Digital shelf labels: sustainable planning, efficient operation
Digital shelf labels have established themselves in retail as an efficient solution for dynamic pricing. A holistic service concept supports companies throughout the entire life cycle - from installation and efficient operating solutions to sustainable end-of-life management. The aim is to achieve long-term added value while taking ecological responsibility into account.
Topic overview
- Why are digital shelf labels gaining in importance?
- What advantages do digital shelf labels offer?
- Comprehensive service over the entire life cycle
- What happens to digital shelf labels at the end of their life?
- Which innovations improve operation and sustainability?
- Using digital shelf labels sustainably and reliably with OMS Retail
1 Why are digital shelf labels gaining in importance?
Digital price tags are becoming increasingly popular in the retail sector - and for good reason: they enable digital, paperless price labeling that can be controlled centrally and adjusted in real time. The energy-saving e-ink displays not only reduce manual effort, but also support flexible and resource-saving pricing.
With over two billion labels expected worldwide by 2025(source : bestretailcases.com), it is clear how strongly this technology is establishing itself. Structured maintenance processes are crucial to ensure that it works reliably in the long term. The standard button cells (e.g. CR2450, CR2477) last up to five years, depending on the manufacturer and model(source : pkcell.com) and can usually be replaced quickly to avoid failures and minimize resource consumption.
Predictive maintenance concepts and suitable technical solutions keep price data up to date, labels ready for use and processes on the sales floor trouble-free - a significant contribution to efficiency and sustainability in retail.
2 What are the advantages of digital shelf labels?
The use of digital shelf labels offers retailers a range of economic and environmental benefits:
- Central price control in real time
- Less manual effort - up to 80% time savings(source : https://invidis.de)
- Reduced errors due to system connection
- Flexible actions and dynamic pricing
- No paper or toner consumption
- Low power consumption thanks to e-ink technology
- More efficient inventory management for promotional and fresh goods
- Sustainable operation thanks to durable, low-maintenance systems
3. holistic service over the entire life cycle
With our store visit, battery replacement and end-of-life management services, we support the reliable and sustainable operation of your ESL systems - predictably, efficiently and professionally throughout their entire life cycle.
4 What happens to digital shelf labels at the end of their life cycle?
Even digital shelf labels reach the end of their service life at some point - be it due to technical defects, flat batteries or a model change. Well thought-out end-of-life management is required so that price tags can be replaced in good time, reused sensibly or disposed of properly. It includes all organizational, legal and technical measures to ensure that digital price tags are used economically and sustainably throughout their life cycle.
What measures does end-of-life management involve?
It describes all measures for the reuse, replacement and proper disposal of digital shelf labels - from return and refurbishment to recycling.
When does end-of-life management begin?
Typically after several years of use - for example in the event of a flat battery, technical defects or as part of a model change. Replacement often takes place as part of planned maintenance cycles.
What legal requirements need to be taken into account?
The Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act and the Batteries Act regulate the take-back and recycling of electronic devices. They oblige retailers to dispose of them properly - at the same time, they provide a clear framework for planning and implementation.
How are price tags that are no longer usable handled?
Used digital shelf labels are disposed of properly or recycled. The separation of the installed components - especially the batteries - is key here. Since 2023, all price tags have been marked with the crossed-out wheelie garbage can symbol and must be collected separately.
What happens to functional price tags?
Technically intact digital shelf labels do not have to be replaced. They can be refurbished and reused - for example by replacing batteries or radio modules. In this way, the useful life can be extended by up to 15 years (source: xplace-group.com). This saves costs, reduces waste and supports the sustainable use of existing resources.
How can the return process be organized internally?
Structured handling of old appliances - including collection containers, return processes and cooperation with specialist companies - facilitates implementation and ensures legal compliance.
What advantages do specialized service providers offer?
Certified partners not only take care of maintenance and take-back, but often also offer recycling and refurbishment . This reduces the coordination effort and ensures that all processes are carried out professionally, efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner.
If you consider end-of-life management at an early stage, you create the basis for sustainable processes when handling digital price tags, reduce operational risks and ensure the long-term economic benefits of digital price tags - throughout their entire life cycle.
Our team of experts will be happy to support you in planning, implementing and optimizing a legally compliant, sustainable end-of-life concept - tailored to your system landscape and requirements.
5 Which innovations improve operations and sustainability?
Digital shelf labels have become an integral part of modern price labeling. In order to make their operation even more efficient and resource-saving, manufacturers are continuously developing new technological approaches. The focus here is on improved energy efficiency, low-maintenance systems and durable, modular price tags. These innovations help to reduce maintenance costs and extend the service life of ESLs - a key contribution to greater sustainability in the retail sector.
Improved energy efficiency
Thanks to energy-saving processors, optimized wireless protocols and intelligent power management, modern digital shelf labels achieve runtimes of up to seven years - even with daily price updates. Advances in battery chemistry and the use of batch updates also help to reduce energy consumption.
Battery-free solutions
Yes, some manufacturers rely on maintenance-free systems that do not require batteries. These include solar-powered labels or solutions that are supplied with energy via live shelf rails. Energy harvesting technologies, e.g. from radio signals, are also being developed and are already being used in some cases.
Modular design
Many digital shelf labels now have a modular design - with replaceable batteries or components such as front covers. This makes repairs easier and significantly extends the service life. The design also simplifies refurbishment and recycling at the end of the service life.
Refurbishment programs
Refurbishment enables used digital shelf labels to be reconditioned - for example by replacing individual components. This can extend the life cycle by five to 15 years. Some providers take back defective devices, refurbish them and return them to the market - a resource-saving approach with additional ecological benefits.
Technological innovations not only improve the ongoing operation of ESLs, but also make an important contribution to sustainable use over the entire product life cycle. Energy-efficient components, batteryless systems, modular designs and refurbishment programs show how cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility can be sensibly combined.
We will be happy to advise you on innovative ESL solutions and support you in the sustainable further development of your systems - efficient, future-proof and tailored to your needs.
6. use digital shelf labels sustainably and reliably with OMS Retail
Digital shelf labels are more than just digital price tags. They are one of the central elements of digital transformation in retail, industry and healthcare. Thanks to their ability to provide information in real time, automate processes and improve the shopping experience, they have established themselves as a future-proof technology. Customers benefit from transparency and trust, while companies gain efficiency, flexibility and competitiveness. ESLs connect the online and offline worlds and enable a consistent, modern shopping experience across all channels.
Whether in supermarkets, DIY stores, pharmacies or fashion stores: electronic shelf labels increase service quality, reduce sources of error and make brick-and-mortar retail more agile. They create a shopping experience that impresses customers and optimizes operational processes at the same time. Investing in ESLs today lays the foundation for the retail of tomorrow - digital, sustainable and customer-oriented.
OMS Retail supports companies as a manufacturer-independent full-service partner in all project phases - from planning and installation to ongoing maintenance. With over 20 years of industry experience and a team of experts working throughout Europe, we offer solutions that make processes efficient and meet the demands of a digital clientele.
Your way to digital price labeling!
For further information, please contact Mr. Christoph Lange for a non-binding consultation.
Christoph Lange
Mail: info@oms-retail.com
Call: +49 (0)511 / 515 283-0
