Tri Vantange adds virtual shade sail design options via Awning Composer

Partnership with Meliar Design creates MPanel Shade Designer software integration

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 8/30/2012 11:57:00 AM

GLEN RAVEN, N.C. - Tri Vantage, in collaboration with Meliar Design, has added elements of MPanel Shade Designer software to Awning Composer, enabling users to create 3-D shade sail models for visualizing their effect on outdoor spaces.
"Connections between our two programs will allow users to easily create designs in MPanel Shade Designer and transfer them to Awning Composer," said Mark Stiver, Awning Composer manager for Tri Vantage. "Companies that make shade sails or with plans to expand into the shade sail market will benefit from this unique selling tool that allows customers to see exactly how shade sails will enhance an outdoor space, whether it's a ball field, resort or restaurant."
MPanel Shade Designer is an easy-to-use design and patterning software for creating custom three-, four-, five- and six-point shade sails. After transferring the shade sail model into Awning Composer, users can view fabric options and pole colors, as well as import a photo of the job site and superimpose the shade sail.

When the scene is complete, a click of the time-lapse button will generate shade calculations based on the shade sail dimensions, location, time of year and orientation.
"We created MPanel Shade Designer as user-friendly software that saves time, simplifies workflow and assures accurate job estimates," said Timothy Akes, representative for MPanel software in the Americas. "Integration with Awning Composer and its time-lapse visualization is a natural fit, designed to give fabricators a powerful sales tool in the growing shade sail market."

Existing Awning Composer users can access the update by logging into their account at www.awningcomposer.com.

New users may purchase Awning Composer for $149.99, which is a one-time cost that includes elements of MPanel Shade Designer and future updates.
In addition to integration with MPanel Shade Designer, the latest Awning Composer update includes new move, rotate and scale functionality, fabric updates, import 3-D model controls, added functionality and other improvements. A full list of updates can be found here: http://trvn.tg/ACv5log
MPanel Shade Designer allows Awning Composer users to enter site measurements, design shade sails, and export 3-D models to Awning Composer for visualization at no cost. Users who want the full functionality of MPanel Shade Design can purchase the complete software at www.shadedesigner.com. The complete software includes additional features such as creation of dimensioned fabric patterns, estimation of materials quantities, cost analysis and printable production reports.
Tri Vantage is the nation's largest distributor of fabrics, hardware, accessories and cordage for the awning, marine and furniture industries. With branch offices strategically located throughout the United States, in Mexico and Canada, Tri Vantage offers more than 12,500 different items. It is a subsidiary of Glen Raven, Inc., a global marketing, manufacturing and services company with operations on three continents. For more information, visit www.trivantage.com, www.glenraven.com and www.facebook.com/TriVantage.