Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1451379
6 2 G R A P H I C S P R O A U G U S T 2 0 2 2 G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M needing to sew a hem are no longer necessary for most applications." He singles out Banner Ups by Budnick for its great line of banner tapes and adhesive grommet tabs that make production fast, simple, and effective. ey also improve the strength of the banner, which Robertson says is key to protecting outdoor signage from wind damage or improper installation. "You won't have grommets tearing out, and you can do quick repairs to a damaged banner without remov- ing it," he says. "When we demonstrate how these products work, jaws drop every time." SEG fabric frames continue to dominate the indoor banner space, emerging as a popular sight in retail environments, airports, museums, and convention centers. In addition to pro- viding a clean and soft finished look, fabric banners can present vibrant images with low glare. Robertson says the widespread adoption of these SEG (silicone edge graphics) fabric prints has dramatically improved shipping and installation. Fabric is light- weight but durable, resisting unsightly creases and crinkles, plus it can be installed by one person with little- to-no prior experience. Kofman says the market is not only expanding in materials and finishes but also configurations and availability. She points to new retractable banner stands as a notable upgrade, featuring smooth, high-end vinyl or matte finishes. e year ahead presents valuable opportu- nities for print service providers to enhance productivity, improve prof itability, and strengthen customer relationships, accord- ing to Canon. Designers believe an expanded range of quality product materials, as well as significant techno- logical investments in enhanced digital printing methods, will play an essential role in the successes of many operations – strengthen- ing print's value in an increasingly web-based world. LET'S GET TECHNICAL All industry professionals preferred to keep specific technolog- ical upgrades under their caps; however, Mark Jaroszewski says SOARDISTUSA just invested in significantly larger digital print- ers, resulting in near-triple capacity. "Quality and speed are of huge importance to our customers," he says. "e new equipment gives customers more choices, while using less material and requiring less finishing work on our end. Now, we can print faster without sacrificing the integrity of the quality." Westmoreland says National Banner Company is investing in its future as well by purchasing pivotal equipment as finances allow. A recent upgrade, for example, elevated printing capacity from a couple hundred square feet per hour to more than 1,000 square feet per hour. Sometimes, in-house technological investments do not make economic sense and businesses must think outside the box. With retractable banners climbing in demand at Signarama, Kofman is strategically partnering with suppliers who offer the necessary equipment. Doing so allows her business to continue serving cus- tomer requests without making a big-ticket purchase of her own. As customer expectations creep higher and technology evolves to meet growing demand, automated workflows become increas- ingly important. Customers can easily place orders, submit jobs, monitor work status, and control branding, plus better manage spending as a result. Canon reminds print service providers: those who invest in enhancing customers' overall service experience build stronger client relationships that are less likely threatened by price competition. SOARDISTUSA recently implemented its own form of automa- tion – a new client relationship management system. e com- prehensive software effectively links various facets of the business, from inventory management and accounting to its formal CRM tool. Jaroszewski points to an increase in employee productivity and efficiency due to the investment. He says taking steps out of SEG fabric frames continue to dominate the indoor banner space, emerging as a popular sight in retail environments, airports, museums, and convention centers. (Image courtesy Gyford) A banner printed on a Roland TrueVIS VG2-540. (Image courtesy Roland DGA)