Shuttleworth launches Data Flow MIS module

Shuttleworth will be launching its latest MIS module, Data Flow, at the MIS 2007 show in November. The company will showcase several brand new products and a whole raft of new developments to its existing suite of modules and many bespoke solutions that have been developed for industry specific applications such as for the packaging, roll labels, screen, newspaper, litho, digital and continuous forms sectors.

Shuttleworth’s new browser-based data collection module, Data Flow, will, in its simplest form, carry on the process of gathering and presenting real-time accurate factory feedback. However, there is now a wider choice of collection devices and considerable new functionality available such as touch screens, PDAs, PCs and Macs which can all be used to securely interrogate the job, identify the status of associated transactions and view related images. Data Flow ensures that the shop floor employee can see all current job information, while all costing and scheduling changes can be updated in real time. 

For web to print applications Shuttleworth can now offer a smooth transition from the design and approval of an order online to its direct production. Users of this technology report an 80 percent reduction in administrative overhead and the complete elimination of human error at the printer side of the transaction. This is proving to be a powerful method of protecting and generating profit margin. While this is a natural progression for Shuttleworth’s digital and ‘on demand’ customers, the company has identified other applications in litho, screen, labels and packaging.

Shuttleworth’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) module has seen ‘a giant stride forward in its functionality and importance to printers’, says the company. The module has the capacity to manage the proofing process, control all the key job events and ensure that all extra charges are passed on the client. This last function allows users to record customer changes or additional services, confirm via email and simultaneously set aside for future charging. Shuttleworth users report that this process can generate up to 2,500 of additional invoiced items every month.

A significant development to Shuttleworth’s tried and trusted Stock Control module is its radio frequency barcode reader system which enables customers to record all types of stock movement and location. With handheld PC’s, the transactions are immediately updated so that job costing and stock valuation is precise and up-to-date.

Shuttleworth’s JDF links are already in operation at many sites throughout the UK but the company says that there is still much more to be done to help printers understand about the far-reaching benefits of a JDF integrated workflow. The fundamental design of the Shuttleworth system ensures that its clients are already benefiting from JDF and JMF connectivity with a range of suppliers’ equipment.