If you’ve ever had to manage print jobs, whether you’re running a small print shop, freelancing in design, or working in a bigger operation you know the chaos that can creep in. Orders come in through email, phone, or even sticky notes (please don’t do this), and before you know it, something’s delayed, misprinted, or lost in translation.
That’s where print order management software comes in. The goal isn’t fancy dashboards for the sake of it. It’s about not tearing your hair out trying to track revisions, deadlines, and delivery details. But here’s the thing: not all solutions are built the same. Some are bloated, some are too rigid, and some are… just plain weird.
So, I rounded up a few solid options that actually help without feeling like they were designed by a committee of robots.
1. OnPrintShop
Best for: Print shops that want an end-to-end solution, not just order tracking.
OnPrintShop is one of those platforms that tries to cover the full spectrum: from online storefronts (for customers to place orders) to production workflows and back-office management. It’s especially useful if you’re running a business that takes a lot of online orders and you want a smooth bridge between the customer-facing side and the production side. It does a bit of everything: quotes, scheduling, shipping, even marketing tools without feeling too heavy-handed.
2. Printavo
Best for: Small-to-medium print shops that need simplicity.
Printavo is like that friend who’s organized but not obsessive. It covers the basics quotes, invoices, scheduling, approvals, payments and doesn’t drown you in enterprise jargon. The interface is straightforward, and because it’s cloud-based, your team doesn’t have to deal with “it only works on Steve’s computer in the back.”
3. PressWise
Best for: Teams that want automation to do the heavy lifting.
PressWise is basically the “set it and forget it” option. Once you get it set up, it automates a lot of repetitive tasks like order entry, proofing workflows, shipping, and billing. It’s not the cheapest, but if you’re tired of chasing paper trails (literally), this saves a lot of headaches.
4. Ordant
Best for: Shops juggling complex jobs and custom pricing.
Ordant leans into estimating and pricing flexibility, which is great if you’re constantly quoting custom jobs. It also ties those estimates directly into job tracking, so you don’t lose the thread once the order is confirmed. Plus, it has a customer portal that makes your clients feel like they’re in on the process instead of waiting in the dark.
5. ShopVOX
Best for: Teams that want more than just print-specific workflows.
ShopVOX is kind of the all-rounder. It handles print orders, but also works well for sign shops, apparel, and mixed custom orders. The collaboration tools are strong (internal messaging, proof approvals, task assignments), so if your workflow involves lots of back-and-forth, it’s a solid pick.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Choosing
- Don’t chase features for the sake of features. Ask: does this actually make my workflow less stressful?
- Factor in onboarding. Some tools are plug-and-play; others need training wheels.
- Think about integrations. Does it connect with QuickBooks, your CRM, or the shipping services you already use?
Final Thoughts
Print order management isn’t glamorous, but the right software can save you from dropped orders, endless email chains, and those “wait, who approved this?” moments. The key is matching the tool to your actual workflow instead of going for the flashiest demo.
At the end of the day, the best software is the one your team actually uses.
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