Aya Teknoloji • ZKONG Authorized Distributor in Türkiye 0541 789 44 27info@ayatech.biz
ZKONG KNOWLEDGE CENTRE

Everything you need to know about electronic shelf labels.

From product selection and integration to volume pricing and deployment, we have collected the practical and technical answers you need to make a well-informed decision.

5topic groups
25detailed answers
2languages

25 answers shown

01

ESL and digital shelf essentials

Understand the technology, how it works and where it creates operational value.

5 answers
01.01 What is an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL)?

An Electronic Shelf Label is a wireless device that shows information such as product price, name, promotion and stock on an electronic paper display. Data travels from a central management system to the in-store communication infrastructure and then to the assigned label. Shelf information can therefore be updated centrally without replacing paper tags.

01.02 What can an ESL display besides the price?

Depending on screen size and template design, it can show the product name, unit price, promotion, inventory status, barcode, QR code, image, origin or a short description. Models supporting multiple pages can rotate different content at defined intervals. Every field must exist in the source data and be mapped during integration.

01.03 What is the difference between e-paper labels and LCD digital displays?

E-paper does not require continuous power to retain an image, making it suitable for shelf pricing where long battery life and readability matter. LCD displays provide full-colour images, animation and video and normally use continuous power and Wi-Fi. The correct choice depends on content type, display size and operating environment.

01.04 What are the main business benefits of an ESL system?

Centralised updates reduce manual label replacement, support shelf-to-checkout consistency and allow campaigns to be published faster. Paper and printing use can fall while staff spend more time on customers and operations. The actual benefit depends on product count, update frequency and the existing labour process.

01.05 Which industries can use ESLs?

Grocery and fresh food, electronics retail, pharmacies and cosmetics, and warehouse operations are common applications. ESLs can also support DIY, fashion, showrooms, manufacturing, offices and other environments where information changes frequently. Model and mounting decisions must consider temperature, humidity, shelf type, viewing distance and update requirements.

02

Infrastructure, Cloud and integration

See how data reaches a label and how the platform can work with your existing systems.

5 answers
02.01 How does product data reach a shelf label?

The correct flow is source system → ZKONG Cloud → in-store access point → shelf label. Price and product data can enter the Cloud platform through a POS, ERP, API or a controlled file transfer. When an update task is created, the access point sends it to the assigned label and the system tracks task status.

02.02 Is an access point and Cloud licence required with every order?

No. If you already operate a compatible ZKONG environment with sufficient capacity, you may purchase only additional labels or compatible accessories. An access point, Cloud licence and related services are added for a new installation or when existing coverage and capacity are insufficient. Compatibility should be verified against the current system and model before ordering.

02.03 Can the platform integrate with our POS, ERP or inventory system?

ZKONG Cloud can integrate with different ERP, POS and custom applications through APIs; the manufacturer also states that it offers a broad API interface set. Scheduled file transfer or controlled data upload can be considered when an API is unavailable. The final scope is defined after reviewing the source system, field mapping, update sequence, error handling and security requirements.

02.04 What can be managed through ZKONG Cloud?

Stores, user accounts, product-to-label bindings, display templates, update tasks and device status can be managed centrally. Authorised users can access the web interface from a computer, tablet or smartphone. Available modules may vary by licence, deployment model and project scope.

02.05 How are system security and user permissions handled?

ZKONG states that its Cloud platform provides encrypted data communication, authentication, permission settings, monitoring and warning mechanisms. In practice, each user should receive only the privileges needed for their role, administrator accounts should be protected and integration credentials stored securely. Store, branch and user roles are planned during deployment.

03

Product and model selection

Choose the right display size, series, operating range and mounting method.

5 answers
03.01 How should I choose the right display size?

Compact models suit standard shelf-edge pricing, while larger displays provide more room for descriptions, images or campaign content. Viewing distance, number of data fields, shelf height and available mounting area should be assessed together. The active display size and the physical outer dimensions are different specifications and both should be checked.

03.02 What is the difference between Quantum, Valley, Blade, Shield, Essence and Arrow?

The series vary by body design, size range, ingress protection, colour options and intended priority. Quantum focuses on modern narrow bezels, Valley on a broad model range, Blade on a slim profile, Shield on demanding use, Essence on richer colour and Arrow on wide-format visibility. The final choice should always rely on the verified specifications of the individual model, not only the series name.

