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Flat Suspended Signs from Vista System

Vista Suspended Sign FramesVista System, the pioneer of MCFT (Modular Curved Frame Technology) wayfinding technology, recently launched flat suspended signs to expand its already robust product portfolio.  The suspended signs complement the wall signs, corner signs, table signs and directory signs which comprise the rest of the offering.

Suspended signs, like their wayfinding counterparts, are used in a variety of ways.  They are used for advertising purposes including new product promotion as well as branding.  Suspended signs are also used in corridors or hallways as directional or wayfinding signs.  Finally, they can be used as destination signs such as over an information booth or registration counter in a hotel, convention center, campus or similar venue.

Suspended signs are extremely advantageous where wall space is limited or non-existent.  This also holds true for large passageways where flag signs or standing signs might not reach the intended audience.They are also used to mitigate or deter vandalism, acceptable ceiling height limits permitted of course.

Due to the nature of this type of sign the copy should be relatively static.  For example, unlike wall or table signs where an employee nameplate can be easily accessed and replaced, the same may not necessarily apply to suspended signs.  Although the Vista System line does allow you to replace an insert in minutes it doesn’t account for the time it takes to physically get to the sign!

The sign frames support a wide variety of substrates to match any decor.  With custom sizes and colors available, Vista System can meet or exceed the most demanding wayfinding specifications.

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File Types and Sign Frame Inserts

Sign Frame Vector Image IllustrationWhich 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.

 

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How to Effectively Maintain Your Signage Program

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. AttritionVista Signage Schedule Blueprint
  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.