MCTF——标识向数字化迈进

You may have come across the term MCFT in seminars, advertisements, articles and other publications and found your self wondering: What exactly is a modular curved frame technology (MCFT) system?
也许在专家讨论会、广告、文章和其他出版物上，你已经听说过MCFT，那么，疑问就诞生了：究竟什么是模块性曲线框架技术（MCFT）系统？

A clear distinction existed in the past between custom-made signs and modular sign systems. The custom-made signs offered unique, one-of-a-kind products while modular sign systems offered standard, off-the-shelf products available in a limited number of finishes and sizes. Naturally, the two alternatives were very different since the custom-made signs are expensive, less flexible and usually require long delivery time. In contrast, modular sign systems are moderately priced—allowing for swift delivery and easy content maintenance, but are of minimal design flexibility and prestige.
在过去，定制标识和模块性标识系统之间存在着明显的区别。定制标识提供的是独特的、每种只有一个的产品，而模块性标识系统提供的则是标准、现成的产品，经过一定程度的处理，具有一定的尺寸。当然，这两种选择大不相同，定制标识很昂贵、灵活性较差，通常需要较长的交货时间。相比之下，模块性系统是价位适中——交货迅速、维护简单，但设计可变性和知名度很低。

Here’s where MCFT, a collaboration of the two systems, comes into play. MCFT is a frame-based system and allows for an endless array of substrates, methods and materials to be applied. In addition, its curved shape offers a contemporary look as well as ease of installation as the substrate is held in place by the tension created by the shape of the curve. MCFT-based systems offer a wide range of elements that may be joined together to create a huge amount of options—all made possible due to the assistance and guidance of the sign system manufacturer.
MCFT，正是集合了这两个系统来发挥作用。MCFT是一个基于框架的系统，可以应用无穷的基板阵列、方法和材料。此外，其弧度外形提供了一个现代化的外观，安装也十分方便，因为借助弧形曲线的张力基板很容易定位。MCFT为基础系统把各种元素结合起来，创造出无比强大的功能——在标识系统制造商的指导下几乎无所不能。

MCFT is a relatively new concept in which the sign manufacturer allows the sign industry to endlessly develop the system, thereby transforming it into a customordered modular sign system.
MCFT是一个比较新的概念，标识制造商允许标识产业不断发展该系统，从而转变成一个定制模块性标识系统。

MCFT 

Modular Curved Frame Technology (MCFT) is a modular manufactured sign system that utilizes pre-manufactured curved frames to connect a variety of graphic and material components parts utilizing tension as a locking mechanism. Sign professionals developed MCFT as part of the evolution in modular signs to minimize waste and maximize custom design approaches.
模块性曲线框架技术（MCFT）是一个模块性加工的标识系统，可利用预先制造的弧形框架的张力来连接各种图形和物质组分。标识专业人员把MCFT作为模块性标识进化的一部分进行开发，从而减少浪费，并更重视客户的设计方式。

The Components of MCFT
MCFT的组成部分

Modularity
模块性

MCFT utilizes a modular sign system. Standardized units can be assembled in different ways using both standard and custom accessories and attachments.
MCFT采用模块性标识系统。通过标准或定制的辅助设备或附件，标准单位可以以不同的方式进行组合。

Curved
弧形

MCFT is based on curved aluminum sign frames that keep inserted materials in place using a tension grip to minimizes the use of adhesives or screw fasteners.
MCFT是基于适当位置有嵌条的弧形铝质标识框架，利用拉力夹来减少粘合剂或螺丝紧固件的使用。

Frame System
框架系统

MCFT is a frame system that accepts different types of sign substrates & inserts including engraving, screen printing, photopolymer, ADA and digital printing.
MCFT是一个框架系统，它接受不同类型的标识基板和镶嵌件，包括雕刻、网印、感光树脂、ADA和数码印刷等。

