WINDSOR, UK, 15 June 2009 - Since the emergence of fully graphical ‘epaper’ displays for retail, the Return on Investment argument for ESLs (electronic shelf label) has changed radically. ZBD, in conjunction with the independent Retail consultancy, Martec International, have now released a next generation ROI model. The result, which has been heavily market-tested since January 2009, models all the capabilities – ‘Use Cases’ – that deliver benefit to retailers.

ZBD is taking a consultative approach with retailers and its ROI tool is proving invaluable in helping them assess the relevance and payback period for Dot Matrix ESL technology in their own specific business segment: Supermarket, C-Store, non-food speciality, department, warehouse, discount, telco etc.

"We’re using the ROI tool to help retailers visualise all the ways in which epaper displays can deliver savings and benefits within their unique business, and just as importantly, to help us understand their processes and business drivers”, says Jann Naef, Product Marketing Director, who is leading the ROI programme.

With ZBD’s displays, any ERP or upstream data can be delivered to the point of purchase without limitation: product information, including graphics and brand logos, price and promotion data and competitor pricing, any consumer information: from health data and ‘food miles’ to feature/function information, CO2 footprint etc. Staff can benefit by having planograms and replenishment information at the shelf: availability, due date, off-shore location etc. – as well as alternative product data, up-sell data and more.

The ROI tool is deployed in 3 stages allowing retailers to understand how they specifically compare to the sector norm, allow them to calculate their target payback and finally to objectively measure pilot stores and programs.

"We are currently in discussions with over 50 retailers in the UK, USA and Europe and it is proving a hugely valuable discovery tool for everyone – retailers have been uniformly positive about the breadth and thoroughness of the ZBD’s ROI model" says Naef. Depending on the retail segment and the permutation of Use Cases that apply to the retailer, the majority of participants in the ROI programme are finding a potential payback period of between 6 months and 18 months.

Brian Hume, Martec founder comments: “In constructing the ROI model, we reviewed the various ways in which ZBD's display technology could contribute to improving a retailer's overall profit performance. We surprised ourselves at how many ways the technology could help, other than the purely obvious, and the model assesses the impact on profitability and cash flow of all the various options. The model gives an accurate, time-phased assessment of costs and benefits allowing retailers to simulate a variety of implementation strategies and select the one that works best for them.”

ENDS

Notes for editors

About ZBD:
Formed out of QinetiQ, the inventors of LCD technology in the 1970’s, ZBD is a pioneering company with its own R & D, full IPR and scalable manufacturing processes that enable it to deliver a solution with practical commercial advantages for retailers.

ZBD is a leader in the design and supply of electronic shelf edge labels and associated software solutions for the retail industry. The company has developed the next generation of fully graphical shelf edge label that requires no battery power to retain its image. ZBD’s epaper product portfolio provides retailers with a total store solution and the ability to manage and update pricing, product and promotional information at point of purchase, dynamically.

For further information, visit www.zbdsolutions.com. 

Media contact:
Sarah Hool
Tel: +44 (0)1344 887 508 or +44 (0) 7753 573490 (mobile)
sarah.hool@zbdsolutions.com

ZBD Displays Ltd, Longford Business Centre, Orchard Lea, Winkfield Lane, Windsor, SL4 4RU, UK.

About Martec International:
Over the last 20 years, Martec has become the leading firm of retail business process experts in the world. It is also the world leader in training and consulting services for companies that sell to retailers.

Martec assists retailers to improve business performance and help vendors execute their go to market strategies with retailers more successfully. Clients include retailers, technology and merchandise vendors, banks, telecommunications companies and venture capitalists.

Contact:
Tel: +44 (0)1823 333469
www.martec-international.com