As we enter 2026, Jonathan Pert looks ‘beyond the hype’ at the still-growing role of AI in signage, speaking to a range of professionals to understand AI’s recent developments, and how it affects sign-makers BEYOND THE BUZZWORD: THE ROLE OF AI IN SIGNAGE As we enter 2026, artificial intelligence (AI) has permeated almost every corner of the signage industry – from automated job request scanners dealing with customer requests, AI-enhanced programmes aiding design teams, to the increasingly intelligent hardware in our print shops. During my recent chat on the Print Island podcast, I highlighted that while the technology is more prevalent than ever, there is still a gap in knowledge and adoption for many of the signage professionals on the ground. The collective patience for AI as a ‘buzzword’ might also be wearing thin. We’ve moved past the initial shock and awe, and many are now looking critically at how these tools can help in everyday operations, without losing the human touch which is so important to signage output. In this feature, we delve deeper into the tangible reality behind the hype, exploring the latest AI software and hardware technology, as well as speaking to seasoned signage professionals who are already embedding these tools into their daily operations. From this analysis, we aim to offer advice on where AI can provide a genuine competitive edge in 2026. Graphic Growth While there is a lot of AI-enhanced hardware and software on the market, it is first important to explore how signage and print providers are using AI technology in their daily operations. Scottish wide-format printer, Graphic Warehouse, utilises AI in one form another across its entire enterprise. As Robert McCombe, operations director at Graphic Warehouse, explains: “Currently all our directors use ChatGPT for general day to day data analysis, email drafting, and problem workflowing. It's a great easy access way of using AI (specifically LLMs) to do very quick analysis of data. Personally, I've also found it a great way of just adding a bit of formality to my emails.” Operationally, Graphic Warehouse uses AI agents in its in-house chat platform, which is designed to allow for quick interaction with the company’s CRM software, updating jobs, and tracking waste. In McCombe’s words: “Traditionally you'd have to go log into the specific system, navigate to what you want, and update the system. Now it's as simple as ‘Hey Graphy, track wastage for job ABC1234 – got scuffed when getting laminated.’ The AI agent automatically knows it's wastage, what system to talk to, how to log it, and AI IN SIGNAGE | JONATHAN PERT 49 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 263 - February | March 2026
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