Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/707472
82 • August 2016 • S I G N & D I G I T A L G R A P H I C S ARCHITECTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL "The large gateways are a small por- tion of the overall development of the 40 West Arts District," says Monroe, "so we have a shoo-in for the wayfinding pack- age, light rail and RTD kiosks, as well as some other architectural elements like benches, trash cans and bike racks that complete the district." Management and the Market The 40 West project, along with a number of others in close proximity, might involve too much for some shops to handle. But organizationally, BSC is on a level of superstardom. Dobie keeps close tabs on his timeline to maintain an accurate schedule for each job. "As the owner and general manager, I'm constantly looking at the crystal ball," he quips. Forecasting current and future man- power needs is a necessary step for plan- ning purposes. It's a practice he would recommend to other shops trying to manage a full plate of work. "We can convert our estimated labor into days, weeks and months and can pre- dict fairly accurately when we have more work than people," he explains. With this process, BSC can manage not only its time more efficiently but also more closely control its pricing model. Using tablets to record time and materials dur- ing the fabrication and installation peri- ods, costs can be tabulated in real time. "As we get better at monitoring actual costs versus estimated labor and materi- als, our quotes become more accurate," Dobie says. "This means that when our customers tell us they can get it for 20 percent less, we can say, 'Okay, good luck.' And we can say it with confidence." With a management system in place, BSC accurately forecasts its jobs while also controlling and enhancing quality, which includes top-level service and on- time delivery. "This enables us to gently advise our customers to the best solution for a given budget," Dobie says. And, being a full- service sign and lighting shop, people appreciate not having to go to several companies for their signage needs." SDG The shop's electric sign capabilities include neon sign work. An attractive halo-lit electric sign for a Denver brewery and tap house. Quality fabrication is a major focus at BSC in every part of its business.