Understand electronic shelf labels as a properly designed system, not a single product.
From the label and data source to ZKONG Cloud and in-store communication, this guide explains every component together with the technical and commercial criteria for product selection.
Prepared by Aya Teknoloji Technical TeamPublishedUpdated
01The roles of labels, Cloud and store infrastructure02Selecting size, colour, protection and features03What is needed when adding labels to an existing system
IN THIS GUIDE6detailed chapters
01 · DATA
ERP · POS · API · File→
02 · CONTROL
ZKONG Cloud→
03 · DELIVERY
In-store access point→
04 · SHELF
ESL display
THE RIGHT END-TO-END SEQUENCE
KNOWLEDGE CENTRE
Choose your reading path
Start with the ESL Guide to understand the technology, or the Project Planning Guide to plan a deployment.
An ESL is a device mounted at the shelf edge or close to a product. It receives price, promotion and product data from a central system and presents it on a digital display.
01.01
On-screen information
Price, unit price, promotion, barcode, QR code, stock or product attributes can be combined according to the template and display capacity.
01.02
Electronic paper
Most ESL products use e-paper. Its very low power use while the image remains unchanged makes it suitable for long-term shelf operation.
01.03
Central updates
Instead of replacing paper tags one by one, approved information is sent from central management to the relevant label, improving consistency with the source system.
IMPORTANT
An ESL is more than a “digital price tag”: correct data, templates, store communication and physical mounting work as one system.
02
SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
How is the correct information flow built?
The flow begins at the data source. Cloud manages the data and template; an in-store access point delivers the update wirelessly to the relevant label.
02.01
1. Data source
Product and price data can be prepared through ERP, POS, API, Excel/CSV or authorised manual entry.
02.02
2. ZKONG Cloud
Product-to-label assignments, display templates, permissions, stores and update jobs are managed centrally.
02.03
3. Access point and label
The access point relays the Cloud task to the correct in-store label; the label applies the content and its device status can be monitored.
IMPORTANT
A customer with an existing ZKONG infrastructure does not have to purchase a new access point or licence with every extra-label order. Existing scope and capacity are checked first.
03
COMPONENTS
What does each component do?
Project components are selected according to the store’s current infrastructure, physical shelving and management requirements.
03.01
ESL displays
Different display sizes, resolutions, colours, protection ratings and temperature ranges make shelf information visible for each use case.
03.02
Cloud and access points
Cloud is the central management layer. The access point provides wireless communication between that layer and the labels in a store.
03.03
Mounting and services
Rails, clips, stands and special holders secure labels at the right angle and surface. Survey, integration, installation and training can be scoped separately.
04
MODEL SELECTION
Do not select the right label by display size alone.
Standard shelves, fresh food, chillers, checkout areas and warehouses may require different models or mounting methods within the same store.
04.01
Viewing distance and content
The amount of information, typical viewing distance and shelf density determine display size and resolution.
04.02
Environmental conditions
Temperature, moisture, water and dust exposure must be assessed together with the product’s operating range and IP protection rating.
04.03
Features and colour
LED, NFC, multi-colour displays, remote management and battery characteristics vary by model. Product-card icons show only verified features.
04.04
Physical fit
Rail profile, shelf geometry, angle and clip compatibility matter as much as label dimensions; mounting accessories are checked with the product.
05
COMMERCIAL STRUCTURE
Pricing does not work the same way for every product group.
Labels, licences, accessories and services do not follow one commercial rule; the site separates purchasing behaviour by product type.
05.01
Quantity tiers
Eligible physical products may have different unit prices at tiers such as 100 and 1,000 units. Volume pricing is not mandatory for every product.
05.02
Minimum order
A product-specific minimum order is applied in the cart and package builder; licences and services may use different measures.
05.03
Direct sale or scope request
Standard products with defined scope and price go into the cart. Services requiring survey or integration use their own detailed request form.
06
BEFORE ORDERING
Prepare these six details before making a decision.
A complete starting brief speeds up model selection, mounting design and project scoping.
06.01
Quantity and size mix
Split the total label quantity and needs such as 1.54″, 2.13″ and 2.9″ by shelf or category.
06.02
Existing infrastructure
Identify the ZKONG Cloud account, access points and current label series so an add-on order does not include unnecessary infrastructure.
06.03
Data and shelving
Prepare the ERP/POS source, a sample product record, shelf profile and, where possible, photographs of the installation area.
IMPORTANT
Final suitability is confirmed by assessing product specifications, existing system capacity and the installation area together.
NEXT STEP
Turn what you have learned into a practical plan for your store.
Explore products directly or combine labels, accessories, infrastructure and services only to the extent your operation requires.
