Signs and labels are by their very nature highly visual. A sign or label's effectiveness is determined by its ability to visually convey a message.

For this reason, sign manufacturers need to offer products that are highly configurable in terms of size, colors and materials.

Additionally, many manufacturers of products such as measuring tools, test equipment and saftey devices, need to generate custom labels and graphics.

TechniCon's CustomCommerce platform offers a unique range of capabilities to present highly visual products online.

Using CustomCommerce's visual configuration capabilities, TechniCon developed a system for a sign manufacturer that guides users to generate custom signs and labels.

For any sign, a number of factors have to be considered, e.g. how will the sign be used, how will it be mounted, will it be inside or outside, does it need to be reflective?

Using the TechniCon system, users are walked through the selection process. Standard and "up-sell" options are presented using graphics and descriptions that lead users to the best choice for their particular application.

A tabbed interface allows users to easily move back and forth through the selection process. Experienced users can bypass the guided process, jumping directly to the summary tab to configure a sign.

For semi-custom products, users start by choosing from a palette of images. For custom products, users select a shape and size. Sign material and fasteners are selected.

Users can specify custom wording, logos, fonts and colors. Text is entered in a WYSIWYG editor and spell checked. Stock and user-uploaded images can be added to the sign. Text and images can be dragged for size and position. The sign is previewed as it's configured.

Preview images can be printed and sent with an order to manufacturing. To complete the sale, CustomCommerce supports the complex pricing adjustments required to accomodate the combination of options available.

Sites that make it easy for people to work together and share information earn users' loyalty. CustomCommerce's Favorites function allows customers to store and organize configured products and images in online folders.

For example, an engineer in California could configure a series of signs for a project and place them in an online project folder. The project manager in Chicago could review and modify the signs and then place them in the shopping cart for ordering.

From guided sales to visual configuration, design documentation and complex pricing models, CustomCommerce has the tools required to help manufacturers sell visually-centric products.

Drawing on nearly two decades of experience providing services to the design community, TechniCon has provided e-commerce solutions for major furniture, architectural fixture and store display equipment manufacturers.