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Text Box: Want more details on these software tools? Go to http://www.ksltap.org and click on “Sign Management Software Survey Results” under “What’s New.” Full answers to the survey questions, by vendor, are listed there.

Text Box: Can you create custom reports? Most of the systems either have their own built-in tool that allows users to create custom tools by selecting fields from tables, or uses Crystal Reports to help users create custom reports. Additionally, most systems allow reports to be exported as a CSV or Excel file for additional editing or formatting. SignIT and Datalink does not provide custom reports at this time but is working on adding that as a new feature in for later editions. A few companies, such as SimpleSigns and STAR Road, will create customized reports for you upon request. Does it automatically upload coordinates from a GPS device? Almost all of the systems automatically upload coordinates from a GPS device. CitiTech Management Software has a sophisticated “location” capability that includes GIS, GPS, Addressing and LRS (linear referencing). It requires a GPS-enabled device. SignIT and Datalink will accept GPS information directly from the GR3 retroreflectometer and transfer it to SignIT. SimpleSigns requires two clicks of the mouse to record a GPS coordinate of a sign. LTAP PA Sign Inventory and Management System does not automatically upload coordinates from a GPS device, but provides fields for manually adding GPS coordinates. What is the initial cost? Costs range from nothing for the LTAP PA Sign Inventory and Management System to a hefty $15,000 and up for CitiTech Management Software. You should be able to find a system that will provide the basic features for a price between $3000 and $6000. The more expensive ones, such as 3M’s Sign Management System, provide more features and may provide support and training. Baker Sign System, GBA Sign Master, Sign IT and Datalink, Simple Signs and Tams Sign Management Program offer products for $3000 or less. Is there an annual maintenance fee? Over half of the companies charge a yearly maintenance fee. Some, like the CitiTech Management System, determine the rate based on a percentage of the license fees. Others charge a flat fee every year, which may include additional training or support. Of those who charge a flat rate, the price varies from $250 for Baker Sign System to $2000 for Signs Inventory by Geographical Navigation. Four companies do not charge a yearly maintenance fee. These companies include 3M, LTAP PA Sign Inventory and Management System, SignIT and Datalink, SimpleSigns, Tams Sign Management Program.

If the software is online-based, such as the 3M Sign Management System or iWorQ Systems Sign Management, then you will not have to install or manage your own database.

Does the software come preloaded with standard posts and sign descriptions? Almost all of the software tools come preloaded with standard posts and sign descriptions. Some tools, such as Baker Sign Systems and RoadSoft, provide users with the ability to add or edit the data. CitiTech Management Software does not preload the data, but allows users to add their own post and sign descriptions. SignIT and Datalink preloaded the FHWA Sign Library, but did not preload descriptions nor did they preload posts or mounting hardware.

What is the number of customizable fields? Answers to this question varied from zero (SignIT and Datalink) to 2000 (CitiTech Management Software). Most software systems provide some level of customization for fields.

Does the system support single or multiple users? All the systems except one support multiple users. The only exception is Tams Sign Management Program. It only supports a single user. SimpleSigns said it supports single users but can accommodate multiple users.

What are the field data entry options? Some systems recommend using their own tool for collecting data. For instance, RoadSoft recommends the LDC (Laptop Data Collector). The LDC is a GIS-based, mobile data collection utility designed specifically for entering data into RoadSoft. 3M suggests using their Field Asset Status Tracker—or FAST tool—to keep the inventory database up-to-date. It enables data collection and recording of maintenance activity directly into the sign inventory database, with minimum effort, during regular assessment and maintenance activities. Most of the other software tools allow laptop, pocket PC, handhelds or tablets, and even paper. STAR Road also works with Ricoh cameras.

What is the mapping capability? While these answers vary considerably, most systems have some sort of mapping feature. 3M’s tool comes with GIS mapping software. Baker Sign Systems, iWorQ Systems Sign Management and Signs Inventory by Geographical Navigation use Google Earth/Maps. CitiTech, GBA Sign Master, and SimpleSigns integrate with ESRI GIS. With SignIT and Datalink, assets can be plotted to a map via MS Mappoint with location and information regarding the number and types of signs at a given location. The only system that doesn’t support mapping capabilities is the LTAP PA Sign Inventory and Management System. Most standard reports include information on signs by type, condition and location, work orders and activity reports. CitiTech Management Software has over 350 pre-defined reports to track and manage operations. SignIT and Datalink includes in-house and field inventory, employee rosters and work assignments, work order status, sign history, retroreflectivity inspection history, purchase history and requisitions.

This article by Nate Vander Broek was written for the winter 2011 issue of Kansas LTAP Newsletter. Reprinted with permission.