Back to Glossary

ESL

What Is ESL?

Simply put, electronic shelf labels are digital price tags that integrate with a retailer’s ERP or POS system to display accurate product prices on the shelf. Think of it as pricing automation that replaces manual operations with a swift, dynamic solution.

How ESL Looks Like

A typical digital shelf labeling system has both hardware and software features. However, an effective solution geared towards swift automation, greater customer engagement, and real-time data analytics should be:

  • Extremely thin to fit on the shelves without falling;
  • Large enough with a display of up to 12.2 inches for easy reading;
  • Combine different LED colors for display to attract buyers, e.g. white, yellow, green, black, and even red;
  • Have an in-built retail IoT platform for analytics;
  • Programmed buttons for reset.

How ESL Systems Work

A digital shelf label system leverages your local network to display or update product prices on an electronic paper displayed on its screen. Even better, businesses can control the system remotely and update their product prices across all stores simultaneously.

Some innovative ESL systems also feature ultra-low battery power mode to prolong battery lifespan past the normal half a decade. This feature can also reduce the number of battery life updates required per day for optimal performance.

What Are The Benefits of ESL?

An ESL electronic shelf label comes with various benefits, among them automation. Besides minimizing human error when updating prices manually, automation frees up your employees to focus on high-value business tasks, such as enhancing customer experience.

Other benefits of an ESL include:

  • Accurate pricing across all outlets;
  • Omnichannel customer experience, such as ordering via QR codes;
  • Easy inventory management;
  • Ideal for targeted advertising.

How To Set Up An Electronic Shelf Label

You’ll need to initialize your digital retail shelf tags before setting them up on the shelves.

Here is the procedure:

  • Plug your coordinator into a power source and connect to a Wi-Fi network via an Ethernet cable;
  • Download all the requirements e.g. the ESL’s utility software;
  • Edit article data and assign templates;
  • Add Articles;
  • Automate POS or ERP with your ESL.

Frequently Asked Questions About ESL

Why are companies investing in ESLs?

Digital store shelf labels help companies automate manual processes associated with price updates to save time, and costs, as well as minimize errors. This also ensures price accuracy and consistency across all stores.

How is information sent to each label?

Information in an ESL system is sent to each digital label via the local network.

How long is the battery life of a label?

ESL systems have varying lifespans, depending on the manufacturer, type of display, and the number of changes per day. However, some versions last for up to three years only.

How can I ensure that the labels have been correctly updated?

An innovative ESL system will report the update status, whether it’s a fail or success, on the user interface. Users can also set custom email notifications for all updates.

You May Find It Interesting

​​Gepard PIM: May 2025 Product Demo Recap
3 min read
Gepard Updates

Gepard PIM: May 2025 Product Demo Recap

Discover Gepard PIM’s May ’25 updates: real-time imports, PDF product imports, drag-drop media, inline attribute creation and AI extraction.

Read more
Preparing for the Circular Economy Act 2026

Preparing for the Circular Economy Act 2026

Learn how manufacturers can align with the EU Circular Economy goals by preparing for the Circular Economy Act 2026.

Read more
How Top Brands Use PIM to Rule the Digital Shelf

How Top Brands Use PIM to Rule the Digital Shelf

See how top brands use PIM solutions to manage product content, improve digital shelf performance, and grow faster across eCommerce channels.

Read more
eCommerce Product Data Compliance with EU Regulations [Checklists]

EU Compliance Made Easy: Essential Checklists for eCommerce Success

We’ll dive into key EU regulations like EPREL, GPSR, the Digital Product Passport, and more, complete with handy checklists you can use.

Read more
What Is Jobs To Be Done?

Jobs To Be Done For eCommerce Customer Journey Map

Learn what is jobs to be done approach and how to apply JTBD framework for an eCommerce customer journey mapping.

Read more
Customer Journey Touchpoints

A Guide To eCommerce Customer Journey Touchpoints And Mapping

Comprehending eCommerce journey mapping and touchpoints can help you drive sales and enhance consumer experience. Learn all the essentials in this guide.

Read more
SME eCommerce

B2B eCommerce SME Growth: Connecting To Marketplaces

Learn how small and medium B2B eCommerce enterprises can drive growth and reach out to a larger customer audience by harnessing international B2B marketplaces.

Read more
What Is Customer Journey Map?

Customer Journey Map For eCommerce Website

Learn about Customer Journey, the stages of it, and specifics for eCommerce websites to reach the most effectiveness in Customer Journey Mapping.

Read more
How To Build A Successful Omnichannel Strategy

Building A Successful Omnichannel Strategy

Learn how omnichannel product information management can boost your business, increase sales and deliver an excellent customer experience.

Read more
Boost Compliance and Sustainability with Circular Strategies
4 min read
How To

How To Boost Compliance with Circular Strategies

Align your business with EU ESPR rules to boost sustainability, cut waste, meet compliance, and unlock cost-saving circular strategies.

Read more

Let’s Get In Touch

Need to contact us? Just use this form

Gepard Privacy Policy
Success