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How to Fully Optimise the Use of Your VMS

When hiring a Variable Message Sign (VMS), it’s understandable to question the value of the investment—after all, they may seem like just “signs you can change”. But when used to their full potential, VMS are much more than that. They’re a vital communication tool that can improve safety, enhance traffic management, and ensure compliance on your site.

In fact, VMS are often the first thing cut when budgets are tight, yet they’re one of the most essential components for maintaining health and safety standards. VMS act as the voice of your site—clearly communicating key messages when staff can’t be physically present.

So why are VMS often underused or undervalued? Simply put, many don’t know how to optimise their use. This blog outlines how you can get the most out of your VMS investment.

1. Define Your Objective

Before contacting a VMS provider, take a moment to clearly define what you want to achieve. Is your goal to improve traffic flow? Share important public information? Communicate health and safety messages?

Knowing your objective helps VMS providers guide you towards the best solution and message formatting. Industry experts, like the team at MVIS, can offer tailored advice to ensure your message is impactful, easily understood by road users, and aligned with regulations.

2. Location is Everything

The effectiveness of a sign—any sign—depends heavily on where it’s placed. VMS are high-visibility tools, but they need a clear line of sight to be effective. If your sign is blocked by poles, trees, or other obstacles, its visibility—and therefore its impact—is lost.

Also keep in mind: most VMS units are solar powered. If placed in shaded areas, they may not receive the sunlight needed to remain fully operational. Always ensure the site is suitable before installation to maximise uptime and message visibility.

3. Use Clear and Concise Messaging

Effective VMS messages are short, clear, and easy to read. Cramming too much information into one screen or using unclear fonts leads to confusion—especially for drivers passing at speed.

Follow your provider’s guidelines for:

• Text length
• Font type
• Number of lines per screen

Keep it simple: fewer words, bigger impact.

4. Maintain Consistent Checks

Just like any piece of equipment, VMS require basic maintenance. A clean, well-charged sign is a working sign. Check regularly to ensure:

• The solar panel is clean and unobstructed
• The screen is clear and visible
• The battery is holding charge

Top-tier VMS providers, such as MVIS, proactively monitor your units, and often arrange battery changes before any issues occur—giving you peace of mind that your message will always be seen.

5. Choose a Trusted VMS Provider

Your experience with VMS is only as good as the company supplying them. At MVIS, we pride ourselves on delivering not just high-quality products, but industry-leading service too.

Our streamlined four-step process—Enquiry, Location, Delivery, and Payment—makes it easy for you to get the VMS you need, when and where you need it.

Our team is made up of passionate, experienced professionals who understand the importance of safety, compliance, and performance. With numerous industry accreditations and a strong track record of customer satisfaction, MVIS is your go-to for fully optimised, fully supported VMS solutions.

Final Thoughts

A VMS is much more than just a digital sign. It’s a safety tool, a communications asset, and a vital part of any compliant, well-managed site. With the right strategy, messaging, and supplier, your investment in VMS can go a long way in improving both safety and efficiency.

Looking to get the most from your VMS? Get in touch with MVIS today—where your message matters.