Electronic pricing labels, or ESL labels, have become essential tools in today’s new retail sector. They are widely used in major supermarkets, as well as in modern convenience stores and unmanned convenience stores, replacing traditional paper price tags. Let's take a look at the key components of this system. Typically, an electronic pricing label system consists of four main parts: the ESL labels themselves, terminal scanners, AP base stations, and a management platform.
Electronic pricing labels, also known as ESL displays, are electronic devices commonly used in retail environments to display product prices and other information. As the core of the entire system, manufacturers often choose E Ink displays and Bluetooth modules as the main combination. E Ink displays are favored for their relatively low cost and excellent material properties. For network communication, low-power Bluetooth modules are used to ensure stable and efficient data transmission.
The AP base station serves as the gateway that connects to the electronic pricing labels via Bluetooth and communicates with the system server via wired or wireless networks. As a gateway, the AP base station is responsible for protocol conversion and management of the ESL displays. When the backend configuration staff needs to update prices, the change instructions are first sent to the base station. The base station then accurately transmits these instructions to the specified ESL labels at the right time. To enhance the energy efficiency of ESL displays, the base station performs additional computation work and shields unnecessary operations from the ESL labels.
The ESL label management platform is an operation platform designed for managers, enabling them to easily modify product information and ensure that in-store ESL displays are synchronized with online product information. Typically, this platform comes in two versions: a group version for large retailers and a store version for individual outlets. The platform includes a server and a backend management system for operational staff. The server can be privately deployed or hosted on a public cloud. The platform must integrate with the retailer's product management system to directly update product prices and information to the ESL displays. If the retailer has an online service, the platform can also ensure synchronization between online and offline information.
To solve the problem of not knowing the location of ESL labels or the relationship between them and products when operating from a PC, handheld terminals (PDAs) are introduced. During the deployment process, store staff first place blank ESL labels, then use the PDA to establish the corresponding relationship between the ESL labels and the products. Afterward, they can send templates and confirm prices through the ESL label management platform. If a product needs to be updated or removed, staff can simply scan the barcode on the ESL label with the PDA to manage it directly. Additionally, the modified product information is synchronized with the online service platform, ensuring real-time information updates.
As the retail landscape evolves, electronic pricing labels, such as ESL labels and ESL displays, play a pivotal role in creating an efficient, automated, and integrated shopping experience. The combination of low-power Bluetooth communication, E Ink displays, and advanced management platforms allows retailers to streamline their pricing and inventory processes, improving operational efficiency. With seamless online and offline integration, ESL labels are positioned as a vital component of the future of new retail, offering both convenience for store managers and enhanced shopping experiences for customers.
Electronic Shelf Labels
Digital Signage
Cloud Platform
ESL Accessory
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