VALHALLA, N.Y. -- FUJIFILM Graphic Systems U.S.A., Inc. is now distributing Metrix 3.5 – the latest version of the award-winning job planning and imposition software. Designed specifically by LithoTechnics to eliminate the complexities of planning a number of jobs, Metrix 3.5 now boasts a number of new features, including auto bleeds, support for jog to foot (low folio lap) books and right-hand spines. Additionally, JDF connectivity has been enhanced, enabling binding instructions for saddle-stitchers and perfect binders.

Whether it's one job or 100, Metrix calculated the layout and accounts for different sizes, different quantities, mixtures of flat and folded work, different bleeds and even grain direction requirements, all with a click of a button. The result is that even novice planners can consistently create complex layouts and in a fraction of the time previously required.

"Today's economic conditions are forcing our customers to be smarter, leaner, cheaper and faster than ever before. With products like Metrix, we can improve their manufacturing efficiency," says Bryan Hughes, Fujifilm's product marketing manager for workflow products. "This is an incredibly powerful tool for estimators, customer service representatives, production planners and prepress operators."

Impositions are just part of Metrix's capabilities; it also features robust workflow connectivity. JDF imposition data is exported directly into the prepress workflow, where pages are automatically linked and flats readied for proofing and plating. Fujifilm worked directly with LithoTechnics and Rampage to develop an even tighter integration. "We've all heard the phrase 'lights out prepress,'" adds Hughes, "and, with this level of automation, it can actually be achieved."

Metrix 3.5 introduces support for 'jog to foot' or 'low folio lap' books, completely automating the conversion to or from 'jog to head' even for complex books with flaps on pages or exotic folds. It also automatically handles right spine books, providing the same ease of use as for left spine books.

With the latest version, LithoTechnics has taken JDF compatibility a notch higher by introducing JDF export to stitchers and perfect binders. Metrix has imported and exported JDF since version 1.0, and the capability to configure binding machines provides our customers yet more production automation, so important in today's environment of intense competition and challenging business conditions.

With Metrix, users are able to reduce the number of press makereadies and plate consumption, account for product bleeds, grain direction and quantities, and export layout data in CIP3, JDF or Preps template formats. Additionally, Metrix produces comprehensive reports for each job.

"There is nothing on the market today that does everything that Metrix does," adds Hughes. "The customers who have already adopted it have seen tremendous time savings and have said they don't know how they were getting by without it. We see this as a definite game changer in today's market."