Turnkey RFID solution delivers self-service efficiencies for all
"The fact that Datacom knows the library world and has vast experience of libraries helped enormously. Datacom doesn’t know just RFID – it knows the wider Library environment.
Many people are delighted to know that they are using ‘cutting edge’ technology. They are delighted that it is in their branch and proud that they are using it. It is very exciting to know that their system is used internationally. Customers get a buzz out of using the technology.”
Cathy Cooper, Community Library Manager, Papakura (Sir Edmund Hillary) Library, Auckland Council
Solution snapshot
Customer
Former Papakura District Council - Papakura, (Sir Edmund Hillary) Library, now Auckland Council Libraries
Industry
Libraries
Business need
Papakura District Council wanted its local library to improve customer service levels through more streamlined processes. It also needed to update and future proof the technology for a planned amalgamation between all of the libraries across the Auckland region. Additionally, the Council’s project to relocate and build a new library provided the opportunity to review its IT systems and processes.
Solution
Datacom worked with international partner Bibliotheca, to rapidly deliver a full turnkey solution to the Library. The solution met the anticipated increased demand by customers, while significantly improving service levels.
Benefits
- Datacom delivered the turnkey solution within only 10 weeks, in time for the opening of the new, larger Papakura Library
- The solution’s radio frequency identification (RFID) tagged books have helped to speed up self-check out significantly, as up to five times as many books can now be checked out each time
- The new system is interoperable with all the RFID systems in use in the other Auckland Libraries’ which use RFID - which number over 20 RFID branches in early 2011. (55 sites in total). A feature of the new Auckland libraries is to “borrow anywhere, return anywhere” across the 55 sites. An interoperable solution was essential to achieve this goal.
- The option to use automated materials handling for automated sorting of returned items is now available. Items from the entire Auckland region can be returned to Papakura and the ability to automate the processing of these materials in the future can save time, allowing staff to focus on other tasks
“The conversion was very straightforward and the conversion team worked very well together. All was done in a very short time. Though Bibliotheca is in Switzerland this is not apparent. Everything happens without this being an issue. This is no doubt assisted by good management on Datacom’s part.”
Cathy Cooper
Case study
New library needs fresh system
Papakura’s Sir Edmund Hillary Library (the Library) is one of seven former Councils’ public libraries that were amalgamated across the region to form Auckland Council Libraries. There are 55 library branches and four mobile libraries across Auckland, which are available to the 1.4 million residents and ratepayers of the region
Before the amalgamation, the Library was managed by the former Papakura District Council. Papakura District Council made the decision to improve, enlarge and relocate its Library. As part of this move, the Library reviewed its existing services and systems. The review revealed a critical need to replace the aging Electro Magnetic systems with a modern, streamlined RFID self-service and security system.
RFID tagged books can be checked out considerably more quickly on the self-check machine. Previously, the barcodes on books only allowed one book to be checked out at a time. This improved efficiency was important as the Library anticipated increased patronage with the new building and the region-wide service. It was critical that the self-service systems could cope with this rising demand.
To support this improved customer service goal, as well as to manage increased demand, the Library aimed to make work processes for staff easier. For example, the ability to stock-take is far easier using the RFID ‘wand’; it is also easier to find books.
At the same time, Papakura District Council was to be dissolved and its functions and obligations assumed by the new Auckland Council. Thus, the Library’s new RFID system had to work seamlessly with the RFID systems already in use by two other Councils in the region. This was because customers would have the ability to return items from the other libraries in the region, as part of Auckland Libraries.
Experience lays foundation for success
Papakura District Council selected Datacom as it was aware of the company’s extensive 25-year history of experience in, and in-depth knowledge of, the library sector.
Datacom stepped up to the challenge and assumed responsibility for the project. Working with its RFID partner Bibliotheca – the number one RFID supplier to libraries in Europe – Datacom delivered the full turnkey RFID solution within a 10-week timeframe.
Within that time, Datacom converted 70,000 items from barcode to RFID tag; installed self-check machines, security gates, staff station readers; and integration with the Library Management System. (Millennium)
To support these changes and improvements, full training for staff was supplied. Datacom provides ongoing systems support and management through to resolution of any issues.
Within five months of the formation of Auckland Libraries, business increased by nine per cent across the network.
“Wonderful. Great. Neat. Quick. Saves time standing in a queue; great that you can check out more than one book at a time.” Customer Feedback, Papakura (Sir Edmund Hillary) Library
Key points
- Datacom took responsibility for the conversion process and delivered a complete turnkey solution for Papakura’s Sir Edmund Hillary Library.
- Datacom took care of the entire RFID project and continues to provide support.
- Datacom supplied Bibliotheca RFID equipment to Papakura. Across the globe, more than 1,000 libraries have implemented the BiblioChip RFID System. They are all benefitting from enhanced convenience in media checking, security features and inventory operations.
- Library users have appreciated the benefits of ease and speed that the new technology has brought to their library experience.