03.03 What do NFC, LED and the IP rating mean?

NFC can enable close-range phone interactions or product links in suitable scenarios. An LED can provide visual alerts for product finding, picking or staff tasks. The IP rating describes resistance to dust and water; not every model carries the same features, so the verified icons on each product page should be checked.

03.04 Can a standard label be used in a chilled cabinet or freezer?

Most standard models are designed for normal store temperatures. Chillers, freezers and areas with high moisture need a model with a suitable operating range and ingress protection; for example, ZKC28QF is listed by the manufacturer with a -25–30 °C operating range. Condensation, cleaning methods and mounting accessories should also be validated in a pilot review.

03.05 Which accessory is required to mount a label?

The correct accessory depends on the shelf profile, label model, viewing angle and use case. Rails, clips, hooks, desktop holders and stands are available, but one accessory is not compatible with every label or shelf. Compatibility should be checked using shelf photos, profile measurements and the selected label model.

04

Pricing and ordering

Understand volume tiers, customer types, currencies and the scope of an order.

5 answers
04.01 Does the unit price change with order quantity?

Only products configured with volume tiers change by quantity; for example, 100 labels and 1,000 labels may use different unit prices. ZKONG Cloud licenses use a fixed plan fee for the selected capacity and term, which is not multiplied by label quantity. Services use a defined package or project scope.

04.02 Can both companies and individual customers place an order?

Yes. The system supports corporate and individual purchases. A corporate order collects company and tax details, while an individual order uses personal billing and delivery information. Aya Teknoloji may separately confirm product suitability or project scope where a site review is required.

04.03 Which currency is used to store and display prices?

Base product prices are managed in US dollars. Visitors can select TRY, USD or EUR, with converted prices calculated from exchange-rate data updated at defined intervals. The selected currency, rate and totals at the time of ordering are preserved in the order record.

04.04 Must I add an access point or licence when building a package?

No. The package builder lets you select labels, displays, access points, licences, accessories and services independently. If you only need more labels for an existing ZKONG system, you can proceed without adding infrastructure. Any missing component for a new installation is reviewed during the pre-sales suitability check.

04.05 How are stock and delivery times determined?

Lead time varies by model, quantity, available stock, manufacturer supply, accessories and installation scope. Delivery of standard products is different from a project schedule involving integration and on-site work. A firm date is provided after the order or project scope has been confirmed.

05

Deployment, operation and support

Plan the journey from pilot deployment and scaling to maintenance and training.

5 answers
05.01 Is a site survey or pilot required before purchase?

A compatibility check may be enough for a small extension to an existing system. A survey and limited pilot reduce risk for new deployments, varied shelf types, cold areas or software integration. Coverage, mounting, templates, data flow and operating steps are validated in the real environment during the pilot.

05.02 What are the main deployment steps?

After needs analysis and a site survey, the product, accessory, access point and licence scope is defined. The Cloud account, store hierarchy, user permissions, screen templates and any data integration are then prepared. Mounting, product-to-label binding, testing, training and acceptance checks complete the deployment.

05.03 Can we add labels to an existing ZKONG system later?

Yes, provided that the model, region, access-point capacity and Cloud licence are compatible. Before expanding, the current access-point model, label family, Cloud environment and mounting accessories should be checked. Only a capacity or coverage extension may be required where the existing infrastructure is otherwise suitable.

05.04 How long does the battery last and what maintenance is required?

ZKONG states that ESL batteries can typically operate for several years; actual life varies by update frequency, operating temperature, LED use, wireless conditions and model. Routine maintenance mainly involves device-status monitoring, connection checks, cleaning and battery or device replacement when needed. The technical data for the selected model should define the final expectation.

05.05 Are training and after-sales support available?

Depending on project scope, Aya Teknoloji can train administrators and store users on Cloud operation, product binding, templates, task tracking and basic fault checks. After-sales support can be planned around remote assistance, on-site intervention, spare units and periodic review. Warranty and service terms are stated clearly in the relevant order or project agreement.

STILL HAVE A QUESTION?

Let us define your system clearly before purchase.

Share your store count, label quantity, shelf type and current software environment so Aya Teknoloji specialists can assess the right product and infrastructure scope.