GreenSquare just introduced their line of flat table signs to complement their curved counterpart.  Vista System International acquired the Australian company in the beginning of 2012 looking for a company that had the same modular construction as its MCFT (Modular Curved Frame Technology) line.  These interior signs were designed for a number of vertical applications, some of which are included below.

• Retail – Table signs are used to highlight discounts and special promotions
• Restaurants – These interior signs suggest daily lunch or dinner specials or perhaps new entrees.
• Hotels – Table signs are used at the main counter listing various services or important information.  They are also used in hotel spas and workout facilities listing hours of operation, pricing information and club rules.
• Office Buildings – Department information, phone or contact information are just two of the ways table signs are used.
• Hospitals – Hospitals use a variety of interior signs including table signs.  Visitor instructions, emergency information, on-call numbers and staff schedules are just a few examples.

GreenSquare, like its MCFT counterpart, has a complete line of flat interior signs to complement their table signs.  The signs come in a wide variety of standard sizes to fit almost any application.  Due to their modular nature, it is quite simple to create custom signs should the project warrant that level of specificity.  They’re easy to install and even easier to maintain.  If you have desktop software and a local printer you can replace your inserts in minutes.  Simply put, GreenSquare makes interior signs simple! B7W76UZBSV6G

Wall signs are typically used as wayfinding or directional signs.  In this, the first part of the series, I’d like to introduce the new GreenSquare wall frames and the pertinent information you need to know.

Wall signs increase visibility to your product or business.  They can be used as both interior or exterior signage as office signs or in the walkway or courtyard, respectively.  You might easily see wall signs in retail establishments, restaurants and airports hanging overhead, on posts or at the checkout counter.  Wall frames provide great POP (Point of Purchase) presence announcing a current sale, a future promotion or a new product that just hit the market.

Wall frames are also popular in schools, universities and office buildings.  Office signs with an employee or professor’s name and title are very common.  Office signs may also be used as directional signs, highlighting building or department locations or simply controlling traffic patterns.

Wall signs can be mounted on any vertical flat surface and come in numerous sizes and shapes.  The GreenSquare catalog lists many of the more common ones but you can customize your wall signs given the modularity of the product.  They’re all cut from larger extrusions so it is quite easy, and inexpensive, to have wall frames tailored to your office specifications.  In many cases it’s modularity allows you to match existing signage.

The flat wall signs by GreenSquare as depicted in the illustration are also aesthetically pleasing and crafted to complement even the most discriminating interior designs.

As mentioned in the previous article, Vista System just introduced it’s new line of GreenSquare flat signs at the NBM show in Long Beach, CA.  To help educate and inform everyone on the new product line, here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

1.  What types of flat signs are available in the GreenSquare system?

• A:  Wall signs (standard, floating, floating corner, directory), table signs, flag signs and suspended signs.

2.  Does GreenSquare provide both interior signage and exterior options?

• A: The system is mainly for interior use but supports a variety of outdoor applications.

3.  What sizes are supported?

• A:  The system supports a variety of sizes up to 100cm x 100cm / 40″.

4.  Does GreenSquare support using firm inserts and Braille components?

• A:  Yes to both.  The flat signs support firm inserts based on a special cover extrusion and the same extrusion also supports Braille for the visually impaired.  For interior signage applications paper inserts are widely used stand alone or in conjunction with firm inserts such as engraved or ADA inserts.

5.  Is GreenSquare a modular signage system?

•   A:  Yes.  This is true for both interior signage and exterior signage applications.

6.  Is it possible to order flat signs not included in the catalog?

• A:  Yes.  Since it is a modular sign system it supports non-catalog sizes.  Contact your sign professional for assistance on custom sizes.

7.  In which colors are the flat signs offered?

• A:  The aluminum extrusions are available in the same three finishes as the curved system, namely brushed aluminum, black and gold.

Please reference the site FAQs for more general sign frame information.

Vista System unveiled their new GreenSquare flat sign frames at this year’s NBM show in Long Beach, CA to complement their curved wayfinding sign system (MCFT) product line.  Vista System is a leading international sign manufacturer of modern, contemporary sign frames.

