Summa (Gistel, Belgium) has released a new version of their GoProduce software, GoProduce Flatbed Edition 3.0 according to a press release. This software is expressly tailored to Summa’s flatbed cutter range, the F Series. As a result, the in-house developed software ensures optimal use of the flatbed cutters and efficiency in customers’ production processes. GoProduce was originally released in 2019 as the first software module within Summa’s GoSuite platform. The specification ‘Flatbed Edition’ has now been added to the software name to make a clear distinction in the software available, as ..read more

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts (coming soon) | Spotify (coming soon) | Youtube | Podcast.co In the first of a two-part series, we speak with Heather David, co-founder of the San Jose Signs Project. Where did she get the idea to save many of the retro signs and neon in and around San Jose, CA? The project has preserved many iconic signs including Andy’s Pet Shop from 1950 and the Stephen’s Meat Products Dancing Pig. The effort started with the Blue Angel Motel in Las Vegas and is now spreading across the country. Sponsored by: Van Ladder Bucket Trucks About The Sign Industry Podcast The Sign Indu ..read more

We dive into the history of the sign industry’s oldest trade journal, highlighting some interesting facts about how it all started to where it’s headed. Did you know that SOT is nearly 120 years old? Not quite that long ago, Mark started at the company that published Signs of the Times as director of their book division. You may recall seeing Mark selling books out of the SOT booth at tradeshows. In 2016, he moved to the editorial staff of the magazine and from there, well, you’ll have to listen to find out. Host Eric Larsen and Mark also turn out to have similar interests when it comes to wh ..read more

ERIC E. LARSEN is a sign designer with decades of experience. Throughout his career he’s interacted with sign pros in every department of a sign business, from ownership, sales and marketing to fabrication and installation. He’s the Illuminated Signs columnist for Signs of the Times and the topics he’s written about over the years have connected with many readers. We don’t want to give too much away about Eric. You’ll want to listen to this first episode — and every episode — of The Sign Industry Podcast to catch all the insights and intrigue, and most of all, the fun. Subscribe on Apple Pod ..read more

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SOME DECISIONS ARE more difficult than others. “What does it take to ‘fire’ a customer?” is one such determination. The concept rubs hard against the grain of doing business. Companies should grow their number of customers, not reduce. Word of mouth about a business — either good or bad from any customer — is vital, and breaking up with a client may jeopardize that… Conversely, “When should I hire a salesperson?” makes frequent appearances in our Brain Squad submissions to ‘Ask Signs of the Times.’ The conditions and considerations leading to this verdict are many and varied. Some sign compani ..read more

Signs of the Times will be involved in the ISA International Sign Expo 2024 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL in several ways. Wednesday, April 10 Based in Booth 2900 at the Expo, Signs of the Times will be hosting livestream episodes of The Sign Industry Podcast by Eric E. Larsen, our Illuminated Signs columnist, and assisted by his son, Jacob Larsen. Eric and Jacob will conduct some interviews in our booth and others on the show floor. In addition, three pre-recorded episodes of The Sign Industry Podcast will become available through signsofthetimes.com/podcast. 4 p.m. Th ..read more

Keypoint Intelligence (Fairfield, NJ) has made available the 2023 North American Software Investment Outlook Report and the 2023 North American Print MIS/ERP Investment Outlook Report, according to a press release. The 2023 North American Software Investment Outlook Report examines the financial performance, technological advancements, market trends and operational challenges for print service providers, in-plants and specialized printing firms. The report provides additional insight into automation, the impact of an aging workforce and interest in AI technologies. The 2023 North American MIS ..read more

Mimaki USA (Suwanee, GA) recently announced TRAPIS, a digital transfer sublimation printing system that makes textile production more environmentally friendly compared to conventional methods, according to a press release. TRAPIS is the company’s pigment transfer textile printing system, whose name is derived from the words “Transfer,” “Pigment,” and “System.” It comprises a Mimaki inkjet printer, Mimaki original inks, dedicated transfer paper available from Mimaki, and a dedicated transfer unit from Klieverik or Monti Antonio. With TRAPIS, a design printed on special paper is transferred to t ..read more

MUTOH America (Phoenix) is partnering with Wasatch Computer Technology (Salt Lake City) to offer a complimentary RIP software package with MUTOH dye-sublimation printers, according to a press release. The software package contains a six-month free trial for Wasatch SoftRIP, which comes fully loaded with the latest functions and features, including the new Imaging Configurations for wide color gamut and optimized ink usage. The trial period applies to new MUTOH dye-sublimation printers purchased on or after April 1, 2024, for the following models: RJ-900X VJ-1938WX VJ-1948WX VJ-2638WX XPJ-1642 ..read more