An important and developing topic in sheet metal forming is the improvement of reproducibility of the deep drawing process. One key factor is the control of material flow by the corresponding control of the blankholder pressure. Conventional single or double-action press systems do not offer the means of adjusting a pressure profile that suits a specific part geometry in an optimal way. This causes increased tool run-in times, extended tool change times and high scrap rates for critical forming tasks. This paper describes a new generation of the multi-point-control system consisting of a hydraulic press, a multiple cylinder unit for the blankholding function and flexible forming elements as punch drive. Based on the principles of separating the blankholder function from the slide operation, a part-geometry related blankholder cylinder pattern and providing of centric loading of the forming elements, an improved process stability is achieved. The introduction of a PC-based control system using MS-Windows for the operator interface and a PLC as a software emulation ensures an easy handling of the complex parameter adjustments. An application in the field of stainless steel forming verifies the improvement of process control.