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How electronic shelf labels work

Here is how electronic shelf labels work. Your POS or ERP stays in charge of prices. Our software passes each change to gateways in the store, and the gateways update the labels over Bluetooth.

Diagram of how electronic shelf labels work, from ERP and POS software to in-store base stations and shelf labels

How electronic shelf labels work: the four parts

Labels

E-paper displays that replace paper price tags. They hold an image without power and last years on coin cells.

Gateways

Wireless base stations that connect the labels to the software. Most single stores need one to four, depending on layout.

Software

Runs on a Windows PC or server in your office, or in the cloud. Updates prices in bulk and shows label status.

Fittings

Rails, clips, hooks and holders that secure labels to metal, wooden and wire shelving.

Connects to the systems you already use

The software takes prices from your POS or ERP in one of three ways. We confirm your database type early so integration does not hold up the roll-out.

API

Real-time sync. A price saved in your system reaches the shelf in seconds.

File sync

Upload or schedule Excel, CSV or JSON files. No development work needed.

Database link

Reads directly from MySQL, SQL Server or Oracle databases.

Start with one aisle or go store-wide

Small shops can run labels from a phone. Larger stores and chains use gateways and central software.

A petrol garage forecourt shop shows how electronic shelf labels work in a small space. One gateway usually covers the whole shop, snack and drink prices change from the same data as the till, and the night shift no longer reprints paper tags when a promotion starts.

App mode

For trials, kiosks and small shops.

Gateway mode

For supermarkets, pharmacies and multi-store groups.

From first call to live shelves

Survey

We look at your floor plan, shelf types and label count, from photos or on site.

Plan

We choose the label mix, fittings and number of gateways for full signal coverage.

Integrate

We connect the software to your POS or ERP and test price updates end to end.

Train

Installation guidance and software training for your team, with free updates after go-live.

Questions about how electronic shelf labels work

No. Each label runs on replaceable coin cell batteries that last up to seven years. Only the gateways need a network cable.

The software connects by API, by scheduled Excel, CSV or JSON files, or directly to MySQL, SQL Server and Oracle databases. Tell us which system you use and we will confirm the best method.

It depends on floor area and how dense the shelving is. Most single stores need between one and four. Multi-store groups usually need one or two per store.

Yes. Labels are available with IP65 or IP68 protection, and we supply ice inserts and magnetic mounts for chilled and fresh displays.

Installation guidance, software training and troubleshooting are included at no extra cost, along with free software and firmware updates.

See what your store would need

Now you know how electronic shelf labels work, share your shelf count and POS system and we will send a label, gateway and fittings plan with a quote.