Why should Pharmacies implement Electronic Shelf Labels?
Recently the AI conversation has exploded. With actors striking this week over the usage of AI in their industry, it’s clear that it has the opportunity to change, each and every market sector; with Retail being no different. However in my view, implementing more commonplace technology is the first point of call, before we start using bots to run the show!
For example, many pharmacies in Australia are still to implement Electronic Shelf Labels – digital price tags that replace paper price tickets. The technology is now used by the biggest Australian retail chains (Woolworths, Dan Murphys, Aldi, Bunnings etc), proving its success in streamlining retail operations.
Why should Pharmacies implement Electronic Shelf Labels?
Pharmacists can do what they do best
With any technology, there can be a fear that traditional jobs will be redundant, but the role of Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL) is to make the pharmacist more productive, utilising their pharmacological expertise to greatly improve customer care. The real differentiator of any pharmacy is the people who work there, ESL technology can help free up these experts to spend more time with customers.
Deeper product information
Electronic Shelf Labels offer the opportunity for customers to access deeper product information, via QR codes (scanning on the phone camera) or NFC technology (placing the phone close to the ESL). This is a true value add for customers shopping for items of a sensitive nature, or just for customers who want to quickly assess the product, without waiting for a pharmacist to become available.
Timely promotions
Electronic Shelf Labels / Digital Price Tags use red or yellow to highlight messaging, this makes it easy for customers to identify items on promotion, driving higher sales.
Pharmacies that are part of a franchise often must roll out monthly offers in line with the group’s promotional calendar, causing a strain on staff to meet the deadline. Of course, with ESLs, promotions are updated on the shelf ticket automatically, either instantly or at a predetermined time.
Reduced paper waste
ESLs obviously make paper price tickets redundant, but our solution entirely removes the need for shelf talkers and other promotional signage as well. Larger screens can be used to communicate health and wellness programs, vaccination campaigns and other information. QR codes facilitate an immediate call to action for customers, driving in-store program sign ups, vaccination appointment bookings and more.
No Pricing Errors
By automating price we ensure that it is always accurate, as mistakes via human error can no longer be made. Pricing inaccuracies due to the latest price being installed at the shelf edge late, will also no longer occur; as new pricing can be rolled out at a predetermined time, in-line with the POS.
Better marketing
Brands with high-competition products, such as supplements, vitamins, makeup and skincare, would generally welcome the opportunity to present better marketing to customers directly at the shelf edge. This can be through product videos, purchase offers, detailing product USPs or additional branding. All of which can be displayed effectively via ESLs. There can even be an opportunity to offset some of the cost of the technology, by offering brands better in-store displays.
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