For businesses looking to add signage to their facilities, modular systems are clearly a great option. The benefits of modular signage systems are plentiful. Modular signage not only provides a professional look, it’s also a sustainable, updateable solution in locations where it’s installed—whether indoors or out.
对于希望在他们的建筑设施中增加标识系统的企业而言，模块化的标识系统显然是一个很好的选择。这种标识系统的好处很多，将标识系统模块化不仅能够提供专业的外观，而且无论是在室内还是室外都是一种可持续、可随时更新的标识系统解决方案。
“Modular signage offers both large and small businesses and organizations an ideal wayfinding/branding solution,” says Bill Freeman, vice president of Architectural Sales at Howard Industries, Fairview, Pa. “The system’s ease of assembly, installation and changeability is a no-brainer for sign shops.”
宾夕法尼亚州Fairview的Howard Industries公司建筑销售副总裁Bill Freeman表示：“模块化的标识系统为大型、小型企业和组织提供了理想的导视系统解决方案，该系统对于标识商店来说，非常易于对标识进行组装、安装和更换。”
Modular signage is available in numerous styles and its precision engineered components all but guarantee each sign will look and perform as it is designed. It can be easily installed and then swapped out and combined with decorative backers, providing eye-catching systems that effectively brand a company with the people working at or visiting the facility.
模块化的标识系统有多种模式可供选择，其精密设计的标识部件可以保证每个标识的外观和性能都符合设计要求。它可以随时根据标识的装饰背衬进行安装和更换，通过引人注目的标识特征来高效地为公司中的工作人员或来到公司拜访的客人提供清晰的方向指引。
Increased Demand
需求增加
Increasingly, modular signs are being specified and requested by architects, designers and customers because of their versatility and all-around quality. With this surge in demand, modular sign manufacturers are expanding their product lines to accommodate a broader range of sign types. “A lot of sign types which at one point had to be custom fabricated, are now easily fabricated using existing components to design custom looking signs. Also, with the current state of the economy, many landlords are looking for signs that require inexpensive change outs because of the large turn-over of tenants,” states Stewart Curtis, owner/operator at Component Signage, Inc. (CSI) .
由于其多功能性和信息全面的优势，建筑师、设计师和客户越来越多地指定和要求制作模块化的标识系统。随着需求的激增，模块化的标识制造商开始不断地扩展其产品线，以适应更广泛的标识类型。Component Signage（CSI）公司的老板Stewart Curtis说：“大部分的标识产品都是定制生产的，而现在我们可以使用现有的标识部件来设计外观个性化的标识。此外，随着目前的经济发展，由于租户不断地在变动，许多老板都希望能在节省成本的情况下对标识进行更换和安装。”
“The key benefit to sign shops offering these types of products and services is simple; modular products and services are in high demand and a company that offers those products will be able to take advantage of a large customer base. An added benefit of modular products is that they tend to be more consistent in their construction. This leads to more consistent, quality signs that last longer, and can give a sign shop a good reputation with supplying quality products. One other benefit of a modular system is the customer even has the option to easily modify the sign after it is installed,” Curtis adds.
Curtis补充说：“标识商店提供这种类型的标识产品和服务所带来的好处是显而易见的：模块化的产品和服务的需求量很大，拥有提供这种业务的公司能够更好地为他们庞大的客户群体服务；其次，模块化产品的另一个优势在于它们的结构统一性，这样可以提供更加整齐、优质的标识产品，并且可以为标识商店赢得良好的声誉；另外，模块化标识系统还有一个好处是当标识安装完成后，客户也可以随时轻松地修改标识内容。”
Changing Trends in Modular Signage Market
模块化标识市场的发展趋势
Over the past number of years, the modular signage market has gone through several changes. “We’ve seen a continuing decline of the traditional injection molded plastic and extruded aluminum band systems that dominated the market since the early 1980s,” says John Herren, general manager at Arris Signs in Atlanta, Ga. “Ten years ago, the most successful systems were those that offered the broadest range of aluminum parts, shapes and pieces, the most successful systems now are the ones with the best solutions to display digital output. And of course, looks remain an important part of the equation as well,” he adds.
