Lasting Functionality in Electronic Shelf Labels Using Light Power
Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) have revolutionized the retail industry by enabling dynamic and automated updates for prices and product information. These systems enhance customer experience and operational efficiency, but their reliance on batteries presents maintenance challenges due to their limited battery life.
Regulatory and Sustainability Drivers for Adopting ESLs
One of the main incentives for implementing ESLs is the need for reliable and accurate pricing, mandated by regulations such as the EU's Price Indication Directive. This directive ensures consumers are given clear and accurate price information. ESLs offer the advantage of automatic and real-time price updates, effortlessly ensuring compliance with such regulations.
Additionally, ESLs also contribute to sustainability efforts. For example, they allow for immediate price reductions on grocery items approaching their best-before-dates, thereby helping to reduce food waste.
ESLs and Battery Consumption
ESLs are equipped with energy-efficient e-ink screens that consume power only during updates, and LED lights that can highlight specific products. This functionality helps customers in locating items quickly and assists staff in efficient shelf restocking. However, frequent price updates and LED blinks can significantly shorten the battery life. Some stores report thousands of blinks per ESL daily, which increases the risk of draining the batteries rapidly.
The Benefits of Light-Powered ESLs
To mitigate the high battery consumption from frequent updates and blinking, light-powered ESLs offer a viable solution. These ESLs are continuously charged using an indoor solar cell that captures ambient store light, enabling more frequent updates and blinks without shortening the battery life. This also eliminates the need for battery replacements and maintenance once the light-powered ESLs have been installed, saving both time and money.
Transitioning to light-powered ESLs represents not just a step towards digitalization, but also a move towards a more sustainable and efficient future in retail.