Metrix is an imposition software, but it’s unlike any other imposition software I’ve ever dealt with.
While I have many good things to say about Metrix, I should note it’s not the perfect software, and it’s not for everyone. For those of you who are currently using an imposition software that is integrated with your workflow, I would advise you to think about not only the cost of the software, but the costs of training your employees and the lost production efficiencies that come along with a system change. This goes for any system really, not just imposition. That being said, if you are looking for ways to improve productivity in the long run, software is certainly a place you can still find great bang for your buck.
Getting back to Metrix, there is one huge selling feature as far as I’m concerned – the automatic layout feature. The system offers you the ability to input multiple items at multiple sizes with multiple quantities and will then produce the most efficient layouts possible. As someone who used to do this all manually at various points in my career, this is an amazing achievement in technology.
Gallery: Metrix screen captures (click to enlarge)
There aren’t too many companies where this sort of combo running would be enough to make or break a business, but for those who do a fair bit of this, the software pays for itself relatively quickly. The downside to this is that in previous versions of the software it was unable to calculate forms in various printing methods. All the items were laid-out sheetwork, work and turn, or perfecting. You could not have three forms sheetwork followed by the fourth work and turn. Of course, for Web printers, this would not have any impact. The other shortfall is that the system will always put one item on one form and not take into account that you could have the same item on multiple forms to reduce the length of a print run. But that being said, the system makes short work of even the more complex layouts. Even if the presented layouts aren’t always exactly as desired, they are a marvelous starting point if nothing else.
Many of you might look at this tool and think that it almost sounds more like a planning and estimating tool than layout software. I would argue that it’s equal parts of both. An estimator can use the tool to create a layout for an estimate or a production coordinator can use it to produce a layout concept for prepress; there is a minimal amount of time and energy required to create a proper, workable prepress layout. Now, in most cases, it actually would be counterproductive to have an estimator use this tool for every estimate as most estimates don’t become jobs. But, for those jobs that could employ the use of Metrix, the bulk of the work for a proper layout is already done. In fact, using the software takes a little more time than actually drawing a layout freehand.
While it’s great on production, there are a few more concerns on the prepress side of things. For one, the files are fixed when they come to prepress, so a Mac operator would not be able to change them on the fly, unless he/she has a copy of the software and training. I have also heard that there is no apparent time savings on placing files into a Metrix imposition as opposed to more traditional imposition software. In addition, the files are exact when they come to prepress and, as a result, must be made perfectly. In order to do this, whoever is creating the files must know the exact dimensions and orientation of the file before beginning the process. In essence, the file must be reviewed and documented before it can be planned. However, the onus for layouts, marks, and just about everything in regards to imposition is no longer the burden of prepress.
Small shops, digital shops and those doing repetitious work should not investigate this software though. But, for those shops looking for a leg up on impositions, Metrix just might be the software.
For more information on the software, visit Lithotechnics.