在过去的几年中，模块化标识市场不断地在发生着变化。乔治亚州亚特兰大市Arris Signs公司的总经理John Herren说：“自20世纪80年代初以来，我见证了曾经占据市场主导地位的传统注塑塑料和挤压铝带材料的供应在不断下滑。十年前，最成功的系统是那些提供大量的铝制零件的系统，而现在最成功的系统是展示数字输出解决方案的系统，当然，产品外观也是这个变化发生的重要原因。”
Herren points out a more recent trend was the introduction of more organic shapes and decorative laminates into the modular systems market to meet the demand from interior designers for more creative signage options.
Herren指出，最近的趋势是在模块化的标识市场中引入更多相似形状的标识系统和装饰层压板，以满足室内设计师更具创意的标识定制需求。
“With modular systems, this has been accomplished with decorative backers attached to standard sign frames but we’ve also seen custom fabricated acrylic window signs incorporating laminates and decorative finishes within the core sign construction itself,” Herren says. “Although the influx of more finishes and shapes has benefited the design community, the challenge for modular systems providers has been to incorporate these expensive options into a modular concept and still be price competitive with custom-fabricated solutions.”
Herren说：“模块化的标识系统已经通过在标准的标识框架基础上增加装饰性的背衬来实现了，但是我们仍旧可以看到一些定制的组合式亚克力窗面标识，也是在它们的核心标识结构中加入了例如层压板和装饰性饰面。虽然图形材料的多样化使设计界有了更多的设计思路，但模块化标识系统的供应商面临的挑战是将这些昂贵的图形概念纳入模块化标识设计的理念中，并且还要与定制标识的解决方案相比具有价格方面的竞争力。”
Slimmer Designs
超薄化的设计
Herren also reports a third trend where he is seeing a slight shift away from the curved-faced systems that have dominated the modular market for the past 7 to 8 years.
Herren还报告了第三个趋势，他看到在过去的7到8年间，占据模块化标识市场主导地位的曲面系统略有转变。
“The arc of curved signs naturally provides the compression necessary for displaying digital graphics, so it’s no surprise there are so many curved modular products on the market,” Herren says. “However, there seems to be a trend now toward slimmer products within the design community, coinciding with a similar trend with other visual products such as smartphones, computers, tablets, TVs, LED displays, etc. Low profile modular systems that can effectively accommodate digital output provide new, refreshing alternatives to the curve for clients seeking a slim design.”
Herren说：“标识弯曲的弧线自然地提供了显示数字图形所需的压缩空间，因此市场上出现如此多的弯曲模块化产品并不奇怪。然而，现在似乎有一种趋势，即设计界内的产品更加纤薄，与其他视觉产品（如智能手机、电脑、平板电脑、电视、LED显示屏等）的趋势相似。超薄型模块化标识系统可以有效适应数字输出，为寻求超薄设计的客户提供令人耳目一新的标识解决方案。”
Patrick Heatherington, senior manager of marketing and product management at ASI in Dallas is seeing more branding elements becoming a major issue in this market.
达拉斯ASI市场营销和产品管理高级经理Patrick Heatherington认为，多元化的品牌元素是这个市场发展的主要原因。
“Brand identity integration and custom design elements are being worked more and more into modular systems,” Heatherington says. “For the past decade, we’ve seen a continued increase in design accents, color-accurate brand identity logos, graphics and natural materials being integrated into modular signage. With the commoditization of materials from companies like 3form and the addition of finishing services like print on panel, this trend will continue going forward.”
Heatherington说：“品牌识别的整合和定制设计元素越来越多地被应用于模块化的标识系统中，在过去的十年里，我们看到设计风格独特、色彩丰富的品牌识别徽标、图形和天然材料被整合到模块化的标识系统中。随着3form等公司的材料商品化以及面板印刷等加工服务的增加，这一趋势将继续向前发展。”
Going Green
注重环保
Ophir Yerushalmy, PR manager at Vista System LLC, Sarasota, Fla. points to more green trends coming into play.
