Read the White Papers on an RFID Library Management System based on UHF technology[/caption]
Many companies and organizations, public and private, are faced with the challenge of managing their book, video and other media collections. In most cases these are valuable assets. You want to share them with employees, customers and other users but you also want these assets returned.
Making the Switch to UHF
RFID has been used by public libraries for more than twenty years. In the past the use of RFID was considered an expensive alternative to bar codes and other manual data collection methods. RFID is no longer an overpriced solution. UHF technology, initially developed during the 2000’s, is now standardized. UHF (Ultra High Frequency) has been embraced many vertical markets that had previously been using HF (High Frequency) technology. Some of the markets that have switched from HF to UHF include laundry cleaners who used HF laundry tags towels, diapers, uniforms and linens; animal farmers that used HF ear tags on livestock and libraries that used HF to tag books and DVDs. All of these organizations and many others are switching to UHF. They are switching because the UHF tags cost less than HF tags and the read ranges for UHF are much greater than those offered by HF technology.The RFID Advantage
The reason for using RFID remains the same – regardless of technology. Over time, many municipalities and institutions who manage library systems have sought ways to reduce operating budgets (cut staff) to offset the growing capital costs of the multi-media resources and computer hardware. For the concerns that library managers face each day, RFID technology brings solutions that magnetic stripe or barcode technology simply cannot deliver as effectively. The RFID tag is assigned and attached to the asset in similar ways, depending on the material, paper, plastics, etc. The advantages of RFID tags over barcode or magnetic stripe are as follows:- Faster scanning of the data stored on the RFID tag
- Simple and easy way for patrons to self-checking for material loans and returns
- Superior detection rates
- Significantly reduce the number of false alarms at the exit sensors (up to 75% less)
- High speed inventory – reducing time to by staff for ‘shelf-reading’ and other inventory activities
- Automated return of materials that speeds up sorting of materials and re-shelving for the next patron to access
- A longer lifecycle than a barcode.