PoE Enables Digital Store Upgrades

Background

In the new era, digitalization has become a new goal for the transformation of traditional industries. As the retail industry enters a new stage driven by data, the digitalization and intelligentization of stores have become key to improving consumer experienCE and optimizing operational efficiency.

PoE (Power over Ethernet) technology's advantage of dual transmission of "power + data" provides a flexible, reliable, and low-cost digital infrastructure for smart retail, becoming a core support for building smart retail scenarios.

When deploying digital devices such as cameras, advertising screens, and sensors, traditional retail stores need to consider the location of power supplies and data transmission for each device. This limits the freedom of layout within the store, increasing installation difficulty and material costs. The application of PoE technology perfectly solves the problems of complex power cabling, high costs, and poor flexibility. 

About PoE Technology

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that provides DC power while transmitting data through standard Ethernet cables. By using PoE, powered devices are no longer limited to the vicinity of power outlets, eliminating the need for additional power cables and outlets, allowing for more flexible device installation and scenario deployment. Currently, PoE technology has been upgraded from the IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) standard to the Ieee 802.3bt (PoE++) standard, providing a maximum power of 90W, capable of meeting the wider and more diverse power supply needs of devices.

PoE Enables Digital Retail

In digital retail scenarios, a large number of devices such as IP cameras, wireless access points (APs), digital signage, interactive information screens, electronic price tag systems, and smart sensors are powered uniformly by PoE switches. This eliminates the need for separate power cables; a single network cable can solve both power supply and network connectivity issues.

Advantages of Using PoE Switches

Simplified Deployment and Significantly Reduced Construction Costs: When opening a new store or renovating an existing one, using PoE switches can significantly reduce power cabling work and shorten the construction cycle. Industry estimates suggest that PoE deployment can save up to 30% on cabling costs and time, making it particularly suitable for pop-up stores or fashion retail spaces that require frequent layout adjustments.

Enhanced Flexibility and Scalability: When adding new smart devices (such as customer flow cameras and AI analytics sensors) or relocating existing equipment, businesses simply connect a network cable from a nearby network switch, eliminating the need for complex circuit modifications. This makes digital upgrades to stores easy and quick, showcasing the unparalleled flexibility of PoE power supply networks.

Centralized Management and High Reliability: Through PoE switches, administrators can centrally manage power supply and remotely restart all network devices. In case of software failure, devices can be remotely restarted from the backend, eliminating the need for staff to unplug and replug power on-site, significantly improving operational efficiency. Furthermore, standard PoE power supply features multiple protection functions, promptly stopping power supply in case of short circuits, overcurrent, or overvoltage, making it safer than traditional power outlets.

Industry Outlook

As the retail industry's demand for "all-day operation and refined management" increases, PoE technology, with its advantages of efficient deployment, simple operation and maintenance, and optimized energy consumption, is expected to be widely adopted in more scenarios such as community supermarkets, unmanned shelves, and smart stores. This will drive the retail industry's transformation from "labor-intensive" to "technology-driven," building a smarter and more efficient consumer ecosystem.