佛罗里达州萨拉索塔Vista系统公司的公关经理Ophir Yerushalmy指出，近年来，人们的绿色环保意识也在不断地加强。
“There is a transition toward more green products and processes,” Yerushalmy says. “This trend includes many different changes that are slowly being adopted and include such issues as: decreasing, if not eliminating, the use of adhesives; the selection of recycled and recyclable packaging materials in addition to the redesign efforts performed on the products themselves; and the introduction of LED lighting, which is more energy efficient as well as the introduction of solar applications to outdoor signs.
Yerushalmy说：“现在越来越多的产品和制作流程开始注重绿色和环保的主题，这种趋势意味着许多不同的变化开始出现并逐渐为人们所接受。比如减少（而不是完全消除）粘合剂的使用；除了对产品本身进行重新设计的循环使用之外，还可以选择可回收的包装材料进行二次利用；户外引入更加节能的LED照明以及太阳能照明光源。”
“In addition, there is a growing trend for dedicated sector oriented product families, which makes it easier for a sign professional to enter a project with a complete dedicated line of products. For example, the Vista System Healthcare line or the Vista System GYM line have all the signage solutions a sign professional looking to create a sign schedule would need, all oriented to provide him with 100 percent match to said sector standards.”
“此外，专业面向行业的产品系列呈现着一个不断增长的趋势，这使得标识专业人员更容易进入到一个拥有完整专业产品系列的项目。例如，Vista的医疗保健标识系统或Vista健身房标识系统的所有标识解决方案，都是由一个标识专业人士根据标识系统的设计需求，来提供与所述行业标准100％匹配的设计方案。”
He adds that it is very important that sign shops have a modular sign system to offer to their customers.
他补充说，标识商店能为客户提供模块化标识系统的解决方案是非常重要的。
“Even if you consider yourself a custom shop or a specialized manufacturer for specific types of signs, like electric or vehicle graphics, it’s a good idea to be able to offer a modular sign system,” Yerushalmy says. “It’s only a matter of time before your customers request that you supply them with these types of solutions.
Yerushalmy说：“即使目前你将自己的商店定义为一个以定制为主或是针对特定类型来进行营业的标识商店，如电动车辆图形的专业制造商，能够提供模块化的标识系统仍然不失为一个好主意，客户需要你提供这类型的解决方案只是时间问题而已。”
“Modular signage is perfect for wayfinding purposes, P.O.P. signage, trade show signage, ADA signage, digital signage and much more. In fact, there is no limit to the possibilities offered by modern modular sign systems.”
“模块化的标识系统非常适合应用于寻路导向系统、P.O.P.标识、贸易展示标识、ADA标识、数字标识等等，事实上，现代的模块化标识系统具有无限的可能性。”
Pointing You in the Right Direction
为你指引正确的方向
The vast flexibility of modular signage solutions lends great efficiency to wayfinding plans. Herren says that modular signage is ideal for any identification or wayfinding application where future change or expansion is anticipated.
模块化标识系统的巨大灵活性为寻路导向系统提供了高效的解决方案。Herren表示，模块化的标识系统非常适用于跟进未来发生变化或扩展的任何识别或寻路系统。
“This would include corporate environments, healthcare facilities, colleges and universities and government institutions but may not be the most suitable solution for facilities such as hotels or other environments where changes are unlikely or infrequent,” Herren says. “A custom solution with a lower front-end cost may be more appropriate in those cases, but with changes in personnel and/or shifting of departments or offices, modular solutions allow signage to be kept up-to-date much more easily and at a lower cost in the long term.”
Herren说：“模块化的标识系统非常适用于企业环境、医疗机构、学校以及政府机构，但可能不太适合成为酒店或是其他不经常发生变化的环境的标识系统解决方案，针对酒店环境这样的情况，最基本的低成本标识定制解决方案可能会更加合适，但随着人员的变化、部门或办公室的转移，模块化的标识系统解决方案使标识能够更加容易地随时保持最新状态，从长远来看，耗费成本更低。”
“Modular signage systems are an ideal choice for wayfinding directional and information signage simply because wayfinding plans change over time due to tenant and department changes, brand identity changes and expansion and building renovations,” Heatherington adds.
