Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) are redefining how retail stores manage pricing and inventory. These digital tags automate price updates, enhance efficiency, and provide customers with a seamless shopping experience. In this guide by Infotech Qatar, we’ll explore how electronic shelf labels work, their features, and why they are a must-have for modern retailers.
Why Should Your Business Use Electronic Shelf Labels?
If your store still relies on paper price tags, you’re missing out on a host of benefits that ESLs bring:
- Dynamic Pricing: Instantly update prices across all shelves without manual labor.
- Improved Inventory Management: Automate stock tracking and replenishment for efficiency.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Display accurate prices, product reviews, and QR codes for seamless shopping.
- Cost Reduction: Save on paper labels, printing, and labor costs while adopting eco-friendly practices.
With these benefits, ESLs are transforming retail operations for the better.
How Do Electronic Shelf Labels Work?
The Technology Behind ESLs
Electronic Shelf Labels use e-paper or liquid crystal displays to replace traditional paper labels. They connect to a store’s ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and POS (Point of Sale) systems via a wireless network, enabling real-time updates.
Here's a simplified process of how ESLs work:
1. Wireless Communication:
ESLs connect to a central hub using Bluetooth® technology for fast and secure updates. The hub bridges the store’s database and the ESLs, ensuring all price and stock changes are transmitted seamlessly. Thousands of labels can be updated simultaneously, regardless of store size. This eliminates manual updates and ensures consistent, real-time information. Retailers can rely on this connectivity for efficient operations across multiple locations.
2. Dynamic Display:
ESLs use energy-efficient e-paper or liquid crystal displays, which provide clear, readable information. These displays consume power only during updates, enabling a long battery life of up to 10 years. In addition to prices, they showcase promotions, stock levels, QR codes, and product details. The displays are optimized for visibility under all lighting conditions, enhancing customer convenience. Retailers can easily adjust prices dynamically to reflect demand or market trends.
3. Centralized Control:
The ESL system is managed through a centralized server connected to the store’s ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and POS (Point of Sale) systems. Updates are initiated in the ERP or POS and instantly synchronized across all ESLs. This automation ensures pricing and inventory data remain accurate and consistent storewide. Centralized control eliminates manual errors and saves time for retail staff. It also supports scalability, allowing businesses to expand their ESL network effortlessly.
Infotech Qatar Electronic Shelf Labels
At Infotech Qatar, we offer state-of-the-art ESL solutions tailored to your business needs. Our advanced Newton ESLs come packed with features like:
- 10-year battery life for long-term reliability.
- Faster updates—8-10 times quicker than traditional ESLs.
- Customizable displays with up to 7 pages of information.
- NFC compatibility for mobile payments.
- Sustainability: IP67-rated durability, reducing paper waste and carbon footprint.
Electronic Shelf Labels for Sale
Are you ready to upgrade your store? Infotech Qatar offers cutting-edge ESL solutions for supermarkets, department stores, and other retail businesses. Our ESLs are designed to improve operations and elevate customers’ shopping experiences.
Features of an Electronic Shelf Label
- Dynamic Pricing:
ESLs allow for real-time pricing adjustments, enabling businesses to capitalize on trends and improve sales. Raise prices during high demand or lower them to clear inventory—quickly and efficiently. - Enhanced Inventory Management:
By integrating with inventory systems, ESLs provide real-time stock updates, helping store associates replenish shelves faster and reduce stockouts. - Omnichannel Integration:
ESLs link physical and online stores, offering features like QR codes for online orders, product reviews, and stock level updates. This ensures a seamless customer experience across all platforms. - Cost Savings:
ESLs eliminate the need for paper labels, ink, and printers, saving costs on materials and labor. Updates are automated, freeing up staff for more valuable tasks like customer service. - Sustainability:
By replacing paper labels, ESLs support environmentally friendly practices, reducing waste and carbon footprints
How Much Do Electronic Shelf Labels Cost?
The cost of ESL depends on factors like:
- Number of units needed: Larger stores require more labels.
- Features: Advanced features like NFC or multi-page displays may cost more.
- Integration complexity: Custom solutions may require additional investment.
At Infotech Qatar, we offer affordable ESL solutions focused on long-term ROI. Contact us today for a customized quote tailored to your business needs.
How the Bluetooth® Electronic Shelf Label Standard Will Impact the Smart Retail Market
Bluetooth® technology has revolutionized the ESL market by enabling a global standard. This ensures that retailers can mix and match components from different vendors without compatibility issues. It also supports scalability, making ESL adoption more accessible and more efficient.
Bluetooth® Core Specification Version 5.4 – Technical Overview
This latest version includes advanced features like bi-directional communication between access points and ESLs. It allows secure, reliable, and faster updates for thousands of labels, making it a game-changer for smart retail.
FAQ About Electronic Shelf Labels
How do electronic shelf labels work?
ESLs use wireless technology like Bluetooth to connect with a central hub. This allows for real-time updates to pricing and inventory information.
Can ESLs display more than just prices?
Yes! ESLs can show stock levels, product reviews, QR codes for online ordering, and promotional offers, enhancing the customer experience.
Are ESLs environmentally friendly?
Absolutely. By replacing paper labels, ESLs reduce waste and support eco-friendly retail practices.
Why choose Infotech Qatar for ESL solutions?
Infotech Qatar offers cutting-edge ESL systems with advanced features like dynamic pricing, NFC compatibility, and robust durability. Our solutions are designed to improve operations while keeping costs low.
Do ESLs work for all types of stores?
Yes, ESLs are versatile and can be used in supermarkets, department stores, and convenience stores.
To learn more about our electronic shelf labels or get a quote, contact Infotech Qatar today!
