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 a specialized management information system designed to help print, packaging, and labeling companies automate their entire production workflow from initial quoting through to final distribution.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Esko | Tharstern |
|---|---|---|
| Website | esko.com | thartstern.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 comprehensive Management Information System (MIS) built specifically for the unique demands of the printing and packaging industries. You can move away from manual spreadsheets and disconnected tools by centralizing your entire operation into a single platform. It allows you to manage complex estimating, live job tracking, and inventory levels with real-time data, ensuring your shop floor stays synchronized with your front office.
You can use the platform to automate repetitive administrative tasks and gain deep insights into your profit margins on every job. Whether you specialize in digital, litho, large format, or labels, the software adapts to your specific manufacturing processes. It helps you reduce touchpoints in your workflow, allowing your team to process more orders in less time while maintaining high accuracy in your job costing.
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
- Smart Estimating. Generate accurate quotes in seconds for complex print jobs by automatically calculating material costs, labor, and machine time.
- Live Job Tracking. Monitor the real-time status of every project on your shop floor so you can provide customers with instant updates.
- Inventory Management. Track your paper stock and consumables automatically to prevent production delays and reduce waste from over-ordering.
- CRM & Sales. Manage your customer relationships and sales pipeline within the same system used for production and billing.
- Automated Scheduling. Optimize your press room schedule with drag-and-drop tools that account for machine availability and job deadlines.
- Business Intelligence. Access visual dashboards that show your most profitable jobs and identify bottlenecks in your manufacturing process.
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 requirements
- Excellent integration capabilities with prepress and production hardware
- Detailed reporting provides deep visibility into job profitability
- Responsive customer support team with deep industry knowledge
Cons
- Significant time investment required for initial system configuration
- Learning curve is steep due to the extensive feature set
- Pricing is high compared to generic small-business software