prinect Estimator's real-time integration with production data from Heidelberg machines for dynamic cost adjustments
Prinect by Heidelberg is a robust, end-to-end workflow management solution tailored for commercial print shops, with powerful estimating capabilities that calculate costs, timelines, and resources based on job specifications. It integrates estimating seamlessly with prepress, production planning, scheduling, and delivery modules, leveraging JDF/JMF standards for automation. Designed primarily for mid-to-large operations, it excels in handling complex, high-volume print jobs while optimizing profitability through precise cost analysis.
Pros
- Highly accurate estimating with detailed cost breakdowns and what-if scenarios
- Seamless integration with Heidelberg presses and JDF workflows
- Scalable modules for full production automation
Cons
- Steep learning curve and extensive training required
- High upfront costs and customization fees
- Overly complex for small print shops
Best For
Large commercial print shops with Heidelberg equipment needing integrated estimating and workflow management.
Pricing
Enterprise custom pricing, typically $50,000+ initial investment plus annual maintenance and modular add-ons.
Avanti
enterpriseCloud-based print ERP system providing automated estimating, order fulfillment, and shop floor control.
Advanced automated estimating calculator that dynamically handles pricing rules, material optimization, and real-time profitability updates across all job stages
Avanti by Aleyant is a comprehensive Print MIS/ERP software designed specifically for print shops, providing automated estimating, job management, scheduling, and invoicing capabilities. It supports a wide range of printing methods including digital, offset, large format, and packaging, with real-time costing and profitability analysis. The modular design allows customization to fit various shop sizes, integrating seamlessly with RIPs, accounting software, and web-to-print solutions.
Pros
- Powerful estimating engine with support for complex substrates, dies, and multi-up imposition
- Modular architecture for scalable deployment and cost control
- Strong automation for job ganging, nesting, and workflow integration
Cons
- Dated user interface that may require training
- Implementation and setup can be lengthy
- Pricing lacks transparency without a demo
Best For
Mid-sized to large print shops requiring precise, automated estimating for diverse production types and scalable workflow management.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; starts around $400-$600/month for core modules, scaling to $1,500+ for full enterprise features with cloud or on-premise options.
Cyrious Control
specializedAll-in-one management software for print and sign shops with fast quoting, CRM, and production tracking.
Dynamic Visual Estimator with 3D previews and automated bill-of-materials for intricate sign and graphic assemblies
Cyrious Control is a comprehensive ERP software tailored for sign shops, print providers, and graphics companies, offering robust estimating capabilities for complex jobs like signs, banners, vehicle wraps, and installations. It integrates estimating with CRM, production scheduling, inventory management, and accounting to streamline the entire workflow from quote to invoice. The software's estimating engine supports customizable product libraries and bill-of-materials calculations for precise pricing.
Pros
- Highly accurate estimating for custom and complex print/sign jobs with nested assemblies
- Full integration of sales, production, and accounting modules
- Extensive customizable product database and reporting tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature depth
- Higher cost may deter small shops
- Primarily desktop-based with limited mobile functionality
Best For
Mid-sized sign and print shops needing an all-in-one solution for estimating and shop management.
Pricing
Subscription starts at around $395/month for basic modules, scaling up with users and add-ons like advanced estimating or accounting integration.
NovaPRESS
specializedProfessional print estimating tool delivering detailed cost breakdowns and pricing optimization for diverse jobs.
Advanced dynamic waste and makeready optimization that minimizes material and time costs across diverse print runs
NovaPRESS by Rigo Software is a robust estimating and job management solution tailored for commercial print shops, automating accurate cost calculations for offset, digital, sheetfed, and web printing jobs. It features a comprehensive database for materials, operations, and pricing, enabling quick quoting and job planning. The software supports complex workflows including bindery, finishing, and inventory management, with strong integration capabilities for MIS and ERP systems.
Pros
- Precise estimating engine with dynamic pricing and waste optimization
- Extensive customizable database for print specifications and costs
- Seamless integration with production management and accounting tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to depth of features
- Primarily Windows desktop-based with limited cloud options
- Custom quoting process makes pricing less transparent
Best For
Mid-sized commercial print shops specializing in complex offset and sheetfed jobs requiring detailed cost control.
Pricing
Modular licensing with annual subscriptions starting around $3,000-$10,000 depending on modules, users, and shop volume; custom quotes required.
Presto
specializedAccurate and efficient estimating software designed specifically for commercial print shop quoting and profitability.