Technology
技术

MCFT combines modular components with custom approaches. Designers are meant to utilize various combinations of frames, surface materials, printed materials and substrates when developing wayfinding programs.
MCFT把模块性组件与定制集成相结合。设计师在开发导向系统方案时会采用各种框架组合、表面材料、印刷材料和基材。

MCFT is one approach to modular signage, or using prefabricated sign elements in multiple combinations. The Society for Environmental Graphic Design and International Sign Association include MCFT as a category of modular signage.
MCFT是一种模块性标识方法，或是在组合方案中使用预制标识元素。环境平面设计协会和国际标牌产业协会将MCFT划入模块性标识的范畴。

Who developed MCFT?
谁开发了MCFT？

While some inventions are completely new ideas, others are the result of a slow ongoing process which someone happened to recognize and be the first to name it. MCFT is of the second, as it has been evolving for several years through customer requests, increasing manufacturing abilities and decreasing manufacturing costs.
虽然有些发明是全新的想法，另外一些却是缓慢发展过程的结果，直到有一天突然有人意识到了并对其命名。MCFT正是后者，因为在客户的需求下它已经历经数年的不断发展，提高制造能力，降低制造成本。

One must take into consideration that in the past, the cost of continuous development would have cost a considerable amount of money; therefore making customization unthinkable. The first generation of modular sign systems included a wide variety of manufacturers, who all suffered the same drawback—they could only offer an extremely limited number of solutions. Gradually, as manufacturing technologies became more accessible, the sign manufacturers adjusted their offerings to match the needs of customers taking on large scale projects. Each new project led to a new series of products that would eventually become a standard item in the overall system. The name of the game had switched from manufacturing excellence to service and customer experience. The first company to recognize this transition as a leading trend was Vista System—coining the phrase MCFT.
我们必须考虑到，在过去，连续开发需要花费大量的金钱，因此进行定制化是难以想象的。使用第一代模块性标识系统的众多厂商，都遇到了同样的问题——它们只能提供极为有限的解决方案。渐渐地，随着制造技术变得更容易，标识制造商调整它们的产品以配合客户对大型项目的需要。每个新项目都会产生一个新系列的产品，最终将成为整个系统的一个标准项目。这个“游戏”的名字已经由制造业转向服务和卓越的客户体验。第一家认识到这种转变成为一种重要趋势是Vista系统——MCFT的名字就此诞生。

Why shift to MCFT technology?
为什么转向MCFT技术？

The emphasis is moving away from product excellence and manufacturing excellence to providing excellent service. Products are becoming more and more similar each day. Obviously, there are still levels with entry barriers, but within each level the similarity is so close that differentiation no longer exists. This process can be seen in many fields and industries and the only remaining differentiation is the customer’s shopping experience— including the level of service offered.
重点正在从优质的产品、优质的制造转向提供优质的服务。每一天产品都越来越类似。显然，不同级别之间仍然存在进入壁垒，但在每个级别中产品是如此相似，不再存在差异化。这个过程在许多领域和产业中都可以看到，唯一存在的差别就是客户的购物经验——包括服务水准。

MCFT is a relatively new concept in which the sign manufacturer allows the sign industry to endlessly develop the system, thereby transforming it into a customordered modular sign system.
MCFT是一个比较新的概念，它允许标识产业不断发展该体系，从而把它转变成一个定制模块性标识系统。

However, differentiation within the realm of service has also risen, leading companies to continuously search for new ways to differentiate themselves. The latest differentiation is personalizing the product to the consumer’s needs while absorbing the development cost. This is the new name of the game—further developing as customers learn their way around, just as it has been done in other segments in the past. The leading companies in the industry have recognized the new reality and are adjusting themselves accordingly in order to differentiate themselves in the eyes of their customers.
但是，服务领域内部的差异化也在上升，导致企业不断寻求新的方法来让自己与众不同。最新的差异化是让产品个性化以满足消费者的需求，同时降低开发成本。“游戏”有了新名字——从客户的角度来考虑进一步发展，正如过去其他领域所做的。行业的领先企业已经意识到新的现实，并相应地调整自己，以区分其客户心目中的形象。

