At Barnett Signs, we have been building signs since 1971. Over the past 55 years, the tools of the trade have evolved considerably, and the newest innovation impacting the business is AI. Yet, great signs still require skilled people who know how to build, install, and service them. AI isn’t replacing the welder in the shop, the installer in the bucket truck, or the technician troubleshooting a problem. Rather, it is helping to expedite the behind-the-scenes work around these skilled trades, and here is how we are leaning into it.
#1: Smarter Quoting and Estimating
When quoting a new sign project, you must collect, sort, and digest a vast amount of information to provide an accurate estimate. Everything from measurements and materials to labor and equipment to permitting and travel must all be taken into account.
Before AI, we did all of this by hand. Now, with AI sign industry tools, it can help us better categorize and organize project information, identify missing details, compare previous projects, and support more consistent estimating. This gives our experienced team members more time to focus on higher-value decisions. So, while AI provides us with information and efficiency, our professionals can focus on the judgment needed to verify and accurately assess projects.
#2: Enhanced Sign Visualization
Helping clients visualize a sign before fabrication has long been part of professional sign design. AI is expanding those capabilities, allowing us to provide faster early concepts, environmental mockups, and design variations. With AI sign industry tools, we can explore different ideas with our clients before committing to a direction.
Of course, while AI can generate an attractive image, it isn’t the same as designing a sign that can actually be manufactured, engineered, permitted, and installed. Rather, AI gives our clients a sneak peek of the possibilities that our professional design team then turns into real-world products.
#3: Heightened Project Flow Efficiency
Sign projects require dozens of moving pieces: surveys, permits, drawings, manufacturing, freight, crews, equipment, installation, service, and customer communication, to just name a few. AI helps connect them with:
The result is simple: AI sign industry applications reduce administrative friction and allow teams to spend more time completing valuable work.
At the end of the day, the sign industry will always need skilled professionals to make these products come to life. We will always need electricians to wire signs, operators to drive cranes, and designers to turn ideas into reality.
AI innovations simply make the process smarter and quicker, allowing professionals to quote faster, communicate better, visualize earlier, and manage projects more efficiently. At Barnett Signs, we are embracing changes in the AI sign industry without losing the craftsmanship behind the finished product.
Family-owned since 1971, Barnett Signs helps businesses select, fabricate, install, and maintain signage built for their brand and environment. If you’re planning your next commercial signage project, make a consultation appointment with Barnett Signs to discuss your needs and start bringing your vision to life.