Overall, show traffic was steady but picked up significantly throughout the afternoon.  Sign professionals from all over the country converged in Long Beach and showed significant interest in both modular sign systems.  For those familiar with the curved wayfinding system, the new flat sign frames provide an equally compelling and aesthetically pleasing alternative to add to their existing product line.

The Vista System representatives were very excited about the prospects of the new system consisting of wall signs, directory signs, flag signs, corner and table sign frames.  With this comprehensive suite of wayfinding products, Vista System can now compete in the “flat” space with the same level of quality and service as the curved line.

As with the curved modular sign system, the inserts are easy to maintain.  The clear covers are removed with the suction cup and support paper inserts for just in time sign maintenance – at no cost!  They also support acrylic engraved materials, including ADA, and numerous other substrates.  If the insert is not flexible, you simply disconnect one of the special cover extrusions mechanically fastened to the frame.  In either case, it’s simple and fast.

We’ll cover the flat system in more detail in our upcoming post but for now it’s back to the show!

When looking for detailed information for Vista sign frames please consult the technical area on their main website.  Whether you’re a builder, architect or Vista System Ambassador like us, this technical area has tons of information on their architectural signage offerings.  This includes, but is not limited to, information across all product lines enabling the incorporation of Vista sign frames into architectural plans or blueprints, the ability to establish an architectural signage schedule suitable for proposal and detailed information on installation of Vista sign frames.  Included are web links, spreadsheets and 3D images that make this all possible.  The MCFT system is also LEED certified.

There are three main sections, but I’ll cover the most pertinent areas of each in this article.  Please feel free to check out the site as it is targeted to builders and architects and, to a lesser extent, Vista System ambassadors.

• Products – Under assembled signs you will find assembly instructions, technical drawings, specifications and BIM models for all categories of Vista sign frames.

• Custom Products – You will find architectural signage data sheets for the entire Vista line including inserts and VBS components.  You will also find the Vista System Components catalog in 9 different languages.  As a Vista System Ambassador we rely on this a lot in communicating with our clients and you will find it equally beneficial.

• Specifications – This section includes certifications surrounding all classes of Vista sign frames including powder coating, anodizing, vacuum forming of plastic and ISO 9001 certifications.

The technical area helps facilitate incorporating Vista architectural signage into your next project.  For custom applications let us know and we can engage Vista to leverage your time and energy.

Vista System recently installed multi part, double-sided pylon signs in Hilversum, Netherlands.  Vista System is a world leader in the mcft system (modular curved frame technology) which consists of a wide array of both interior and exterior signage.

These particular pylon signs appear to have four-color printed vinyl inserts either applied to the acrylic covers that come with the frames or applied to some other type of substrate.  Vista System designs their exterior signage to withstand the elements so the sign inserts chosen but be as equally resilient.  What’s great about mcft is that you can complement the pylon signs with directory signs, wayfinding signs and others to create the same look and feel across the shopping center as highlighted in this example.

Another benefit of mcft is its modularity.  In this particular example there are four panels, but there could have been three or five or six depending on the particular application.  In addition, Vista System provides both illuminated and non-illuminated variations of exterior signage depending on whether you’re a destination shop or simply looking for branding.  Lastly, sign installation is simple especially if you have an on-site facilities staff or local handyman to do the job.  Where permitting is required it’s best to consult your local sign company.

Given the variations of all the post and pylon signs offered by Vista System please refer to the PDF catalog for curved pylon signs or flat pylon signs or call for personal assistance.

Which file types would you use to create images for your sign frame inserts?  Vista signs make it easy to implement inserts into your office signs, but consider the following before making your decision.

File types will fall into two basic categories – vector and raster (or bit map) images.  The primary difference between them is that raster images are based on pixels and vector images are based on paths or strokes.  From a visceral standpoint, a vector image can be enlarged without distortion whereas bitmap images will distort the larger the image becomes.

