SmallPrint MIS is designed for up to three staff and is a scaled-down version of the SQL package, used by more than 700 printers worldwide.

"SmallPrint has all the main features of SQL, including estimating, costing, invoices, job production, delivery notes and purchase orders," said sales and marketing coordinator Ross Edwards.

"Feedback from printers suggests if they were to get rid of their MIS, they would have to put two or three people back into the admin office."

Most of the 5,000 small printers in the UK don't use MIS kit, he added, hence the firm developed the sub 5,000 MIS set to be launched at Ipex.

"Many feel they are not big enough to warrant an MIS. But those who make the leap, say it frees up time for more important tasks, like looking after customers and getting the job done," said Edwards.

Closest rivals included E Pro and Accura systems. SmallPrint, which is being launched with a 500 discount for orders at Ipex, is to share centre stage with another new product.

TharsternSQL version 3, or T3, includes JDF WorkFlow Connector as a standard feature to "make JDF more of a reality for printers", said Edwards.

The JDF file used to create the Ipex Daily will come from the T3 MIS and run with Kodak's Prinergy workflow and technology from Komori, MBO and Muller Martini.

Smallprint
- Estimates, costing, delivery notes, labels, invoicing, purchase-order processing

- Integrated link to Sage line 50, Microsoft Word and Crystal reports

- Three-user system, installation, training and one-year's support, 4,495