Software for laser cutting

[PeterCharles]

Does anyone know if current laser cutting software can cope with cutting holes etc in a sheet pre-cut to the finished overall size?

What I'm thinking is that rather than put an oversize sheet up and cut out the finished overall rectangle together with internal holes, there may be some advantage in getting the rectangles sheared to size then just using the laser to cut the holes. Finished sizes 1' - 3' wide x 3' - 10' long in .25" mild steel plate. Would I need a fixed location point and edge on the table, or is software available that will identify the extents and alignment of the plate and cut the holes accordingly.

I ask this after having a colleague describe seeing a cnc machine tool machine a series of blocks placed on a work table in random alignments. The software automatically amended the cutting path after measuring the extents of the blocks.