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.
PrintES
PrintES is a cloud-based print management software providing integrated tools for estimating, production tracking, and customer relationship management to streamline operations for commercial printing businesses and sign shops.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Esko | PrintES |
|---|---|---|
| Website | esko.com | printepssw.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✘ No 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 | 1941 | 2017 |
| Headquarters | Ghent, Belgium | Miami, USA |
Overview
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.
PrintES
PrintES provides you with a centralized platform to manage your entire printing business from a single web browser. You can move away from fragmented spreadsheets and manual tracking by integrating your estimating, invoicing, and production workflows into one automated system. It allows you to generate accurate quotes quickly, track jobs through every stage of the shop floor, and manage your customer database without switching between different applications.
The software is designed specifically for small to medium-sized print shops, sign makers, and digital printers who need to improve their operational visibility. You can monitor real-time inventory levels, schedule equipment maintenance, and analyze your profit margins on every job. By digitizing your shop's documentation and communication, you reduce the risk of costly production errors and ensure your team stays aligned on deadlines.
Overview
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.
PrintES Features
- Smart Estimating. Generate accurate quotes in seconds by pre-configuring your material costs, labor rates, and markup percentages for consistent pricing.
- Production Tracking. Monitor the status of every job in real-time as it moves from design to press and finishing stages.
- Inventory Management. Track your paper stock, inks, and substrates automatically so you never run out of materials during a critical project.
- Customer Portal. Give your clients a professional interface where they can approve quotes, upload artwork, and track their order progress.
- Automated Invoicing. Convert your completed jobs into professional invoices with one click to speed up your billing cycle and cash flow.
- Shop Floor Scheduling. Assign tasks to specific machines or team members to optimize your equipment utilization and meet every delivery deadline.
Pricing Comparison
Esko Pricing
PrintES Pricing
Pros & Cons
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
PrintES
Pros
- Industry-specific tools built specifically for print shop workflows
- Cloud-based access allows you to manage the shop remotely
- Centralizes estimating and production in one unified database
- Reduces manual data entry errors across the business
Cons
- Public pricing is not available without a sales consultation
- Initial setup requires time to input custom material costs
- Interface may feel utilitarian compared to general-purpose CRMs