The system includes new features and functionality that is designed to complement Metrix Server.

Features include segmented exports from prepress, new user-definable text mark variables, user-definable barcode marks, and support for Fujifim XMF workflow.

Rohan Holt, president of LithoTechnics, said that with each release of Metrix, the company merges user requests with its own planned improvements.

"Metrix 3.7 incorporates features required for Metrix Server, our new product that is aimed at eliminating human intervention from repetitive job planning and imposition tasks."

Metrix Server enables black box automation of planning, imposition and finishing machine set-up. Each time it generates a new layout, it can be saved by the operator as a "standard" layout.

Holt said that for printers that produce a lot of repetitive work, the system could mean "tremendous savings".

In the UK and Ireland, Metrix is distributed by Postive Focus. Managing director Ivor Dixon said he has just gone into beta testing with the Metrix 3.7.

He said: "We will more than likely be showing it at Mediapro 09 on 4 - 5 November.

"We anticipate the product will ship sometime in the middle to late of the fourth quarter of 2009."