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.
Tharstern
Tharstern provides cloud-native management information systems designed to help print service providers automate their entire workflow from initial estimating and job submission through to final delivery and invoicing.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Esko | Tharstern |
|---|---|---|
| Website | esko.com | tharstern.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Custom |
| 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 | 1984 |
| Headquarters | Ghent, Belgium | Colne, United Kingdom |
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.
Tharstern
Tharstern is a specialized management information system (MIS) built specifically for the printing and packaging industry. You can manage your entire production cycle within a single platform, starting from complex multi-part estimating to automated job scheduling and real-time inventory tracking. By centralizing your data, you eliminate manual entry errors and gain a clear view of your shop floor's performance and profitability.
The software is designed for commercial printers, label manufacturers, and large-format specialists who need to scale their operations. You can integrate it with your existing prepress and finishing equipment to create a fully connected 'smart factory' environment. It helps you reduce waste, speed up turnaround times, and provide more accurate quotes to your customers instantly.
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.
Tharstern Features
- Dynamic Estimating. Generate accurate quotes for complex print jobs in seconds by automating your material costs and labor calculations.
- Live Job Tracking. Monitor the real-time status of every project on your shop floor so you can proactively manage deadlines.
- Inventory Management. Track paper stocks, inks, and consumables automatically to ensure you never run out of materials during a critical run.
- Automated Scheduling. Optimize your press time with intelligent scheduling tools that account for machine availability and job priority.
- CRM Integration. Manage your customer relationships and sales pipeline directly alongside your production data for better client communication.
- Business Intelligence. Access visual dashboards and detailed reports to analyze your profit margins and identify bottlenecks in your workflow.
Pricing Comparison
Esko Pricing
Tharstern 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
Tharstern
Pros
- Highly specialized for complex print and packaging workflows
- Excellent integration capabilities with industry-standard prepress hardware
- Detailed reporting provides deep insights into job profitability
- Scalable architecture grows alongside your business expansion
Cons
- Significant time investment required for initial configuration
- Higher price point compared to generic ERP solutions
- Steep learning curve for staff during implementation phase