In the world’s largest ever rollout of electronic shelf labels, xplace has fitted the more than 1,000 stores operated by Media Markt and Saturn across Europe with ESLs. xplace aided the digitization of Media Markt and Saturn as both integrator and full-service provider.
(Göttingen, 2017-02-22)
All in all, more than 10 million ESLs have been fitted by xplace since the switchover process began in 2015. Being a full-service provider, xplace took charge of hardware logistics, data integration, the installation of the communication infrastructure, local service and staff training. In addition, xplace has developed a global ESL dashboard software to collect and aggregate all technical data from stores for automated reporting. “By carrying out support and monitoring while the stores were open, we ensured technical implementation went without a hitch,” explained Arne Jürgensen, CEO of xplace GmbH.
The hardware was provided by SES-imagotag. The new ESLs are distinguished by particularly good legibility thanks to LCD technology and the ‘paperlike’ technology used in e-book readers.
Electronic shelf labels are the quickest and simplest way of marking prices. Previously, whenever prices changed, a price label had to be printed out for each product, cut to size and mounted in a very time-consuming process. With ESLs, prices can be changed directly from the inventory management system. This eliminates the speed advantage which pure play e-retailers have had until now, giving staff more time to serve customers. Moreover, ESLs form the basis for other technologies: In the background, for example, they’re closely linked to the data-driven product range and the supply chain. And in future, customers will be able to access additional product information from ESLs by means of NFC (near-field communication).
About xplace GmbH
xplace GmbH is the European market leader in interactive customer information, kiosk technology and digital signage at the POS. The company offers retailers and industry efficient tools for optimizing customer service at the POS and helping consumers decide what to purchase. Its solutions range from industry-specific products to integrated, customized multichannel solutions for digital in-store communication. Being a full-service provider, the company covers the entire value chain in-house. In addition to its headquarters in Göttingen, xplace GmbH is represented by subsidiaries, sales offices and partnerships in nearly all European countries.
