Two platforms frequently compared in the UK print industry are Printlogic and Tharstern.

Both systems are designed to help print companies manage estimating, production workflows, customer management, and business operations. However, they differ significantly in pricing structure, cloud capabilities, support models, ownership structure, and overall flexibility.

This guide compares Printlogic and Tharstern to help commercial printers evaluate which Print MIS software best aligns with their operational requirements.

What Is Tharstern?

Tharstern is one of the longest-established Print MIS systems in the UK commercial print sector. Over the years, the platform became widely known among large commercial print businesses requiring enterprise-level workflow management and production oversight.

In 2019, Tharstern was acquired by EFI. In 2022, EFI sold its productivity software division, including Tharstern, to Symphony Technology Group, where it now operates under the eProductivity Software (ePS) brand.

For print businesses evaluating software investments, ownership structure can impact:

• Product roadmap direction
• Support quality
• Pricing models
• Feature development
• Long-term platform stability

Printlogic has remained independently and privately owned since 2001, maintaining a customer-focused approach to development and support without investor-driven restructuring or acquisition-related uncertainty.

Printlogic vs Tharstern Feature Comparison

Cloud-Based Print MIS Software for Commercial Printers

Modern print businesses increasingly require software that supports remote access, flexible workflows, and reduced infrastructure management.

Printlogic was built cloud-first from day one in 2001. The platform operates entirely in the cloud with no software installation or local server infrastructure required.

This allows commercial printers to:

• Access the system remotely
• Manage workflows across locations
• Reduce IT maintenance costs
• Improve operational flexibility
• Scale more efficiently
• Access production data in real time

Tharstern offers cloud-hosted options, but the platform was not originally developed as a cloud-native system.

For many growing print companies, true cloud-native architecture offers advantages in usability, scalability, and long-term operational efficiency.

Predictable Monthly Pricing Without Long-Term Contracts

Pricing structure is one of the biggest differences between Printlogic and Tharstern.

Printlogic operates on a monthly subscription model with:

• No contracts
• No upfront investment
• Included onboarding
• Included support
• Included upgrades
• Included customisations

This helps print businesses maintain predictable operating costs while avoiding large implementation expenses.

Tharstern typically involves more significant upfront investment along with additional charges for onboarding, implementation, support, and custom development depending on the deployment structure.

For small-to-mid-sized commercial printers, subscription-based Print MIS software can provide greater financial flexibility.

Support, Training, and Onboarding Included

Successful Print MIS implementation depends heavily on onboarding and ongoing support.

Printlogic includes:

• Staff onboarding
• System training
• Technical support
• Platform upgrades
• Workflow customisations

within the monthly subscription.

This simplifies implementation and reduces the risk of unexpected support costs over time.

Tharstern offers professional implementation services, but support structures and onboarding costs may vary depending on contract terms and service tiers.

Web2Print Capabilities for Online Print Ordering

As online ordering becomes more important within the print industry, many commercial printers are prioritising Print MIS software with integrated Web2Print functionality.

Printlogic includes a built-in Web2Print portal that enables businesses to:

• Accept online print orders
• Automate order submissions
• Improve customer experience
• Reduce manual administration
• Centralise workflow management

For print companies expanding digital ordering capabilities, integrated Web2Print functionality can improve operational efficiency and customer convenience.

Tharstern does not currently offer the same built-in Web2Print structure.

Print Broker Workflow Management

Print brokers and print management businesses often require different workflows compared to traditional production-focused print companies.

Printlogic includes built-in print broker support, helping businesses manage:

• Supplier workflows
• Client management
• Quoting
• Production coordination
• Order tracking

from a single platform.

This flexibility makes Printlogic suitable for both production printers and print brokers operating hybrid business models.

Mobile Access and Operational Flexibility

Commercial print businesses increasingly need access to operational workflows away from the office or production floor.

Printlogic includes mobile accessibility, allowing users to:

• Monitor job progress
• Access customer information
• Review production workflows
• Manage estimates remotely
• Track operational activity across locations

This improves flexibility for teams managing multiple sites, remote production environments, or off-site client communication.

Accounting Software Integrations

Accounting integration is another important consideration when selecting Print MIS software.

Printlogic integrates with:

• Xero
• Sage
• QuickBooks

This allows commercial printers to streamline invoicing, financial management, and reporting workflows.

Tharstern primarily supports Sage integration.

Broader integration flexibility can reduce administrative overhead and improve operational consistency across departments.

Migrating from Tharstern to Printlogic

Many commercial printers hesitate to switch Print MIS platforms because of concerns around data migration and operational disruption.

Printlogic includes migration assistance during onboarding, allowing businesses to transfer:

• Customer databases
• Job histories
• Order records
• Production information
• Existing operational data

This helps businesses transition without losing years of operational history.

Where Tharstern Performs Well

Tharstern continues to serve many large commercial print environments successfully.

Areas where Tharstern performs strongly include:

• Enterprise-level workflow management
• Large-scale production environments
• Advanced reporting functionality
• Long-standing commercial print expertise
• Professional implementation services

Large print organisations with complex multi-site workflows and substantial implementation budgets may still find Tharstern suitable for enterprise operations.

Where Printlogic Stands Out

Printlogic focuses on accessibility, flexibility, and operational simplicity for modern commercial print businesses.

Key advantages include:

Fully Cloud-Native Infrastructure

Designed for browser-based access without local installations.

No Contracts or Upfront Fees

Subscription-based pricing without large implementation costs.

Included Support and Customisations

Support, onboarding, upgrades, and workflow customisations are included.

Built-In Web2Print

Integrated online ordering functionality without requiring separate systems.

Mobile Accessibility

Access workflows remotely across devices and locations.

Faster Deployment

Implementation can often be completed in days rather than months.

Independent Ownership

Stable ownership structure without acquisition-related uncertainty.

The Bottom Line

Both Printlogic and Tharstern are capable Print MIS solutions for commercial printers, but they are designed for different operational needs.

Tharstern remains a strong option for large enterprise print organisations with highly complex workflows and significant implementation budgets.

Printlogic is often better suited to small-to-mid-sized commercial printers seeking:

• Cloud-based Print MIS software
• Predictable monthly pricing
• No long-term contracts
• Faster implementation
• Included support and training
• Integrated Web2Print functionality
• Mobile access
• Flexible accounting integrations
• Lower operational overhead

For commercial print businesses evaluating modern Print MIS software in the UK market, Printlogic offers a cloud-native platform focused on accessibility, flexibility, and operational efficiency.

Learn more about print workflow management software and cloud-based Print MIS solutions at Printlogic Official Website