As online shopping rapidly expands, it may seem that physical stores are losing their relevance. However, this is not the case. 88% of consumers still prefer to shop in-store, and more than half consider the experiential aspects of offline shopping highly valuable.
Physical stores offer a direct communication channel with customers and a unique shopping experience that sets them apart.
In this changing environment, retailers must leverage digital technologies to enhance customer experience, while manufacturers and logistics operators must maximise efficiency through automation and real-time data utilisation, writes Steve Jun, Head of ESL Solutions, SOLUM.
One of the key technologies driving this transformation is the Electronic Shelf Label (ESL). ESL is a digital display-based solution that not only displays pricing information but also barcodes and inventory status in real time on electronic paper. It consists of a gateway that transmits information and tags that receive and display it, using low-power wireless communication technology to update data instantly. Due to these technological advantages, ESL is gaining attention as a new smart solution across various industries, including retail, manufacturing, and logistics.
SOLUM provides a specialised ESL lineup not only for retail stores but also for manufacturing and logistics. In retail, ESL solutions focus on store automation and improving customer experience, whereas in logistics and manufacturing, the emphasis is on inventory management and operational efficiency. This versatility is why global retail companies, including REWE, have adopted ESL. Even in environments where opening new stores is challenging, ESL enables efficient store operations and cost reductions, making it a key tool for business optimisation.
ESL is more than just a price display—it is a technology that revolutionises both store operations and the customer experience. For example, SOLUM’s Newton Touch allows customers to interact directly with a digital display to access product information and experience personalised advertisements. SOLUM is also expanding its technology with Vision AI, which combines AI-based data analysis and built-in cameras to assess customer demographics, such as age, gender, and behaviour patterns, in order to provide targeted advertisements. This innovation not only attracts customer attention but also maximises advertising effectiveness and enhances store profitability. Visitors at the upcoming ISE exhibition will have the opportunity to directly experience SOLUM’s vision for these advanced technologies.
Additionally, Newton Eye continuously scans store shelves in real time, detecting not only out-of-stock situations but also misplaced products. This allows automated inventory management, ensuring that customers can quickly and easily find the products they need, thereby improving shopping convenience.
The potential of ESL extends beyond retail and is proving to be highly effective in logistics and manufacturing as well. The use of ESL in smart factories clearly demonstrates the technology’s scalability and broad applicability. In manufacturing, frequent product specification changes, long lead times, and misplaced work orders can lead to inefficiencies. ESL-based electronic work instructions address these issues by updating information in real time, allowing workers to instantly check the latest instructions and significantly enhancing productivity.
In logistics management, ESL drives operational efficiency by integrating seamlessly with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). It updates inbound and outbound inventory data in real time, improving stock visibility. Additionally, the LED blinking function on ESL tags enables workers to quickly locate materials, reducing retrieval times. ESL is also applied to trolley management, where it automatically updates production details, work lines, and process statuses. The LED indicators help workers quickly identify the required trolleys, streamlining workflow efficiency.
SOLUM’s ESL solutions go beyond simple information display—they serve as a critical tool for quality control and predictive maintenance. ESL can immediately detect equipment malfunctions and defective products while also automatically transmitting process data upon task completion. This optimises workflow coordination, facilitates seamless collaboration between production processes, and positions ESL as an essential component in smart factory implementation. By leveraging ESL, retail, logistics, and manufacturing industries can accelerate their digital transformation, unlocking new levels of efficiency.
Ultimately, ESL can be applied anywhere that requires real-time information display, delivering operational efficiency improvements across retail, logistics, and manufacturing. SOLUM is dedicated to realising the potential of ESL by innovating solutions that enhance customer experience and lead digital transformation in business operations. More than just a digital price label, ESL is shaping the future of business processes, setting new standards for automation and efficiency. Moving forward, SOLUM will continue to provide industry-specific ESL solutions, supporting business growth through advanced digital technology.
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