Digital signage is everywhere these days. You see them outside schools, banks, retail stores, churches, factories—you name it. But what most people don’t realize is how much actually goes into installing an Electronic Message Center (EMC), also known as a Digital Message Display. It’s not just a matter of buying a sign and flipping a switch. There’s real strategy, planning, and technical work behind every successful EMC project. 

At Johnny’s Signs, we’ve installed EMCs across Southern Indiana for years. We know how valuable these signs are for communication, visibility, and keeping your audience informed. But we also know that a lot of clients don’t really understand what’s involved. So if you’re considering upgrading your signage to include a digital display, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how the process actually works—and why it pays to do it right.

It Starts With a Site Visit

Before anything else, we come out to your location and evaluate your site. We look at traffic flow, viewing angles, sunlight exposure, power access, and zoning requirements. This visit is critical because it helps us determine the right size, height, brightness level, and placement for your EMC.

A poorly placed digital sign won’t do its job. Whether you’re a high school wanting to display event info or a business trying to attract more drive-by traffic, your EMC needs to be visible and effective from day one.

Zoning and Permits Are a Big Deal

This part often surprises people. You can’t just install an EMC anywhere you want. Every town and county has rules about sign size, digital display brightness, and how close you can be to the road or other structures.Unfortunately, some cities and towns don’t allow outdoor EMCs altogether. Some places limit animation or message frequency. And if you’re replacing an old sign, you might need to bring everything up to code.

Our team handles all of this. We work with the local zoning and permitting offices so you don’t have to. We’ve done EMC installs in cities like Bloomington, Columbus, Bedford, and Seymour, and we know the process.

Power and Foundation Work Comes Next

Once we’ve got the permit, it’s time to prep the site. That usually means digging and pouring a new concrete foundation—something strong enough to support the weight and structure of the new digital message center.

Then we coordinate with a licensed electrician, or the business owner can coordinate power in many instances—  to make sure the sign has proper power access. EMCs draw more power than traditional signs, especially if they’re high-resolution or large-format. Everything needs to be safely and cleanly connected, and the power source needs to be able to support long-term use.

Fabrication, Programming & Setup

While the site is being prepped, your sign is being built and configured. We have a trusted, national supplier for our EMCs, we set up the design, and test the programming. We’ll make sure your logo, branding, and key messages display correctly. And we’ll show you how to use the software so you’re not stuck calling someone every time you want to change a message.

Our goal is to make digital signage as easy as possible to manage. We offer training and can also set up recurring content changes if needed.

Installation Day

Once the foundation is ready, we schedule an installation day. Our crew brings in cranes and bucket trucks if needed, mounts the sign, locks everything into place, and wires it up. We test it again on-site to make sure it’s displaying cleanly, is level, and is secure.

The whole process is coordinated to minimize disruption to your property or operations. Most installs are done in a single day, depending on the size and complexity of the sign.

Ongoing Support Matters

Digital signs are machines—they need some upkeep. That’s why we offer support after the install. If you need software help, content changes, repairs, or training for new staff, we’re here.

We also offer service plans for maintenance and periodic checks, especially for clients who want peace of mind knowing their investment will stay in top shape.

We also offer 5 year parts and 1 year warranty for all of the digital displays we sell. 

Why It Pays to Do It Right

A well-installed EMC becomes one of the most valuable communication tools your business or school can have. But if it’s done wrong—bad placement, poor programming, low visibility, or zoning issues—it can become a constant hassle.

We help clients across Southern Indiana avoid those pitfalls. Whether you’re a school looking to connect with parents, a bank boosting visibility, or a business trying to make a bold first impression, digital signage done right is worth every penny.

If you’re thinking about making the switch, let’s talk. We’ll walk the site, give you honest feedback, and show you what it takes to get it done the right way—start to finish.

Call Johnny’s Signs at (812) 275-7535
Visit www.johnnysigns.com
Serving Bedford, Bloomington, Columbus, Seymour, and commercial signage clients across Southern Indiana