A smart solution for smart cities

Variable Messaging Systems

At 3M, many new ideas are starting to take shape as our products are transforming into intelligent road safety solutions for ‘Smart Cities.’ One of them is the 3M™ Smart Variable Messaging Systems (VMS) which displays customisable billboard-sized messages that inform motorists of important real-time traffic updates. It is an essential part of any next-generation traffic management system and can be easily customised to the specific needs of the region it is installed in.

They are intelligent displays, 3M Smart VMS can assist entire cities and states with their major traffic challenges such as traffic congestions and delays, rising numbers of road accidents and repair works, and difficulties in dispatching emergency services. Its capability of automatically displaying live information of congestions, optimal routes, journey times, weather, parking availability, air quality, roadworks, events, and more, can help to improve traffic flow by communicating to motorists of any necessary measures to take on their journey.

Read on to find out more about Smart VMS.

What is Smart VMS?

Smart VMS are dynamic message signs that can provide road users with real time information on the go, among others:

Live, automated traffic updates

Displays can inform of alternative routes, journey times and congestion levels on the roads.
Weather conditions & pollution levels

Motorists can stay informed of necessary precautions to take en route to their destination.
Emergency numbers

Emergency contact numbers to the police, fire department, ambulance services and highway patrol can be flashed.
Safety messages

Messages to influence the driving behaviour of motorists can be displayed. For example: “Speed thrills but kills”
Parking availability

Congestion and parking are interrelated. Smart VMS can provide live data on parking availability before bottlenecks happen.
City branding & government communication

Smart VMS can flash tourism messages, event news, and display policy updates to those without mass media access.

Next-generation features and benefits

Highly configurable system

Authorised persons can use a smartphone app to display emergency information on 3M Smart VMS.
Automated & intelligent

The system requires no manual intervention, which saves you time, money and resources.
Multi-colour display

Smart VMS supports video, graphics and images in a 16,000-colour rich display with an auto-brightness function.
Ease of monitoring

Monitor various operating parameters from the control room and identify individual faults quickly for repair.
Low power mode

If less power consumption is required, Smart VMS can switch to low-power displays to conserve resources.
Highly secure system

Utmost data security is ensured with 128-bit encryption to thwart hackers. Unauthorised persons will not gain access.

Need specifications or prices? We’re here to help.

Ask us for more information on 3M Smart Variable Messaging Systems – we are a short message away.

Case study: Smarter Pune roads with 3M Variable Message Systems

Location: Pune City, India
Year(s): 2016-2017

Pune City was selected for a Smart City contest where plans included studding the roadways with 3M VMS that will display real time automated information to road users. Learn how the 3M India team completed in the turnkey project within three short months.

Download the full case study:
Pune Smart City 3M Variable Messaging System Turnkey Project (284.3 KB)