Precursors to placards can be found in pre-Christian times. In the ancient Rome laws and other announcements were made public on white, wooden boards. 

The word placard emerged in the 16^th century in the Netherlands. To protest against the spanish occupation, the Dutch stuck flyers to house walls using glue – dutch: „geplackt“. These flyers were called „Plakatten“. In Germany the satirist Johann Fischart first used the word „Plakat“ in 1578, to describe a public announcement made by the authority.

In this millenium however, traditional placards are just not timely anymore. As informations gain actuality, the structural up-keep grows. The solution is called: „Digital Signage“. By employing digital media contents for advertisement and information systems, content can be distributed personalised and can be kept up-to-date, without having to take the loss of increased cost for the distribution, no matter whether the intended use is in restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, museums, small shops, real estate agencies or retail. The electronic placard is up-to-date, informative and targets the right audience.

This digital technology brings additional advantages. It is multimedia, and allows the use of moving pictures. This is not merely an optical advantage, as important informations for customers can be delivered more quickly. Also, the attention of the viewer can be directed onto the important contents. Especially for shop windows or outdoor use, this brings high advantages; not only at night times, but also during the daytime these digital placards are real eye-catchers.