Describe your business
We supply print and packaging to the NHS. We print manage both litho and digital work and provide labels, bags, forms and tags for major hospitals and laboratories.
What does the software do?
It’s a print management information system (MIS) that gives us access to a lot of information. We can see what we are buying and to which hospital we are selling. It also gives us information on quantities that are being ordered. This product has helped us quite a bit.
Why did you choose this particular product?
We had an antiquated system from Jenem, which was subsequently acquired by Shuttleworth. The system was maintained by Shuttleworth, but it got to the stage where it had to be replaced. We looked at alternative options, but decided to stay with Shuttleworth. We knew them well
and it was easier for us.
What features do you particularly like?
We like its ability to monitor our stock control – it does this very well. There’s also an event feature that we use a great deal. In addition, it flags it up if we need to ring a customer or what stage proofing is at. It does this in real time.
Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn’t?
On the quoting side, we would like to speed up the time it takes to put prices together from our different suppliers. However, apart from that, we are very pleased with what we have got.
How reliable is it?
It has been solid and we’ve not had any problems.
How easy is it to use?
Once we got through a few early challenges and got used to a different way of working, it became a lot easier to use.
How much time or money has it saved?
It does save time in certain areas, although it’s difficult to answer specifically. It helps you to look at the overall department and assists with new business.
Would you say that it offers value for money?
It certainly does offer value for money.
Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
As is always the case with any new system, there were a few headaches to begin with. But, after a while, it became a lot easier to master.
What about the pre- and after-sale service?
We have had a lot of help from Shuttleworth. If we have any questions or problems, they are at the end of the phone. When it was installed, Shuttleworth gave us training and advised us on the best way to work. They were very supportive.
Who do you think the product is right for?
I think it’s more for a medium-sized company.
Under what circumstances would you buy another?
We attend Shuttleworth’s user meetings and we’re kept up to date with potential upgrades to the system. We would consider any further upgrades that come to market, as this has certainly been a good investment for us and one we wish to continue.
Conclusion
User’s verdict
Speed 4/5
Quality 4/5
Reliability 5/5
Value for money 4/5
Supplier’s response
Paul Dean, joint managing director at Shuttleworth, says: Midco uses the system more in a print management capacity – they don’t have a manufacturing facility. When they were migrating from their old MIS, we worked very closely with them to minimise disruption. On the quoting system, we have developed a supply chain module that will be launched at Ipex. Midco will be beta testing the new module.
Price from £2,000-£3,000 per user
Contact Shuttleworth
01536 316 316