Let’s say I’m installing a number of Vista sign frames in the building and my office signs consist of wall signs, table signs, directory signs and poster frames.  If I’m just going to put textual content on my directory signs for example I need not worry about a vector image here.  If I have a sign frame on my door with a picture of myself I may get by with a bit map image assuming the image resolution is high and the image size is reasonably small.

On the other hand, let’s say there are Vista signs in the break rooms and common areas with employee safety information consisting of full-color photo backgrounds and text.  In these cases I would highly recommend a vector image for maximum visibility.

If you’re not sure if a PDF, JPG or AI file is appropriate for your sign frame insert consult with your graphic designer or simply print it to size and make the determination yourself.

Signage is one of the last things companies or campuses will do upon moving into or remodeling their buildings.  For purposes of illustration, we’ll focus on wayfinding signs here but it could apply to any type of signage.

Let’s assume you’ve invested the time and energy into a uniform sign program and some modular approach for your wayfinding signs such as Vista signs.  Even if you’re successful in managing your signage program in-house what other factors must you consider?

1. Attrition
2. Sign Distributors
3. Central Purchasing

Attrition at either your company or the sign company can cause the sign program to be compromised.  Graphics or templates get lost or discarded.  The wayfinding sign inserts must be re-created and the colors, fonts and calibration values of the machines must also be re-created too to mirror the existing signage.

There are numerous sign distributors throughout the country so if the material or product that you’re trying to source is not very common, it becomes a formidable challenge for your local sign company to procure.  Sign distributors also change their materials over time so it’s possible that even if you were able to find it you may discover that it’s not exactly what your originally installed.  Acrylic or faux metal inserts for wayfinding signs is just one example where this can occur.

Finally, set up a single point of contact when ordering your signage especially if you have distributed offices or are located in a campus environment.  Establishing a central purchasing entity will mitigate any downstream issues.

What is it about a modular sign system that helps drive a successful enterprise-wide implementation of office signage? Simply defined, a modular sign system is a set of core components that can be assembled in different configurations with different options that when put together look like a custom sign system yet for a fraction of the price. There are numerous advantages, but with respect to architectural signage, it means a common, aesthetic look and feel throughout the company. The office signage is consistent from the directory signs, to the door signs to the desk signs and nameplates. The color schemes of the office signage complement the building decor.

So exactly what are the key characteristics of a sign system that enable a successful implementation?

• Common Goal
• Dedication
• Implementation

First, you need to have a common goal when it comes to your architectural signage. Everyone must be on board from creative design services to facilities to upper management. It also implies a consistent message to the employees surrounding the goals of the new signs.

Dedication means that as a team you’re willing to work through the details surrounding your architectural signage. This includes the type of sign inserts or nameplates, color schemes and placement. For most small business implementations simply go with makes the most common sense. For larger implementations, your local sign contractor can provide guidance.

Lastly, just do it. Remember the goals that you set out initially for your sign system and make them happen. If you navigate the first two steps this step is actually the most fun and exciting.

Having worked with Vista System sign frames over the last several years there are five primary reasons people choose Vista over the competition.

• Quality – Vista System provides high quality sign frames at an affordable price.  These are not some cheap sign frames that will break down within the year or fail to withstand the elements.  Their product line is quite comprehensive and includes wall frames, desk name plates, directory signs, blade signs and others for both interior and exterior use.

• Modularity – Vista sign frames come in a wide array of shapes and sizes.  This modular sign system is called the MCFT system by Vista which stands for Modular Curved Frame Technology.  Combined with the product line this modularity provides a common look and feel across your campus or business complex.

• Cost – Although there’s always less expensive product out there, Vista System sign frames allow you to do the maintenance yourself without having to engage your local sign company to replace a name plate when someone gets promoted of leaves.  With paper inserts, the cost of maintenance is zero AND the time frame to get it replaced is solely dependent on how long it takes you to print out the new sign.

• Aesthetics – With elegant brushed silver, black and gold finishes available they will significantly enhance the room decor.  Vista sign frames simply look great – enough said.

• Support – Vista stands behind the products they sell and their customer support staff is in a league of their own.

Next time you’re in need of a modular sign system and quality sign frames choose Vista System – you’ll be glad you did.