Heatherington补充说：“模块化的标识系统是寻找方向和信息的标识设计理想选择，因为导视系统经常会因为租户和部门的变化、品牌标识的变化以及扩建和建筑改造的变化而随时发生变化。”
Heatherington explains that there are a wide variety of modular systems for interior usage, so the best choice is the one that best complements the design of the architectural environment.
Heatherington解释说，有多种模块化标识系统供室内使用，因此要选择能和建筑物环境设计最为互补的标识系统。
CSI’s Curtis says that wayfinding is an obvious application for modular in that it makes changing out separate lines of copy easy and very affordable.
CSI的柯蒂斯说，寻路标识是模块化标识系统的一个显而易见的应用，它使得更换单独的标识部件变得非常容易并且成本低廉。
“If the customer wants the ability to change out the lines of copy or simply wants the lines cleanly broken up with dividers, CSI offers a divider system for this application,” Curtis says. “A very professional look is to have the panels one color, and the signs, posts, frames, and the divider bars a contrasting color to create a very easy to read and attractive sign. The divider system can also be integrated into monument and pylons for a main ID sign.”
柯蒂斯说：“如果客户希望更换标识部件，或只是希望整体标识线条干净并拥有清晰的分隔线，CSI就会为此应用提供分隔系统，一个专业的外观设计是让面板颜色与标识、柱子、框架和分隔杆形成对比色，以建立一个非常容易阅读和吸引人的标识。分隔系统也可以整合应用到精神堡垒和挂架中，作为主要的地标象征。”
He adds that interior name and room number holders also are an excellent application to use modular signage.
他补充说，室内房间名称和房间号码标识也非常适合使用模块化标识系统。
“Ones that allow the copy to be slid in and out in a matter of seconds makes them extremely versatile in office settings when employee turnover and moving around of offices and cubicles comes into play,” Curtis says.
柯蒂斯说：“只要几秒钟就可以将信息文本放入和滑出标识框，当员工流动和办公室的房间不断变化时，它们在办公室的环境中就变得非常灵活。”
Indoor and Outdoor Solutions
室内和室外解决方案
Modular signage is a good choice for both indoor and outdoor applications.
模块化的标识系统是室内和室外应用的理想选择。
“For indoors, a timeless paper insert modular design allows for future growth and provides the flexibility to easily change copy and graphics using laser printed paper inserts,” Freeman says. “A nice feature to this system is that a custom wood, marbled acrylic or routed accent can be easily added to make these signs blend into a wide variety of building interiors. They are easily customized with clear, non-glare ADA compliant lenses and graphics. This also has some green features with 75 percent of the aluminum used being from recycled material.”
He continues that exterior signage can come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and both illuminated and non-illuminated.
Freeman说：“针对室内标识设计，常见的纸质插入式的模块化标识设计可以为标识系统提供长远的解决方案，并且使用激光打印的纸张插件可以更加轻松灵活地更改复印文本和图形花纹。这个系统的一个很好的优点是添加定制木材或大理石纹亚克力材料也非常方便，可以使这些标识快速融入各种建筑内部，它们可以通过清晰、无眩光的ADA图形轻松定制。这也具有一定的环保性质，因为75％的铝材来自回收材料。外部标识可以有各种形状和尺寸，既有照明功能也有非照明功能。”
“Illuminated signs are good choices for large signs making them popular and functional for primary and secondary site identification, wayfinding, parking and directional applications. They also come with changeable panel options with choice of aluminum panel with routed graphics or polycarbonate panels and vinyl graphics,” Freeman adds.
Freeman补充说：“大型标识拥有照明系统是非常必要的，它能够成为主要和次要场地一个非常受欢迎的识别、寻路、停车和定向指示的功能系统。他们还提供可更换的面板选项，可以选择带有布线图形、聚碳酸酯面板和乙烯基图形的铝制面板。”
Design Options
标识设计的考虑因素
Herren points out that for interior environments, there are two essential factors for modular systems.
Herren指出，对于室内环境，模块化的标识系统有两个重要因素。
“First, ensure that the system offers enough design options to enable it to coordinate aesthetically with the interiors of the facility,” Herren says. “Signs play a key role in a facility’s image, so don’t always go with the cheapest option. Secondly, ease of maintaining a system is critical, so to this end, modular signs that offer a wide range of options for laser printed graphics that can be updated at the facility level make the most sense. Changes happen quickly in today’s fast-paced environment, so providing clients with a system they can update themselves is essential. Some sign shops may view this as losing repeat sign business for insert updates and replacements, but if you don’t provide a solution that’s best for the client, one of your competitors surely will.”
