What is the product and when was it launched?

Fiery Dashboard is a cloud-based data analysis and information collection tool from EFI that enables printers to oversee productivity and equipment output from inside and outside the print shop. Its aim is to integrate information from all machines driven by EFI’s RIP, Fiery, for maximum efficiency and to identify issues within the production process. It was launched at Connect, EFI’s user conference, in April and is making its European debut at Drupa 2012 (Hall 5, C01).

What does it do?
The following features come as standard and users can configure them according to requirements:

Engine utilisation – enables printers to understand exactly how their Fiery-driven machines work and their capabilities while printing
System uptime – enables printers to work out how many times they need an engineer or if they need to invest in new engines
Paper jams by media type – identifies which media are causing problems
Jobs by media type – identifies which media are used most often, to allow users to negotiate deals with regular suppliers
Colour consistency – tells customers whether systems have been set to desired calibration frequency to ensure quality
Management overview – understands workflow and plans staffing more efficiently by overseeing production of all operators from remote locations

Who is it aimed at?
Fiery Dashboard is suitable in a production environment where more than one machine is being used at a time.

"If you’re getting into multiple engines then this tool is a must-have," says EFI sales director Terry Garvey. "Many of our operators are print managers, owners and directors who are out trying to run their business and want to know what’s going on back at the shop. Now that it’s a web-browser-based solution, they can use their iPads or iPhones to see what’s going on."

What is its USP?
Fiery Dashboard is EFI’s first internet-based software and the company claims it is the only cloud-based solution able to track all information through to final production. It enables printers to oversee print production at all times and from all locations with internet connection, to identify sticking points and gaps in their production process.

"Fiery Dashboard is able to measure where your jobs are coming from in terms of who your best customers are, and allows the user to decide where there are bottlenecks or where there is capacity to fill," says Garvey. "I am not aware of anybody else having such a tool for viewing and managing their business from afar and giving you those kinds of metrics."

How much does it cost?
Pricing is subscription-based, and the standard package is £40 per week, which supports three printers. Further printers can be added for £15 a pair, with a total of 15 supported by the system.

Is it easy to use and is training provided?
Garvey says that EFI adheres to the mantra that products should be as easy to use as possible and customers should be able to get started with them straight away. The customer installs the software and activates their licence which starts the Fiery Dashboard. Users are then supported by online videos and have access to an EFI support help desk via email and phone as part of the subscription.