How do you keep the evolving system from reaching unmanageable proportions?
如何防止不断进化的系统发展失控？

One must realize that this sign system will continue to evolve as customers place their demands for personalized development. The secret to maintaining a healthy size system is stocking basic components; maintaining a fast and well-organized manufacturing process; and effcient cataloguing of components and products. In practice, you would keep basic components available off the shelf and manufacture the unique elements upon acceptance of an order. This process requires tight working relationships with suppliers as the only way to keep the lead time to a minimum.
我们必须认识到，这种标识系统将继续演变，因为客户需要的是个性化的产品。保持健康的规格系统的秘密是库存基本组件；保持快速、组织严密的制造过程；以及高效率的零部件和产品编目。实际上，你会保持基本的组件是成品，按照接到的生产订单生产独特的元件。这个过程需要与供应商保持严密的工作关系，只有这样才能把交货时间压缩到最短。

How does the end user fit in?
如何适应最终用户？

The end user is mostly concerned with the following three issues:
最终用户主要关注以下三个问题：

Product design and uniqueness
产品设计和独特性

Way-finding signs are not only a means of directing people, but also serve as a decorative element. This explains the logic behind the unproportional investments made in custom-ordered designs, as well as the low popularity of the mundane modular systems. MCFT has altered the rules of the game, allowing the customer to adapt the products to suit the space and customize the materials and substance used within the framework.
导向标识不仅要有导向人员的职能，还是一种装饰元素。这就解释了用在定制设计上的投资，与没什么知名度的模块性系统上的投资之间为什么不成比例。MCFT已经改变了游戏规则，它允许客户对产品进行调整以适应使用空间，还可以自定义框架的材料和框内嵌入物。

Ease and cost of sign maintenance Way-finding signage may be characterized as a segment which requires frequent replacement of the information presented. Therefore, custom-made signs are not the best choice if you want to avoid the image of handwritten directions posted on your fabulous custom-made sign using paper and duct tape. MCFT systems offer an amazing solution as they allow for swift and cost effective updating.
导向标识维护的轻松度和成本，特点也许就在于需要频繁更换它提供的资料。因此，定制的标识并不是最好的选择，除非你想把手写的指示图用纸或者防水胶带贴在精美的导向标识上面。MCFT系统提供了一个神奇的解决方案，因为它们的更新很迅速而且本效益很高。

Overall cost
总体成本

The cost of custom-made signage can not compare to that of an MCFT system. In addition, the last remaining advantage of the custom-made signs is design superiority which has been decreasing dramatically as the MCFT systems have been developing— leading the end user to choose an MCFT solution over a custom-made sign.
定制标识的成本根本无法与MCFT系统竞争。此外，定制标识最后一个优点是设计的优越性，这一优势正逐渐下降，因为MCFT系统已经今非昔比——引导用户选择MCFT产品而不是定制标识。

Conforming to standards while adding value
符合标准同时增值

The innovation in the past decade has been incredible, even more so due to the fact that the previous period of way-finding innovation was more than 20 years ago when the first flat modular systems emerged. These first systems had been created as an answer to the consumer’s demand for a selfmaintained sign system solution. Overtime however, the offered solution was found to be insuffcient and the need for innovation had become essential for sign system manufacturers. The answer became quite clear—MCFT became an essential part of the wayfinding industry and it is only a matter of time before everyone starts requesting it.
这种创新在过去十年中一直令人难以置信，这更多的是因为，上一次导向标识创新——平板模块性系统的出现已经是20多年以前的事。这些初期系统的建立，满足了消费者对自我维持标识系统的需求。但时间长了，我们就发现这些解决方案远远不够，标识系统制造商进行创新已经迫在眉睫。答案已经很清楚——MCFT成为导向标识行业的重要组成部分，它的普及只是时间问题。