Herren说：“首先，确保系统提供足够的标识设计空间，使其能够与设施内部进行美学协调与搭配，标识在建筑设施的形象中起着关键作用，所以不要总是选择最便宜的选项。其次，维护标识系统的便利性至关重要，因此，可以提供多样化选择的激光打印图形将在模块化标识系统中发挥重要的作用。在当今快节奏的环境中，变化随时都在发生，因此为客户提供他们可以自行更新的系统就显得十分重要了。一些标识商店可能会认为在不断地对标识进行更换的过程中容易丢失重要的信息，然而，如果你不能为你的客户提供最适合他的标识解决方案，那么你的竞争对手就一定能提供。”
For exterior environments, Herren says a primary consideration has to be the overall quality and durability of the system relative to the harshness of the installation environment.
Herren表示，针对外部环境，首要的考虑因素是标识系统的整体质量、耐用性与安装环境的恶劣程度。
“Is it a coastal environment with high winds and salty air? Is it an environment with intense sunlight? Is it an urban environment with a high risk of vandalism? Durable systems with extruded aluminum components and stainless steel hardware are often the smartest choice,” Herren says. “When choosing an exterior modular sign system, make sure it’s well engineered and has a track record of solid performance. Quality is of course important with interior signs as well, but when exposed to harsh elements, it needs to be the primary consideration for exterior signs where the first impression is made upon visitors to a facility.”
Herren说：“这是一个有大风和咸空气的沿海环境吗？这是一个阳光强烈的环境吗？这是一个具有高度破坏风险的城市环境吗？思考以上的问题可以帮助你更好的考虑如何选择合适的标识系统，具有挤压铝部件和不锈钢材质的耐用材料通常是制作标识系统最明智的选择，在选择室外模块化的标识系统时，请确保其设计精良并具有稳定的性能。质量对于内部标识来说也很重要，但是当暴露于情况苛刻的环境中时，它必须成为外部标识的首要考虑因素，拜访者通常会因为室外标识的设计而对相关的建筑产生关键的第一印象。”
Herren states that Arris is a trade-only modular system ideal for signage and P.O.P. displays in virtually any indoor environment.
Herren表示，Arris是一种仅限贸易的模块化标识的系统，非常适合室内标识和P.O.P.展示图形的使用。
“Aluminum sign frames in a wide range of sizes and configurations are shipped pre-fabricated to sign shops that can then easily provide digitally printed graphics, Braille/tactile plaques for ADA compliance, decorative backers and/or other design elements as needed for a particular specification. We feature a slim system, and while it offers a solution for every sign type within a facility, it doesn’t offer so many sizes and configurations so as to be overwhelming for a sign shop.”
“各种尺寸和配置的铝制标识都是标识商店预先制造的标识道具，可以轻松提供数字印刷图形，它们符合ADA标准的盲文/触觉标牌，装饰背衬和特定需要的其他设计元素规范。我们采用超薄的系统，虽然它为建筑设施内的每种标识类型都提供了解决方案，但它并不能提供如此多的尺寸和配置，因此对于标识商店来说也并不是唯一的标识解决方案。”
Maintenance is the Key
注重维护
Heatherington points out that the continued maintenance/upkeep with these products is vital.
Heatherington指出，要使用这些产品，持续的维护和保养至关重要。
“It’s always interesting to see that facility management teams will invest on the initial purchase and installation of a sign system that can cost as much as a brand new Porsche or Mercedes-Benz, but they will fail to do basic maintenance and upkeep,” Heatherington says. “For exterior signage, basic wash-downs with mild-soap and water on a quarterly basis will help the paint finish last longer and remove corrosive chemicals that usually get over-sprayed by grounds-keeping crews.”
