HiFlow Solutions
HiFlow Solutions provides a comprehensive management information system designed to automate end-to-end workflows for packaging, labeling, and commercial printing companies to improve visibility and operational control.
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 | HiFlow Solutions | Katana |
|---|---|---|
| Website | hiflowsolutions.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 | 2011 | 2017 |
| Headquarters | Baltimore, USA | Tallinn, Estonia |
Overview
HiFlow Solutions
HiFlow Solutions is an end-to-end Management Information System (MIS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform built specifically for the printing and packaging industry. You can manage your entire production lifecycle from a single interface, starting from initial cost estimation and quoting through to final shipping and invoicing. It eliminates manual data entry by connecting your office staff directly with the shop floor, ensuring everyone sees the same real-time data.
The platform helps you solve complex scheduling challenges and inventory bottlenecks common in high-volume print environments. Whether you specialize in flexible packaging, folding cartons, or commercial labels, you can use the software to track material usage, monitor machine performance, and calculate precise job costs. It is designed for mid-to-large scale printing operations that need to replace fragmented legacy systems with a unified digital workflow.
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
HiFlow Solutions Features
- Smart Estimating Generate accurate quotes in seconds by pulling real-time data on material costs, labor rates, and machine speeds.
- Shop Floor Control Monitor your production lines in real-time with digital touchscreens that track job progress and machine downtime instantly.
- Automated Scheduling Optimize your press runs with drag-and-drop scheduling tools that account for job priority and material availability.
- Inventory Management Track your paper rolls, inks, and substrates with barcode scanning to prevent stockouts and reduce material waste.
- Business Intelligence Access visual dashboards that show your most profitable jobs and identify bottlenecks in your production workflow.
- CRM Integration Manage your customer relationships and sales pipeline directly within the same system used for production.
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
HiFlow Solutions 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
HiFlow Solutions
Pros
- Deeply specialized for complex packaging and labeling workflows
- Real-time data synchronization between office and shop floor
- Highly customizable modules to fit specific plant layouts
- Excellent visibility into true job costing and margins
Cons
- Significant time investment required for initial system setup
- Higher price point compared to generic management tools
- Learning curve for staff transitioning from manual processes
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