The ESL system is designed to display pricing information exactly as it is provided by the POS or back-office database. When items are priced by weight but the unit (e.g., “per LB”) is missing on the tag, it typically points to a unit field mapping or POS configuration issue.

This article outlines the possible causes, system behavior, and recommended solutions for missing unit information on ESL tags.

Issue Summary #

Problem:
Items sold by weight (e.g., produce) show the correct price and promotion on the ESL tag, but do not display the unit such as “per LB” or “per KG”.

Example:

• ESL tag displays: $2.49
• Expected display: $2.49 per LB

How the ESL System Works #

The ESL system does not auto-generate the unit. Instead, it displays only what it receives from the POS or logic system.

If the unit field is missing or empty in the incoming data, the ESL tag will omit that part of the layout, even if the item is priced by weight.

Root Cause #

• In the POS or logic system, a checkbox or field exists to define the pricing unit.
• If this field is left blank, not mapped, or not synced to ESL, then the tag cannot display the correct unit.

Even if the item is marked “By Weight = TRUE,” the ESL tag still requires the unit field (e.g., “LB”) to be explicitly provided for correct rendering.

Solution & Best Practice #

✅ Step-by-Step Resolution: #

1. Check the POS Logic Configuration
   
   • Locate the checkbox or setting that changes an item from “Per Each” to “Per Pound.”
   • Ensure the unit field (e.g., “LB”) is also filled.
2. Update the Unit Field
   
   • In the POS/back-office system, enter “LB” in the Unit or UOM field for affected items.
   • This may be a separate field from the pricing flag.
3. Sync Changes to ESL
   
   • After updating the unit field, trigger a sync or wait for the next scheduled ESL refresh.
   • The ESL tag should now reflect the correct price and unit (e.g., “$2.49 per LB”).
4. Minimize Manual Entries
   
   • Ensure product setup is complete in the POS so the ESL system can auto-pull necessary data.
   • This reduces errors and avoids manual override needs in ESL logic.

Common Questions

Q: Why doesn’t the ESL pull the unit if “By Weight” is checked? #

A: The ESL system requires the unit field itself (e.g., “LB”) to be filled. The “By Weight” flag alone does not display text.

Missing units on ESL tags (e.g., “per LB”) usually stem from incomplete data provided by the POS or logic system. To ensure unit information appears:

• Always enter the unit explicitly in the POS unit field.
• Confirm mappings between POS and ESL are accurate.
• Avoid relying solely on flags like “By Weight = TRUE.”

By keeping unit data consistent and complete in the source system, ESL tags will display pricing information correctly and legally, especially for weighted items.