Electronic shelf label (ESL)

An electronic shelf label is usually an e-paper display, because it only needs power when the image changes and can therefore run on a battery for a long time. The labels are connected by radio to a management system, which often takes prices and product data from the merchandise management system. Price changes thus reach the shop without swapping paper, even across many branches at once.

Operators should make sure that the price on the shelf matches the price at the till; this requires a reliable link to the merchandise management system. Mandatory price information, such as the unit price, must also remain legible on the small display. It should also be clear how battery changes, failures of individual labels and reporting back to the management system are organised. Electronic shelf labels are usually a separate system alongside the large screens.