Real answers. If yours isn't here, ask us directly.
Does it replace Linx completely?
Yes. PlatenFlow covers everything Linx does — order sync, barcode scanning, bin management, QC, GTX integration, ShipStation — plus features Linx doesn't have: multi-platform support, DTF gang sheets, spangle sequential routing, Roland VersaWorks, Trotec laser. The one thing Linx has that PlatenFlow doesn't yet is a QuickBooks plugin — that's on the roadmap.
Who is it built for?
Shops running real production volume across one or more decoration methods — especially shops frustrated with per-station fees, outdated UI, or software that can't handle a mixed decoration floor. If you're paying Linx per station and hitting feature walls, PlatenFlow was built for exactly that situation.
Is my data safe if you shut down?
Your data lives on your server, not ours. PlatenFlow is self-hosted — if we closed tomorrow, your system keeps running. No cloud dependency, no data hostage situation. SQLite database, fully portable.
How long does setup take?
Most shops go live in 3–7 days. Day 1: install, connect storefronts, initial sync. Day 2: configure Rules Engine. Day 3: test scan stations end-to-end. Days 4–7: any adjustments. We're with you through all of it.
Can I run it alongside Linx during transition?
Yes. Because PlatenFlow is self-hosted and independent, you can run both simultaneously during a transition — processing new orders through PlatenFlow while finishing in-flight orders in Linx. Most shops do a 1–2 week parallel run before cutting over.
What hardware do I need?
One always-on Windows PC or Mac as the server. Scan stations use any browser on any device on your network — no software installs, no licenses per device. If you have a computer that runs all day, you have the hardware.
How do scan stations connect?
Any device on your network opens a browser and navigates to your server's local IP — e.g. http://192.168.1.10:3000/qc. Barcode scanners act as keyboard input (standard HID). No app install, no pairing, no configuration on the device.
What's the tech stack?
Node.js/Express backend, SQLite (better-sqlite3), plain HTML/CSS/JS frontend served locally. Packaged as an Electron desktop app for Windows and Mac. No cloud dependencies, no containers, no DevOps overhead.
How does the Google Drive art cache work?
Google Drive's desktop app syncs your art folder to a local path on your server machine. PlatenFlow reads art files from that local path — no Google Drive API calls, just fast local file reads that work even if your internet is down.
Why no per-station fees?
Because it's a bad model that punishes shops for having a well-run floor. Every scan gun, every production screen, every shipping terminal costing extra is why we were paying $5,000/month. PlatenFlow runs browser-based — every device on your network connects for free.
Is there a free trial?
We do the demo as a live trial on your actual data — you see PlatenFlow running with your real orders, products, and SKUs before committing to anything. That's more useful than a sandbox with fake data. Request a demo to set it up.
What does PlatenFlow do that Linx doesn't?
Multi-platform sync (WooCommerce, Etsy, BigCommerce), DTF gang sheet builder with barcode-on-film transfer tracking, spangle sequential routing with per-station scan-to-claim, Roland VersaWorks hot folder, Trotec Speedy 400 integration (JobControl/Ruby API), zero-touch line item parsing, DST file library per product, browser-based unlimited stations, self-hosted. And when you need something changed — a new integration, a new feature, anything — you are not writing a $3,000 check. With Linx, every change is a custom development engagement. We paid $3,000 just to add the ability to print from two TSC label printers simultaneously.
What did Linx charge for custom integrations or changes?
Every change — a new integration, a new feature, a modification to how something worked — was a custom development engagement. From our experience, that typically meant $3,000 per request. We paid $3,000 to add the ability to print from two TSC label printers at the same time. That is the model: you pay to rent access, and you pay again every time the software needs to reflect how your shop actually runs. With PlatenFlow, it is your software on your hardware. Updates ship as part of your subscription. If you need something custom, we can talk about it — but you are not starting at $3,000 for something that should have been a feature to begin with.
Is PlatenFlow affiliated with Brown Manufacturing?
No. PlatenFlow has no affiliation with Brown Manufacturing Group or BrownDigital. It was built independently by a shop owner who was tired of paying Linx pricing. Not a fork or derivative of Linx — built from scratch.