Choosing the Right ESL Partner: Why Reliability and Security Matter More Than Ever

In today’s fast-paced retail world, standing still means falling behind among competitors. As customer expectations rise, retailers are embracing digital innovations to stay relevant among the crowd. At the forefront of this shift are electronic shelf labels (ESLs), smart tools that do far more than display prices.But not all ESL systems are created equal. In an industry where precision, uptime, and trust are non-negotiables, choosing the right ESL partner can be the difference between a seamless upgrade to a store’s experience and a costly setback.

Beyond the Label: ESL as a Retail Engine

Modern ESLs are dynamic tools that drive efficiency, enable real-time updates, reduce human error, and free up staff to focus on delivering better service. They play a central role in connected retail environments, integrating pricing, inventory, and promotions into a unified system.

Yet, as adoption spreads, so do the risks of choosing poorly. “A reliable ESL partner isn’t just a vendor – they’re a technology ally,” says Jeon Seong-ho, CEO of SOLUM, a Samsung spin-off and industry leader in ESL and digital display solutions. “The right choice empowers growth. The wrong one can seriously disrupt it.”

That disruption became all too real in early 2024. Retailers across Germany, France, and the Netherlands reported widespread ESL failures. Displays from suppliers began malfunctioning under normal store lighting, with issues ranging from discoloration to complete fade-out. One major discounter reportedly fielded over 30 million customer complaints tied to pricing visibility alone.

The backlash prompted the industry-wide to reconsider what ESL vendors are for. It’s not just for innovation but also consistency, support, and resilience under any type of pressure.

Security Isn’t an Afterthought

As ESLs become deeply integrated with store systems, they also become potential points of vulnerability. From price manipulation to data leaks, security threats can undermine not only operations but consumer trust.

“Security is now foundational,” Jeon notes. “It’s not just about protecting systems—it’s about protecting reputations.”

A secure ESL system includes and cannot be compromised on:

● End-to-end encryption for all data exchanges
● Controlled access to pricing and system settings
● Ongoing firmware updates to fix vulnerabilities and adapt to new threats

SOLUM builds these safeguards into every layer of its ESL ecosystem, from hardware to cloud services. Their approach is proactive, with constant monitoring and a zero-compromise mindset on integrity.

What Sets SOLUM Apart

While many ESL vendors chase speed to market with their solutions, SOLUM invests in durability, support, and strategic partnerships. Their ESL products are known for long battery life, precision syncing, and intuitive management tools. This is all backed by a global service infrastructure.

What truly differentiates SOLUM is its foolproof focus on customer success. The company doesn’t just deliver technology; it delivers confidence with every collaboration. Retailers working with SOLUM spend less time on troubleshooting and more on enhancing store performance and shopper experience, freeing up employees time from the manual tasks.

From deployment to daily operations, SOLUM’s approach is hands-on and future-ready. Whether it’s ensuring firmware is secure or optimising displays for harsh lighting, every detail is considered.

Retail’s Future Starts with the Right Partner

Digital transformation in retail isn’t a one-time leap, it’s a journey but this can be made easier with a partner who offers stability, foresight, and flexibility.

SOLUM’s commitment to innovation, reliability, and long-term support makes it a trusted ally for retailers worldwide. With technology built to perform and a partnership model designed to last, SOLUM helps brands meet today’s demands and prepare for tomorrow’s.

In a world where the stakes are high and the pace is fast, choosing the right ESL partner is more than a tech decision. It’s a business strategy.