Rebranding
Romano is a specialist implementer of fast-track signage rebranding rollout projects, whereby we design, manufacture and install new exterior and interior signage and other branded hardware, across a client’s network of existing branches or other physicalpoints of representation.
We have a proven track record, spanning more than two decades, of implementing these large-scale projects, often with three or more such projects overlapping at the same time. One of the first major such projects taking place in South Africa was the mammoth First National Bank Name Change Project (ex-Barclays Bank),whereby Romano designed, manufactured and installednew exterior signage at more than 1100 sites in a period of only 10 months. This project provided us with a training platform from which we evolved into becoming one of Africa’s most experienced signage rebranding rollout project specialists.
of some notable signage rebranding rollout projects successfully implemented by Romano:
Turn-key Solution
We typically provide a full turn-key solution for the signage rebranding rollout projects that we undertake. We also assigna dedicated project team to the project,including
one or more experienced project managers, one or more project designers, a project manufacturing manager, a project installations manager, various dedicated
manufacturing and assembly work cells, and dedicated installation teams.
The full scope of our services offered in relation to signage rebranding rollout projects is outlined under the two distinctproject phases below:
Planning and Development phase
This phase is critical for the successful outcome of a signage rebranding rollout project. Generating a comprehensive planning is often
ignored in favour of getting on with the work. However,a project plan that is properly conceived will save the client time and money in
the long-term, and will help prevent many unforeseen problems down the line.
The planning and development phase comprises the following stages:
(1) Project goals
Often we assist the client with setting goals for the project. A signage rebranding rollout project is more likely to be successful when the needs of all stakeholders(within the client organisation)have been met. Once the stakeholders are identified, the next step is to find out their needs, and to prioritise them. Based on the prioritised list of needs, a set of goals that can be easily measured is generated (e.g. how many sites to be rebranded, to what extent, by when, at what cost and under what warranty period).
(2) Project feasibility assessment
With our experience and knowledge-base, and aided with sophisticated software tools, we are able to provide, within 95% accuracy, a quick insight into(a)the required investments and savings alternatives needed to achieve the project cost goal, and(b)the projected timing of the project - before the client finally commits to the rollout.
(3) Technical design
Working with the client’s creative team, we define technical specifications relating to materials, finishes, dimensions, shapes and contours, in order to produce branded assets that are visually outstanding, durable, easy to manufacture, practical to install, and require minimal maintenance.
For each product on our clients’ shopping list of branded assets, we define the performance criteria, and source and specify the best available rawmaterials, to ensure the most cost-effective solution for the new brand implementation.
This process includes:
· Guideline interpretation
· Product rationalisation
· Product design and technical drawings
· Materials specification and colour matching
· Value engineering
(4) Prototype manufacture and pilot site installation
We have a rapid prototyping capability which enables our clients to view actual examples of the designed brand hardware, either in our factories or at a pilot site location. Once approved, prototypes can be used as benchmarks for quality reference purposes.
(5) Competitive pricing
We have great pride in our reputation for being a low-cost producer of high-quality branded assets and, because we have successfully implemented lean manufacturing in our processes, we are able to provide our clients with the best possible return on their investments into branded hardware.
We are also able to assist our clients with preparing tender enquiries, tender drawings and service level agreements that are specific to signage rebranding rollout projects, should they wish to test our competitiveness against other potential suppliers.
2.2 Implementation phase
Implementing a signage rebranding rollout project is a highly complexundertakingas it involves coordinating
a multitude of tasks across a variety of stakeholder interests, spanning wide geographical areas, using shared
resources and within a defined time period. Fortunately our provenproject management skills enable us to
easily guide our clients through their signage rebranding journey, with the minimum of hassle and without
any disruption to their existing business operations.
The implementation phase typically involves the following stages:
(1) Site surveys
We survey each site in advance of installation to determine the most cost-effective application of the new branded assets and identify any relevant environmental criteria. We take digital photographs and record measurements of the intended positions of the new branded assets, identify electrical points and other issues pertinent to the installation, and also recordthe client’s existing branded assets that need to be replaced.
(2) Site proposal artwork
Based on the site survey and the project’s brand application standards, we then generate proposal artwork for each site to be rebranded. This is sent electronically to the client for approval.
(3) Landlord and local authority approval
Once approved by the client, we send the site proposal artworkto the landlord for approval. Once landlord approval has been obtained, when then make application to the relevant local authority for permission to install the exterior signage.
(4) Site commercial documentation
For each site a quotation is prepared, based on the contract price list and approved site proposal artwork, and sent to the client who will in turn approve the quotation, usually in the form of a purchase order.
(5) Manufacture
We have nearly 10 000 m2 of factory space in Cape Town and Johannesburg where we manufacture signage and branded assets needed for the rebranding rollout. Typically 80% of rebranded assets are manufactured in-house and 20% are outsourced.
(6) Delivery and installation
We deliver the new branded assets to site where they will be installed by our specialist teams. However, we first remove the existing old hardware and make good the existing surfaces. We also connect illuminated signs to the electrical points on site.
(7) Safety managemen
For every rebranding rollout we develop a detailed project safety management document which the client can review and approve before commencement of the rollout. The document details safety standards and procedures, both in-factory and out in the field, and provides a systematic way to identify hazards and to control risks while assuring that these controls are effective.
(8) Project management
This includes project managing raw material and outsource suppliers, as well as manufacturing and installation teams, toensurethat implementation targets are met. We hold bi-weekly progress meetings with the client and provide regular project status reports. We also attend site quality inspections and sign-offs in the presence of the client.
(9) As-built records
On completion of each site, an online asset register is updated with the site’s as-built record (which includes an itemised schedule of branded assets, completion photos, etc).
(10) Preventative maintenance
Post-rollout we are also able to offer the client a preventative maintenance programme (which kicks in upon expiry of the agreed warranty periods), thereby prolonging the life of the new branded assets.
