In our previous blog, we introduced the complete MaxLab suite and committed to exploring each component in detail. This month's blog will showcase some efficiencies achieved by using MaxLab Client. It’s impossible to cover everything that MaxLab Client is capable of in a single blog, but here are some key features we thought you would like to see in action.
Auto Cropping
To showcase the substantial speed improvements offered by MaxLab, we’ve taken a common action and performed a detailed comparison. Initially, we used Adobe Lightroom to crop a batch of 200 images to a 6x4 format. This process, while effective, took a considerable amount of time and required significant manual effort.
Next, we replicated the same task using MaxLab. The results were compelling: MaxLab processed the 200 images in a fraction of the time it took with Lightroom, underscoring its amazing efficiencies. This head-to-head comparison highlighted MaxLab's advanced capabilities and effectiveness in accelerating and simplifying the image cropping process. These improvements will save users valuable time and enhance productivity, making MaxLab an invaluable tool for photographers and digital content creators alike.
The process within Lightroom
I’m not a ‘power user’ of Lightroom but I’m competent with a basic knowledge of how it works and how to use it. My process was to crop an image to 6x4, sync the crop across all images and then go through each image to check and move the crop.
Adobe Lightroom: For 197 images it took 13 minutes 8 seconds.
The process within MaxLab Client
Next, I replicated the same task using MaxLab. The noticeable difference was immediate. MaxLab not only completed the task quicker but also streamlined the workflow, significantly reducing the time and effort required.
In Maxlab, I implemented face detection to run automatically during the import process, allowing other tasks to be completed simultaneously as it operates in the background without requiring manual intervention. Following this, I auto-cropped all individual images to a 6x4 format, using a rule that centres the crop around the detected face. You can also filter images based on the number of faces present, streamlining the process of handling different photography styles, such as cropping family group photos differently from individual portraits. I then scanned through the 200 images to check if all crops were as expected, this didn’t take long as 95% of the crops were correct and didn’t need any intervention.
MaxLab: For 197 images it took just 2 minutes 42 seconds, that’s a 79% saving in time!
Before
Before
Auto Culling
Using face detection data, we can quickly select the best images for each subject by analysing criteria such as smiles, blinks, and blurriness. The system assesses each image based on these factors, automatically identifying and prioritising those where subjects are smiling, their eyes are open, and the image is clear. This process ensures that only the most flattering and high-quality photos are selected. The entire procedure is streamlined and user-friendly, performed with a single click, which saves time and effort while upholding high standards for image selection. This same process is applied to reject sub-standard images.
In a time study of 149 images across 72 different students, the following was observed:
It took 10 seconds to cull the images down to the best image per student.
An additional 2 minutes and 36 seconds were spent verifying that the chosen images were indeed the best.
There were three instances where I felt another image might have been marginally better, but the differences were very slight and could be considered a matter of individual preference. This demonstrates that the additional 2 minutes and 36 second check is probably unnecessary.
Image rename for school CRM systems such as SIMS
MaxLab features a built-in export tool that facilitates exporting images and renaming files based on any data stored within the system. These images can be used for various purposes, including integration with school record systems (such as SIMS, Bromcom, and C-MIS) and yearbooks (via PSPA Export), with each export including a data file containing all relevant information if required.
Using the job where I have already culled the images using MaxLab’s Auto Culling feature, I am now preparing to export and rename the files using the students' unique admin numbers, making them ready for direct import into the school's system.
In a time study involving 72 images, the results were as follows:
Exporting the images for school system integration took 36 seconds.
Exporting the images as a PSPA file for yearbook creation took 25 seconds.
While I do not have exact timings for Lightroom or other software, achieving these tasks in around 30 seconds is notably efficient – and if you have any comparable stats using other programs, I’d love to hear from you!
End to End QR workflow
MaxLab includes a built-in data capture system that utilises QR codes for a seamless workflow. You can create photography lists with student data, generate QR codes for each student you photograph to link the data to the images, and use the same QR codes as access points for parents to view their images online. On the day of photography, students can take their QR-coded cards away with them, allowing them to access their images faster – and for orders to start coming in straight away.
Data Search
MaxLab’s advanced search capabilities allow you to efficiently locate specific data within your imported files. You can perform searches based on a variety of criteria, including:
Student Names:Â Quickly find images or records associated with particular students by searching for their names across multiple years, making a journey product (see image below) possible.
ID Numbers and Tokens:Â Search using unique identifiers or tokens, which helps in locating specific records or images associated with these codes.
File Names: Easily retrieve images or files by searching for specific names or patterns in the filenames.
Camera EXIF Data: Access detailed metadata from camera settings, such as date, time, and camera model, which aids in pinpointing images based on technical details.
This advanced search functionality helps you manage and organise large volumes of data, making it much faster to find and work with specific jobs and images. Reducing the time spent manually searching through files increases overall efficiency and productivity.
Data manipulation
MaxLab provides robust data manipulation tools that facilitate editing large quantities of data within a data grid. You can efficiently manage and modify your data using CSV exports and imports, allowing you to:
Edit Data in Bulk:Â Make adjustments to large datasets directly within the data grid, which is particularly useful for updating or correcting multiple records simultaneously.
Utilise CSV Exports:Â Export your data to CSV files for easy offline manipulation. This feature allows you to use spreadsheet software to make extensive changes, add new information, or perform batch edits.
Import Data:Â After making adjustments in the CSV file, import the updated data back into MaxLab. This streamlined process ensures that your changes are quickly reflected in the system.
These tools enable fast and efficient data management, making it simple to keep your records accurate and up-to-date.
In Conclusion
If you're a bulk image provider, you'll undoubtedly experience significant efficiencies with MaxLab. A recent MaxLab user shared that since adopting MaxLab, they no longer need to do any overtime in the busy periods. I think that says it all.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this blog diving into the detail of some of MaxLab Client’s time-saving features. If you’d like to know more about how MaxLab can help your business save time and increase productivity, contact our team to book a call.
Â
Comments