ESL basics
What are electronic shelf labels and how do they work?
A plain-language guide to what electronic shelf labels are, how they update, what they cost to run and how to tell if your store is ready for them.
What is an electronic shelf label?
An electronic shelf label, or ESL, is a small digital display that sits on the shelf edge in place of a paper price ticket. It shows the price, the product name and, on colour models, promotions in red or yellow.
How do electronic shelf labels update?
Prices start in your product data, such as your POS or a spreadsheet. Software sends the new price to an access point in the store, and the access point passes it to each label wirelessly.
From your POS or file
The eslana app reads your prices from a connected POS system or from a CSV or Excel file you upload. Each product is matched to its label by product code, so a changed price in your data becomes a changed price on the shelf.
Through the access point
The access point sits on the ceiling or a wall and talks to every label in range. It delivers each update, and every label confirms that it has redrawn. If one misses an update, the access point tries again and the app flags it.
POS or fileYour prices
eslana appLinks labels to products
Access pointSends updates wirelessly
Shelf labelsShow the new price
What do you need to run them?
Most stores need four things: the labels, an access point, an app to manage them and a source of product data. Read our setup guide for the full checklist.
Read: How eslana works, step by stepAre electronic shelf labels worth it for a small store?
The case is strongest when prices change often: weekly promotions, many products or several stores. Every change you no longer print, cut and swap by hand is time back for your team, and shelf prices stay in step with the till. If your prices rarely change, paper may still be enough for now. Compare the hardware and app costs on our pricing page against the hours you spend on tickets today.
See plans and pricingFrequently asked questions
Do electronic shelf labels need Wi-Fi?
The labels themselves do not connect to your Wi-Fi. They talk to the eslana access point over a low-power wireless link, and the access point connects to the internet through your store network.
How long do ESL batteries last?
Battery life depends on the label model and how often its price changes. Labels that update a few times a day typically run for years, and the app shows each label’s battery level so you can plan replacements.
Can I install electronic shelf labels myself?
Yes. Labels clip into shelf strips or holders, and the access point needs power and a network connection. eslana labels arrive pre-provisioned to your account, and our setup guides walk you through each step.
The eslana team
Retail technology specialists at eslana
