Tharstern MIS

P Sahasrabudhe, chief executive officer of Pune-based Balodyan Press says that he invested in the software because it is fast and reliable

09 May 2013 | By PrintWeek India

What does the system do?
It is an MIS system for estimation to delivery to invoicing. Our Tally is linked with the MIS. It generates purchase orders, delivery challans and invoices. It streamlines our workflow and use of material. Basically, it makes our life much easier.

Why did you choose this particular system? 
After ISO accreditation, this was a natural extension. We selected Tharsten because of factors such as record updating and easy access. However, the  main factor was the competitive price.  Balodyan is a small press and we needed a software which adhered to our requirements.
 
Did you look at any other similar systems?
We saw Shuttleworth which was similar to Tharstern in terms of functionality.
 
Why did you make the purchase?
It is quite simple, since estimation is based on time on the press. as opposed to being based on number of copies. Further the support from the Tharstern team was good.
 
What features do you particularly like? 
Tharstern has all the necessary features required for a company’s management information. Data entry is very simple and easy to use. It creates multiple options for paper, plate and ink usage depending on grades, sizes, brands. 
 
Is there anything that you dislike?
Two things. The viewing area could have been made larger and the speed could be ramped up.
 
Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn’t? 
Tharstern was time based in terms for estimations. If the client wanted the rate for thousand copies, it was difficult to calculate. Now the company has modified the estimation module, after our feedback.
 
How fast is it? 
It is really very fast to access since data is already available.
 
How reliable is it?
It is reliable once you get accustomed to the software.  There are no bugs. Plus once can opt for add-ons.
 
What’s the quality like? 
We are satisfied with the performance of the software since it helps us in comprehending cost variables. 
 
How easy is it to use?
It is very easy to use, as the functions are very simple and user friendly.  Now, we know what we are doing at every single stage, be it: pre-press, press, post-press.
 
How much time or money has it saved?
It helps us compute input costs of the print job and if the returns are low. Normally, in India we don’t pay attention to operational efficiencies. Nor do we realise that printing is just a tiny component of the entire production process.
 
Has it won you any new work?
We haven’t marketed it. But it’s a good idea. Perhaps if we market it, it will help us create many more estimates!
 
Would you say that it offers value for money?
It is 100% value for money. I feel every printer should opt for a MIS software. Documentation is crucial in a printing press. We tend to neglect the print profiles of our customers and the print history of our own press.
 
Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after? 
There were no difficulties during the installation of the software. The technical people from Tharstern were present. The difficulties were from our side, it took us a few days to understand the MIS software.
 
What about the pre and after-sale service? 
Excellent service from the company. No problems with that.
 
Who do you think the system is right for? 
It is a very sophisticated tool and every printer - and in a sense every business - should implement this software. 
 
Under what circumstances would you buy another?
If I plan to expand or setup new unit in the outskirts of Pune. As of now no plans for new unit. 

Conclusion

User’s verdict
Speed 4/5
Quality  4/5
Reliability  5/5
Value for money 4/5