Who here has migrated from FrameReady to LifeSaver Cloud?
What is your experience/Opinion?
That's It For FrameReady
- Thread starter Rick Granick
- Start date
Who here has migrated from FrameReady to LifeSaver Cloud?
What is your experience/Opinion?
There was a STEADY line of FrameReady customers signing up for the upgrade/conversion, at the recent show.
NO ONE likes change, but the points they made about supporting and maintaining a fragmented legacy (multi version) platform sound very legitimate. Customers don't always keep everything current, which I imagine could be a nightmare to support. (multiple operating systems and versions, dedicated server support for multiple versions, versions of FileMaker or Claris, software versions, etc) The product changed hands a couple times recently, and the original author unfortunately passed away several years ago. In its current form, I believe it requires maintaining a costly dedicated server, backups, and third party database licenses. I never personally used FrameReady in our shop, other than seeing a few demos from Bert and Carol, but it had a great following as one of the earlier products. They have tools set up to convert the data from the old platform to the new, and are scheduling appointments in advance. The cloud platform requires no dedicated server, no backups, and isn't limited to just being used in the shop. It works on PC, Mac, Ipad and other tablets, etc. Due to the nature of the cloud, it can be used at the shop, at home, or at a client site. (as long as you have wifi or cellular internet access, and a browser. We use it in our shop with Chrome)
The above is just my personal opinion as a tech guy, I'm not speaking for either company, and have been on the cloud product since over 6 years ago. (our shop was previously on Lifesaver Legacy since 2002)
It will be interesting to hear from people who already made the switch from FR, for their opinions and advice. I learned (at the show) that there is a white space feature now on LS Cloud that can be turned on, which was something found in FR.
Mike
NO ONE likes change, but the points they made about supporting and maintaining a fragmented legacy (multi version) platform sound very legitimate. Customers don't always keep everything current, which I imagine could be a nightmare to support. (multiple operating systems and versions, dedicated server support for multiple versions, versions of FileMaker or Claris, software versions, etc) The product changed hands a couple times recently, and the original author unfortunately passed away several years ago. In its current form, I believe it requires maintaining a costly dedicated server, backups, and third party database licenses. I never personally used FrameReady in our shop, other than seeing a few demos from Bert and Carol, but it had a great following as one of the earlier products. They have tools set up to convert the data from the old platform to the new, and are scheduling appointments in advance. The cloud platform requires no dedicated server, no backups, and isn't limited to just being used in the shop. It works on PC, Mac, Ipad and other tablets, etc. Due to the nature of the cloud, it can be used at the shop, at home, or at a client site. (as long as you have wifi or cellular internet access, and a browser. We use it in our shop with Chrome)
The above is just my personal opinion as a tech guy, I'm not speaking for either company, and have been on the cloud product since over 6 years ago. (our shop was previously on Lifesaver Legacy since 2002)
It will be interesting to hear from people who already made the switch from FR, for their opinions and advice. I learned (at the show) that there is a white space feature now on LS Cloud that can be turned on, which was something found in FR.
Mike
S. Martin
True Grumbler
We're in the midst of making the switch. I'm trying to keep an open mind, but as far as I can tell, it's not as good a fit for my shop. I would say that the amount of information they're able to transfer for us was more limited than I was expecting. We make a lot of our own mouldings, and none of that information can be transferred from FrameReady, so we'll have to re-enter it manually. We also had the "lite" version of FrameReady with no invoicing features, so they're not able to transfer any old work orders.
Hey Mike, From a semi-reformed Luddite, what is a white space feature?
I didn't get a chance to try the white space feature, but saw it in the settings and heard someone ask for it. (someone who converted from FR)
It seemed like perhaps a feature of FR that splits the opening size into art size + white space around it? (part of opening size overall)
I have never really seen the point of the white space feature. I just include any white space in the mat opening size.
Rick
Rick
Framing Goddess
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
I depend heavily on the white space feature. I LIKE knowing how much margin we showed around a print. This is essential information when they come in with print #2 and beyond. It matters.I have never really seen the point of the white space feature. I just include any white space in the mat opening size.
Haley Kean
Grumbler in Training
Does anyone have experience with framing software compatible with artwork and print purchases? That is my main concern with switching to Lifesaver.
Try calling Lifesaver and asking for Betsie. She's worked with both FrameReady and LifeSaver, and also has her own frame shop.
And, welcome to the Grumble!
Ok, I can see where that would be helpful. There is also the Notes field where you can record that info.
Rick
The "white space" section does the math for you.Ok, I can see where that would be helpful. There is also the Notes field where you can record that info.
Yes, this can be added to the notes, but that is extra effort.
As I don't use LS, I do not know if Notes would be automatically copied to Print #2's work order.
It's especially useful when the "white space" is weighted in any way.
Yeah, to have more space to show signatures.
With Frame Ready, entering a partial product number brings up a list of all vendor results which include that number. Then, you click one to select. It's very handy, for when you don't know, or if you want to see who all carries a product. So far, Lifesaver doesn't seem to have this feature. You have to put the full number, as exactly named by a specific supplier, along with that supplier's reference letters, or it rejects. Does anyone know a way around this?
This is particularly useful now that matboard prices are associated with particular vendors. If you just enter a mat number, it will show you a dropdown with the cost from each vendor you have installed, and you can choose the one you like best (least expensive, truck delivery, etc.).
FrameReady is so sensible and intuitive. It will be sorely missed.
Rick
Yes! It's crazy, that they don't have it. They also don't seem to allow prices for discontinued products. One of our suppliers carries disco'd product for years, and we also carry some length moulding that we bought when disco'd. With Frame Ready, it still came up, as 'not verified'. I hope that Lifesaver has a way to show disco's, that we haven't yet found.This is particularly useful now that matboard prices are associated with particular vendors. If you just enter a mat number, it will show you a dropdown with the cost from each vendor you have installed, and you can choose the one you like best (least expensive, truck delivery, etc.).
FrameReady is so sensible and intuitive. It will be sorely missed.
I submitted this great idea as a development suggestion. Any ls customer can do this, or vote on other people's suggestions.
HELP on top, has the option.
HELP on top, has the option.