Avanti Slingshot
Avanti Slingshot is a print management information system that integrates your entire shop's workflow from estimating and scheduling to billing and shipping to streamline your print production and business operations.
Esko
Esko provides integrated software and hardware solutions that digitize, automate, and connect the entire packaging development lifecycle from initial design and structural engineering to final production and printing.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Avanti Slingshot | Esko |
|---|---|---|
| Website | avantilive.com | esko.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Custom |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1984 | 1941 |
| Headquarters | Toronto, Canada | Ghent, Belgium |
Overview
Avanti Slingshot
Avanti Slingshot is a comprehensive Print Management Information System (MIS) designed to help you manage every aspect of your print shop from a single platform. You can automate your entire workflow, starting from the initial customer quote through to final delivery and invoicing. By centralizing your data, you eliminate manual entry errors and gain real-time visibility into your shop's performance and profitability.
The platform is built specifically for commercial printers, in-plant facilities, and large-format print shops that need to scale their operations. You can handle complex estimating, manage warehouse inventory, and track labor costs across multiple departments. It helps you identify bottlenecks in your production line so you can optimize your resources and improve your bottom line.
Esko
Esko offers a specialized ecosystem of tools designed to help you manage the complex world of packaging and label production. You can move from a creative concept to a shelf-ready product faster by connecting your design teams, prepress departments, and printing facilities on a single platform. It eliminates manual data entry and reduces human error by automating repetitive tasks throughout your production pipeline.
You can use these tools to create 3D prototypes, manage brand assets, and ensure color accuracy across different printing processes. Whether you are a small trade shop or a global consumer goods brand, the platform helps you maintain brand consistency and meet tight deadlines. By centralizing your specifications and approvals, you gain full visibility into your project status and can identify bottlenecks before they delay your product launch.
Overview
Avanti Slingshot Features
- Automated Estimating Generate fast and accurate quotes for complex print jobs using pre-defined templates and real-time material costs.
- Production Scheduling Manage your shop floor visually with drag-and-drop scheduling that accounts for equipment availability and job deadlines.
- Inventory Management Track your paper stock and consumables in real-time to prevent shortages and reduce wasteful overstocking.
- Integrated Invoicing Convert completed jobs into professional invoices automatically and sync them directly with your existing accounting software.
- Shipping Integration Connect with major carriers to generate labels and track shipments without leaving your management console.
- Real-time Reporting Access detailed dashboards to monitor job profitability, employee productivity, and overall equipment effectiveness instantly.
Esko Features
- ArtiosCAD Structural Design. Create accurate 2D designs and 3D prototypes for folding cartons and corrugated packaging with specialized structural engineering tools.
- Automation Engine. Automate your prepress workflow by setting up background tasks that handle file preflighting, trapping, and layout without manual intervention.
- WebCenter Collaboration. Manage your packaging projects and approvals in a centralized web-based portal to keep your stakeholders aligned and on schedule.
- Studio 3D Visualization. Transform your 2D Adobe Illustrator designs into realistic 3D models to spot errors and present concepts to clients instantly.
- MediaBeacon DAM. Organize, search, and distribute your digital brand assets across your entire organization to ensure everyone uses the correct versions.
- Cape Pack Palletization. Optimize your product size and pallet patterns to reduce shipping costs and improve your overall supply chain sustainability.
Pricing Comparison
Avanti Slingshot Pricing
Esko Pricing
Pros & Cons
Avanti Slingshot
Pros
- Highly modular system allows you to add features as you grow
- Excellent integration with major digital press manufacturers like Ricoh and Xerox
- Detailed job costing provides deep insights into actual profit margins
- Browser-based interface allows you to manage your shop from anywhere
Cons
- Initial setup and configuration require a significant time investment
- Learning curve is steep due to the depth of features
- Customization options can be overwhelming for smaller print shops
Esko
Pros
- Unmatched precision for complex packaging and label structural design
- Significant reduction in manual prepress errors through robust automation
- Excellent integration with Adobe Illustrator for creative design teams
- Highly realistic 3D rendering capabilities for client presentations
Cons
- High initial investment cost compared to general design tools
- Steep learning curve requiring specialized technical training
- Complex configuration process for advanced workflow automation rules