HiFlow Solutions, a provider of flexible MIS/MES systems for label and packaging manufacturers, has reported that Illinois-based Prime Packaging has implemented its systems to help it more efficiently manage the business.

The company operates roll-fed flexographic presses offering up to 11 colors using water-based and UV inks. Kevin Kollman acquired Prime Graphics in February of 2010 and formed Prime Packaging. The company produces a wide array of label and flexible packaging solutions, including shrink sleeves, pouches for seasonings and spices, and more.

“We had an older MIS whose supplier had discontinued support some time ago and whose system ran on Windows 7,” Kollman explains. “We finally decided it was time to find a better solution. Some of the issues were the cumbersome reporting through Crystal Reports and a specialized language that made it difficult to maintain the functionality of the reporting.  Our data collection and inventories were manual inputs versus a real time system. It was certainly time to upgrade.”

Kollman explored a number of options to replace the older system and determined that his best option was an on-premises system from HiFlow. “We started working with them in January of 2022,” he says. “It took some time to assess our current situation and build the HiFlow server based on the information we could retrieve from our existing system. By July, we felt comfortable that the system was close to what we needed so we ran side-by-side with our existing system to make sure we had all the data from our old system. In June of 2024, we went completely live with HiFlow and stopped using the old system.”

The key benefit of HiFlow, according to Kollman, was the ease of integrating with third-party accounting software and the complete product offering from HiFlow. “For example,” he explains, “some of the systems we looked at required us to buy a separate shop floor data collection system, which is a standard module in HiFlow. Integration with QuickBooks was fast and seamless, with bi-directional communication. And finally, we had a good inventory system where we could track raw materials, work in progress and finished goods. We also like the flexibility of the reports we can generate through HiFlow and our ability to have access to real-time data and information across the entire operation.”

Kollman notes that about 80% of his employees use some aspect of HiFlow daily, and he appreciates the customized role- and rule-based dashboards that makes it easy for them to know what they need to get done. When a new job comes in, all the information on the order, including specifications, purchase order numbers, etc., are entered into HiFlow.

“In addition to a smoother, more productive operation,” Kollman comments, “we are benefiting from being able to see things in real time, which allows us to achieve savings by correcting issues much faster.  Furthermore, the estimating system we had with our previous system didn’t work for us. We were using Excel spreadsheets that made for a cumbersome process. Now we have a great estimating system, and it’s very easy to compare estimates to actuals so we can continue to fine tune our estimating process. We can also produce very detailed costing data, which we couldn’t do before.”

Kollman was also pleased with the implementation and training process with HiFlow, including rapid response on any customizations that were required. “HiFlow records all of our training sessions,” he explains, “and we have them in a library for future reference, in case someone needs a refresher, or we are onboarding a new employee. That’s been a big benefit for us. We had been using the older system for 15 years, so there was a lot of change for our employees, and the ability to go back to specific training sessions was important for them. Change is hard, but as we worked through the new system, we can see the benefits for the company and our customers.”