Understanding your business processes, workflows, and specific needs.
Defining goals and how Katana will be integrated into your operations.
Product Setup & Configuration (2-4 weeks)
Installing or subscribing to the software.
Configuring core modules such as inventory, manufacturing, sales, and purchasing.
Setting up user roles, permissions, and integrations with existing systems.
Data Migration (if applicable, 2-3 weeks)
Importing existing data such as inventory items, supplier info, customer data, and order history.
Ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
Training & Onboarding (1-2 weeks)
Conducting training sessions for employees.
Providing documentation and support for daily usage.
Pilot & Testing (2 weeks)
Running the system in a controlled environment.
Addressing any issues and fine-tuning the setup.
Go-Live & Support (Ongoing)
Launching the system for full operation.
Ongoing support and adjustments as needed.
Customisation
Flexible API & Integrations: Katana offers API access for custom integrations with ERP, CRM, accounting software, or other tools, enabling tailored workflows.
Custom Workflows: Businesses can adapt workflows and manufacturing processes within the platform.
Custom Fields & Data: Users can add custom fields to products, orders, or inventory, tailoring the data structure.
Automation & Rules: It supports automation rules for inventory management, notifications, or order processing, customizable as per business needs.
Scaling & Add-ons: Certain features and modules can be added or upgraded to fit niche requirements.
Additional Costs
Setup Fees: Usually included in onboarding or billed as a one-time fee (varies by provider or partner).
Monthly Subscription: Rates can vary based on the plan (Starter, Growth, Scale). Pricing as of 2023:
Starter: ~$39/month (suitable for small teams)
Growth: ~$99/month (more features & users)
Scale: Custom pricing for larger enterprises
Support & Training: Basic support is typically included; premium support, dedicated onboarding, or custom consulting services may incur additional fees.
Advanced Features or Integrations: Some advanced modules or custom integrations might require extra costs or custom billing.
Training
Onboarding & Training
Katana provides onboarding assistance to help new users get started quickly.
Training sessions are often tailored to your team’s needs and may include live demos, workshops, and step-by-step guidance.
Training covers key modules such as inventory management, order processing, manufacturing workflows, and reporting.
2. Documentation & Resources
Comprehensive online help center and user guides.
Video tutorials and FAQs to assist with common issues and learning new features.
3. Customer Support
Support is available via multiple channels, including email, chat, and phone.
Response times typically depend on your service plan (basic or premium support).
Some plans include dedicated customer success managers or technical support teams.
4. Ongoing Support & Consulting
Post-onboarding, Katana offers continuous support for troubleshooting, process optimization, and new feature adoption.
Some plans include periodic check-ins and training updates to ensure optimal utilization.
Security Measures
Data Encryption: Data is encrypted both in transit (SSL/TLS) and at rest.
Access Controls: Role-based permissions ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive information.
Data Backups: Regular backups safeguard against data loss, with options for redundancy.
Cloud Security Standards: The platform complies with international security standards such as ISO 27001 and GDPR, ensuring data privacy and security.
Authentication: Supports secure login options, including two-factor authentication (2FA) where available.
Audit Trails: Tracks changes and user activity for accountability and compliance.
Updates
Release Cycle
Katana typically releases updates and new features regularly — often every 4 to 8 weeks.
Updates include bug fixes, security patches, performance improvements, and new functionalities.
Management of Updates
Most updates are managed automatically or require minimal user intervention.
Major updates are communicated in advance with notes on new features or changes.
For critical or major releases, Katana may provide release notes, user guides, and training to help users adapt smoothly.
Users can often choose to update immediately or delay minor updates, depending on their settings and environment.
Data Ownership and Portability
Data Ownership:
Katana's policy generally states that customers retain ownership of their data.
The platform acts as a data processor, meaning your business owns and controls all data entered into the system, including inventory, sales, customer, and supplier information.
Katana does not claim any rights to the data and uses it solely to provide and improve its services under the agreed terms.
Data Portability:
Katana offers data export options, allowing users to retrieve their data in common formats such as CSV, Excel, or via API.
This enables organizations to move their data freely and ensures no vendor lock-in.
API access facilitates automated data retrieval and integration with other systems.
Scaling Up / Down
Flexible Subscription Plans:
Katana allows customers to upgrade or downgrade plans based on their organizational needs.
Changes can often be made at any time, with different tiers offering varying features, user seats, and storage.
The process typically involves contacting sales or support for plan adjustments.
Pricing and Billings:
Billing is usually monthly or annual, with discounts often available for annual payments.
Upgrading plans might involve immediate billing adjustments, while downgrades may take effect at the end of the billing cycle.
Additional Users & Features:
Additional user seats or modules can be added or removed, allowing companies to scale their user base or capabilities efficiently.
The terms & conditions for contract renewal and cancellation
Renewal Terms:
Contracts are often on a monthly or annual basis, with automatic renewal unless canceled.
Renewal notices are typically sent before renewal dates, allowing customers to review and make changes.
Cancellation Policy:
Customers can cancel their subscription at any time, often with notice given 30 days before the renewal date.
No long-term minimum commitments are usually required, providing flexibility.
Depending on the plan, some fees or penalties might apply for early termination—this should be clarified in the specific agreement.
Data Handling Post-Cancellation:
Upon cancellation, customers retain the right to export their data.
Support for data extraction is generally provided, ensuring data portability even after subscription ends.
Compliance
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): Ensures data privacy and rights for users within the EU.
ISO 27001: International standard for information security management systems (ISMS), demonstrating strong security controls.
SOC 2: Compliance with Service Organization Control standards, focusing on security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
Data Encryption: Implements strong encryption protocols both in transit and at rest.
Regular Security Audits & Testing: Conducts ongoing security assessments to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
