The verdict in three sentences
In a large format print shop with 30 staff, hand-built quotes are the first bottleneck: they slow the reply to the customer and leak margin on installations. Dedicated software, priced in Dublin at 45,000 to 80,000 EUR over 4 months, quotes per square metre and per substrate, schedules machines and installers and stores installation photos. A realistic target is quoting time cut by four and a real margin known for every job.
Where time is lost in a signage business
A developer asks for a 24 m² hoarding banner, Dibond panels for the sales suite and cut lettering for the show apartment. The estimator opens a spreadsheet, looks up the substrate price, adds ink, finishing (eyelets, hems, lamination), cutting, then guesses installation time and travel. A multi-substrate request easily takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Then production does not always see what was sold, the latex and UV printers are scheduled on a whiteboard, and installers leave without a clear plan. Remakes for wrong dimensions are expensive: a 6 m² panel redone means media, ink and half a day of fitting.
| Metric | Before software | Target with software |
|---|---|---|
| Average multi-substrate quote time | 1 h | 15 min |
| Response time to customer | 2 to 3 days | Same day |
| Quote conversion rate | 28 to 32 % | 35 to 40 % |
| Remakes from size or file errors | 3 to 4 % of jobs | Under 1.5 % |
| Margin visibility per job | Estimated at year end | Actual at job close |
| Proof of installation | Photos scattered on phones | Dated, geotagged photo report |
Modules and their 2026 cost
The core is a configurable quoting engine: each substrate (510 g PVC banner, mesh, 3 mm Dibond, foamex, self-adhesive vinyl, acrylic) has its price per m², waste factor, finishes and machine. Calculations account for roll widths to optimise nesting. An accepted quote becomes a works order, then an installation job with address, working height, any access platform and time slot.
| Module | Function | 2026 market range (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Per-m² quoting engine by substrate | Substrates, finishes, roll widths, margins | 13,000 to 23,000 |
| Works orders and proofs | Files, customer approval | 8,000 to 13,000 |
| Machine and production scheduling | Latex, UV, cutting, finishing | 7,000 to 13,000 |
| Installer scheduling and app | Slots, plans, photos, RAMS | 9,000 to 16,000 |
| Invoicing and margin tracking | Actual cost per job | 5,000 to 9,000 |
| QA, price list import, training | Catalogue import | 3,000 to 6,000 |
| Total | 45,000 to 80,000 |
These are Irish market estimates. At Kolonell, custom applications follow a fixed grid in FCFA and EUR: simple 2,500,000 to 4,000,000 FCFA (3,810 to 6,100 EUR), medium 4,000,000 to 7,000,000 FCFA (6,100 to 10,670 EUR) or complex 7,000,000 to 15,000,000+ FCFA (10,670 to 22,870+ EUR); where your project sits depends on the module count and is set in the quote. See our custom web applications page.
Four months, starting with quoting
Deliver what earns money first. Month 1: import price list and substrate catalogue, pilot quoting engine for two estimators. Month 2: works orders, online proofs and machine scheduling. Month 3: installer app with photos, signed job sheets, method statements and crew scheduling. Month 4: invoicing, margin tracking, training and switchover.
The classic trap is a rigid quoting engine. Estimators must be able to override a price, add a free line and instantly see the margin impact. Also, linking to the RIP or cutter usually means exporting production files; full machine integration is not needed in version one.
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Aoife manages a large format print business in Dublin turning over 2.4 million EUR with 30 staff and producing about 160 quotes a month. At 1 hour each, her three estimators spend 160 hours on them. At 15 minutes each, that drops to 40 hours: 120 hours freed per month, redirected to visiting developers and retail chains.
If conversion rises from 30 % to 36 %, that is 10 more orders a month at an average 1,800 EUR and 35 % margin: 6,300 EUR extra monthly margin. Remakes fall from 3.5 % to 1.5 % on 200,000 EUR of monthly production, saving 4,000 EUR. On a 65,000 EUR budget, payback comes in under 7 months.
FAQ
How much does large format print software cost in Dublin in 2026?
The Irish market range is 45,000 to 80,000 EUR for per-m² quoting, machine and installer scheduling and margin tracking. Off-the-shelf print MIS subscriptions run 150 to 600 EUR a month, with less flexibility on installations.
Why not use standard print MIS software?
Standard tools are built for litho or small format digital. Site installation, access platforms and photo proof are often missing or paid add-ons.
How do we bring in our current substrate prices?
The catalogue is imported from your spreadsheet in month 1, typically 80 to 150 items. Prices remain editable by an administrator without development.
Do installers need recent smartphones?
No: the app runs on entry-level Android phones and offline, with photos syncing when signal returns.
Can it connect to our accounting?
Yes, through invoice exports in your accountant's format or connectors to common packages, saving 4 to 6 hours of re-keying a month.
Let's scope your project. Send us your substrate list and quote volume, and we will scope the build and a 4-month plan. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
