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.
Katana
Katana is a cloud-based manufacturing enterprise resource planning software that gives you real-time visibility into inventory, production, and sales to streamline your entire small-to-medium manufacturing business operations.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Avanti Slingshot | Katana |
|---|---|---|
| Website | avantilive.com | katanamrp.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | $179/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 14 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 | 2017 |
| Headquarters | Toronto, Canada | Tallinn, Estonia |
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.
Katana
Katana gives you a live look at your entire manufacturing business by unifying your sales, inventory, and production workflows. Instead of juggling messy spreadsheets, you get a visual interface that automatically prioritizes orders based on material availability. You can track raw materials and finished goods in real-time, ensuring you never overstock or run out of essential components during a production run.
The platform is designed specifically for scaling manufacturers who need to move beyond basic accounting tools. You can easily sync your shop floor with your online store, manage outsourced production, and calculate accurate product costs automatically. It helps you eliminate production bottlenecks and fulfill customer orders faster by providing a single source of truth for your entire team.
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.
Katana Features
- Live Inventory Management. Track your raw materials and finished products in real-time to maintain optimal stock levels and prevent production delays.
- Master Production Scheduling. Drag and drop your manufacturing orders to prioritize jobs and see how changes impact your material requirements instantly.
- Omnichannel Sales Sync. Connect your e-commerce stores and marketplaces to centralize all your sales orders and inventory levels in one place.
- Contract Manufacturing. Manage your outsourced production processes by tracking purchase orders and inventory levels at your partner locations seamlessly.
- Shop Floor App. Give your operators a digital task list on their mobile devices to track time and material consumption accurately.
- Automated Costing. Calculate your precise manufacturing costs based on your bill of materials and production operations without manual calculations.
Pricing Comparison
Avanti Slingshot Pricing
Katana Pricing
- Up to 3 users
- 1 inventory location
- Real-time inventory tracking
- Sales order management
- Basic production planning
- E-commerce integrations
- Everything in Essential, plus:
- Unlimited inventory locations
- Shop Floor mobile app
- Batch and lot tracking
- Multi-currency support
- Full API access
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
Katana
Pros
- Intuitive visual interface is easy to navigate
- Seamless integration with Shopify and QuickBooks Online
- Real-time material availability tracking saves significant time
- Excellent customer support and onboarding resources
Cons
- Starting price is high for very small businesses
- Mobile app functionality is limited for administrators
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier paid plans