Apex RFID includes several applications designed to make staff members’ lives easier. The Apex FlexCheck™ and Apex OneCheck™ staff stations with the patent-pending DirectReader™ module sits side-by-side with your ILS circulation application, allowing you to add RFID to your ILS even if it doesn’t support RFID natively. The easy-to-use Apex TagFast™ software programs tags quickly and simply without requiring a direct interface to your ILS.

“Our RFID install went as advertised. We got our staff stations, self-checkouts, and security gates configured and running the first day. ITG has done a great job with our installation and answered all of my questions. The more familiar I get with RFID, the more I like it. The technology seems so simple, but yet is so rich and complex. I think the Victoria Gardens Library will be a nice showcase for ITG’s Apex RFID system.”
 
Robert Karatsu, Assistant Director, Rancho Cucamonga Public Library, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

DirectReader™ Staff Module

Libraries considering RFID often ask “Why can’t I use my circulation software as normal when adding RFID?” Most vendors cannot answer this question to your satisfaction. But, with the patent-pending DirectReader, you can do just that. DirectReader is designed to replace bar code scanning with the simple action of placing a stack of materials on an RFID pad and using your ILS as you always do. You can check in a stack of items or use the “one-at-a-time” method. The security is set on or off at the same time. As an added feature, staff can turn a tag's security bit on or off independently of any other process. This powerful software has enabled libraries to reduce staff materials handling time for check-in and checkout transactions by more than 60%.

Unlike traditional bar code labels, no direct line of sight is needed between the item’s tag and the antenna. Because of this, the antenna may be easily integrated into or even under existing circulating desks. Staff is alerted both visually and audibly when items on hold are returned and, if desired, locations can be displayed to expedite reshelving.

Apex TagFast™ and the FastFolio™ Tag Programming Station

Apex TagFast software is included in all staff applications and enables the fastest and easiest tagging process imaginable. A staff person, or even a quickly trained volunteer, can tag and program well over 5,000 items in an average work week. To make the tagging process even faster, use the Apex FastFolio Dispenser. This motorized system programs and automatically dispenses standard tags, obviating the need to manually pull them off the paper release liner. Because no direct connection is needed between the programming software and the library’s ILS, tags may be programmed in the stacks. The item’s bar code number is written into the tag at the same time as the security bit is activated and ownership/sorting information is encoded.