In Part 1 of this blog series, we focused on the sign ordering process. Our fictitious customer, Norm, was concerned about the safety of pedestrians in his parking lot, due to an area where vehicles were driving too fast. Mike, our Sales Representative, took a look at the area and gave Norm his recommendation for how to alleviate the problem. Mike explained the different sign and style options and put together a proposal to upgrade all the signs in Norm’s parking lot. Norm decided to move forward with the project, which leads us to Part 2 of our sign process blog….production.
SIGN PRODUCTION
STEP 1: Understand the Project
As soon as a customer has approved the proposed work, our sign production team gets busy. Using the information gathered by our sales representative, they make themselves familiar with the project. They make note of the quantity of signs that have been ordered, as well as sign and post types and style details. This information helps them identify what material, if any, need to be ordered.
STEP 2: Order Materials
Our fictional customer, Norm, placed an order for all of the signs in his parking lot to be upgraded to custom decorative signs. Based on this information, our production team would immediately know that they have special materials that need to be ordered. They would order sheets of aluminum for the sign backing plates, aluminum sign posts and decorative finials.
Decorative Sign Parts: Standard handicap accessible signs, black powder coated backing plate, decorative finials and square sign posts.
STEP 3: Prepare the Parts
Once all of the ordered materials have been received, our sign production team starts preparing all the parts. The aluminum sheeting for the backing plate is cut to the appropriate size and shape based on the sign that will be mounted to it and all sign posts are cut to their required length. The backing plates, sign posts and finials are then powder coated in a color of the customers choosing.
STEP 4: Wrap It Up
The final step of the production process is to literally wrap up the sign pieces in plastic and package them to be shipped, delivered or installed. The work is now ready to be scheduled.
CUSTOMIZED SIGNS
There are times when a customer wants their sign to be a special size or shape. They may also want it to include special wording or graphics. In this situation, there would be some additional steps involved in the production process.
If a customer orders a sign that isn’t a standard size or shape, we will cut out a custom aluminum sign blank using our CNC router.
Custom cut sign blank
The sign blank would then either be powder coated or would have reflective sheeting applied to it. If the customer requires special wording, our sign production team will cut and apply custom vinyl graphics to the sign blank. The color and font of the vinyl graphics can also be customized, as long as they meet federal sign regulations.
Custom cut sign blank, powder coated black with white vinyl graphics and custom logo
Rolls of vinyl in different colors
Depending on the complexity, certain artwork and logos need to be digitally printed before being applied to the sign.
Left: Sign blank covered in white reflective sheeting
Right: Digitally printed graphics to be applied to the sign blank
STOCK ITEMS
Otto’s sign shop also keeps certain materials in stock at all times. Our stock items include standard traffic signs and sign posts, as well as sign mounting brackets. Keeping these items on hand allows us to complete simple sign projects as quickly as possible. For instance, an order for one standard handicap accessible parking sign on a standard galvanized u-channel post could be filled and scheduled for install much sooner than a custom decorative sign.
Handicap Accessible sign being pulled from the stock shelf for an upcoming project
Next month we’ll go into detail about the sign installation process. Stay tuned…you won’t want to miss it.