Heatherington说：“看到设施管理团队最初将大部分费用用于投资购买和安装标识系统的情景总是很有趣，标识系统的成本可能与全新的保时捷或奔驰的价格一样高，但他们这样将很难有费用进行基本的维护，对于外部标识，每季度都应使用温和的肥皂和水进行基本冲洗，这将有助于延长涂料的使用寿命，并清除被地面保洁人员过度喷洒的腐蚀性化学物质。”
He adds that facilities can save exterior signage by putting basic native vegetation around the base of the sign.
他补充说，在标识底部周围放置合适数量的观赏植物也是对外部标识的一种保护。
“This impedes grounds keeping crews from striking the signs with weed eaters or lawnmowers,” Heatherington says. “For interior signage, it should be wiped down with a dry soft cloth and stains or spots should be removed using a mild soap and water application that is wiped off and dried afterward.”
Heatherington说：“有了这层植物的保护，人们就很难会在使用割草机时撞到标识。对于室内标识而言，应使用干燥的软布擦拭，并且应使用温和的肥皂和水涂抹去除污渍或斑点，然后将其擦干。”
Curtis adds that shops have to tailor their products to their client’s needs and environments they are located in.
柯蒂斯补充说，商店必须根据客户的需求和出于环境因素的考虑来定制标识产品。
“We offer several sign systems that make maintenance and change outs easy for all the parties involved; even in the harshest weather conditions,” Heatherington says. “For instance, when installing post and panel signs, keep in mind the height of the sign along with the jobsite’s ground freeze levels when deciding how far to bury the posts. Most northern state’s freeze levels are 30-inches deep, so you will want to go at least that deep or another six inches below that to ensure adequate mounting depth. If removability is needed, then other mounting options such as mounting sleeves and baseplates are easily integrated options that make moving or replacing whole signs an easy option.”
Heatherington说：“我们能够提供多种标识系统，使所有的客户都能轻松地进行维护和更换。即使在最恶劣的天气条件下，比如在安装柱子和面板标识时，标识的高度以及工地的地面冻结水平将决定埋桩的深浅程度。大多数北方地面的冻结水平一般是30英寸深，因此你的标识至少需要多出六英寸的长度，以确保足够的安装深度。如果需要随时对标识进行拆卸，那么安装的底板，可以选择可轻松拆卸的装置，使移动或更换整个标识成为一种简单的工作。”
“The beauty of many modular signs is that they need minimal upkeep,” Curtis says. “If they are painted using polyurethane paint finishes, like those used by CSI, they can have a finish life of approximately seven years. With products such as our 6-inch framed lighted series being used, changing out bulbs only requires the removal of four screws to easily access the sign internals. If your customer is looking for a sign with multiple tenants or lines of copy, consider going with a multi-message divided sign. This allows the versatility of the copy easily being switched out on-site, which will cut down on costs if a change out is needed.”
柯蒂斯说：“许多模块化标识系统的优势在于它们不需要总是对其进行保养，如果它们使用聚氨酯漆面进行涂漆处理，那么它们的使用寿命大约为七年。在使用我们的6英寸框架照明系列产品时，更换灯泡只需要拆下四个螺丝即可轻松进入标识内部。如果您的客户需求的是包含多个租户或多行的标识系统时，请考虑使用含有信息分隔符号的标识系统。这样可以在现场轻松对标识内容进行更换，对节约成本有很大的帮助。”
Tips for Selecting Modular Signage
安装模块化标识系统的注意事项
• Choose a sign system that is easy to install and update even by in-house staff.
•选择一个易于安装和更新的标识系统，最好是内部员工可以自行进行更换。
• Choose a sign system that has a modern, contemporary and clean look.
•标识系统的外观应该保持时尚、现代和干净。
• Check the product inside out; ask for data sheets that reflect the specifications of the system.
•检查产品的内部结构，要求供应商提供反映系统规格的数据表。
• Check the range of available sizes.
•检查标识可用尺寸的范围。
• Look for a sign system that will support the entire project.
•寻找适合整个项目的标识系统。
• Look for a sign system that offers both modular-pre made, and custom made solutions.
•寻找能够提供模块化标识系统预先规划和定制的解决方案。
• Choose a sign system that is compatible with Braille sign methods.
•选择能够与盲文标识兼容的标识系统。