Patented PrestoCalc engine for lightning-fast, rules-based cost calculations across thousands of print configurations
Presto by ZPI Software Systems is a robust estimating and production management solution tailored for print shops, specializing in accurate cost calculations for commercial printing, packaging, labels, and wide-format jobs. It automates quoting with detailed breakdowns of paper, ink, press time, and overheads, while integrating job tracking, scheduling, and CRM features. Presto supports both on-premise and hosted deployments, making it scalable for growing operations.
Pros
- Highly accurate estimating engine with support for complex substrates and workflows
- Comprehensive job management including scheduling and profitability analysis
- Strong integration with MIS/ERP systems and customer web portals
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to depth of customization options
- Primarily suited for mid-to-large shops, less ideal for small operations
- Requires IT setup for on-premise versions
Best For
Mid-sized to large print shops handling diverse, high-volume, and complex print projects that require precise estimating and production control.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing with perpetual licenses starting at $10,000-$20,000 plus annual maintenance (15-20%); hosted options available.
Tool Kit Estimating
specializedVersatile print estimating system supporting custom calculations for a wide variety of print products.
Assembly-based estimating engine that builds quotes from reusable components, substrates, inks, and processes for unmatched accuracy in custom print jobs
Tool Kit Estimating from toolkitsys.com is a specialized desktop software suite tailored for print shops, sign makers, screen printers, and wide-format operations, enabling precise quoting through an assembly-based system that combines materials, labor, and processes. It supports full job lifecycle management, including tracking, scheduling, inventory control, and CRM integration. The modular design allows shops to scale features as needed, with strong emphasis on handling complex, custom print jobs.
Pros
- Highly detailed and customizable estimating for diverse print processes like digital, screen, and signage
- Integrated job management, scheduling, and inventory tracking
- Modular pricing allows buying only needed components
Cons
- Dated Windows-only interface feels outdated compared to modern cloud tools
- Steep learning curve requires significant training
- Lacks mobile or web access for on-the-go use
Best For
Established mid-sized print and sign shops with complex, custom job requirements needing robust on-premise estimating.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses starting at $2,995 for base estimating module, additional modules $995+, with annual maintenance ~20% of purchase price.
PressWise
specializedAutomated web-to-print platform with integrated estimating, imposition, and production workflow management.
Rules-driven estimating engine that dynamically calculates pricing based on substrates, quantities, and custom parameters
PressWise is a cloud-based print MIS software tailored for print shops, featuring a powerful estimating engine that automates quotes for digital, offset, large format, and packaging jobs. It integrates estimating with job ticketing, scheduling, production tracking, and shipping to streamline the entire workflow. The modular design allows shops to scale features like web-to-print storefronts and accounting integrations as needed.
Pros
- Robust rules-based estimating for complex jobs
- Modular pricing for flexible scalability
- Comprehensive production dashboards and reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Setup requires significant configuration
- Higher costs for full module suite
Best For
Mid-sized print shops needing integrated estimating and full production management without basic limitations.
Pricing
Quote-based, modular pricing; core estimating starts at ~$295/user/month, full MIS suites $1,000+/month.
ShopWorks
specializedFull-featured print management software offering estimating, inventory, scheduling, and customer management.
Advanced job ganging and imposition planning that optimizes material usage and reduces waste automatically
ShopWorks is an integrated print shop management software designed specifically for commercial printers, sign shops, and graphic arts businesses, with a strong focus on estimating, production scheduling, and workflow automation. It enables users to generate accurate quotes using customizable templates, real-time cost calculations, and advanced features like job ganging and nesting. The platform also handles order tracking, inventory management, purchasing, and accounting integrations for end-to-end operations.
Pros
- Robust estimating engine with dynamic pricing and ganging capabilities
- Seamless integration across estimating, production, and invoicing workflows
- Highly customizable for various print shop operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Pricing can be high for small shops without scaling benefits
- Primarily on-premise with limited fully cloud-native options
Best For
Mid-sized print shops needing comprehensive estimating tied to production and shop floor control.
Pricing
Custom quotes typically starting at $2,000-$5,000/month based on users and modules, with on-premise licensing options available.
Conclusion
Among the top print shop estimating tools, PrintSmith Vision leads as the standout choice, offering a fully integrated solution with advanced estimating, costing, scheduling, and management capabilities. EFI Pace and Prinect closely follow, with EFI Pace excelling in optimizing complex workflows and Prinect providing precision for large-scale operations—each a strong pick tailored to specific needs. Together, these tools highlight the industry's focus on boosting profitability and streamlining processes, ensuring shops can find the perfect fit for their unique requirements.
Take your print shop's efficiency to the next level by trying PrintSmith Vision, the top-ranked software, and discover how its comprehensive features can transform quoting, scheduling, and production. Don't wait—explore the best tools today and unlock greater success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison