Ease of Use for patrons of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Apex XpressCheck™ is a third generation, self-service system that puts together years of self-checkout research and field experience. Librarians from around the country have provided feedback that has been translated into Apex XpressCheck’s user-friendly operation. When creating the system, every care was taken to ensure that both patrons and staff enjoy the speed and convenience self-checkout brings to a library environment. A touch screen monitor, a non-jamming thermal printer, and an easy-to-use bar code scanner enhance the patron experience.
 
Designed to be intuitive for patrons and staff alike, a simple, consistent user interface ensures a smooth process for checking out all circulating materials, including videos, audiocassettes, CDs, and DVDs. On-screen animated, full-color graphics make the user experience simple and understandable. Patrons can view a running receipt displayed on the screen during the entire transaction, allowing them to easily see not only what was successfully checked out, but what was attempted but not checked out. Seamless integration with the library’s circulation database and the ability to easily customize almost any aspect of Apex XpressCheck make it a welcome tool for a library’s staff.

Flexible patron identification. No matter what type of library card your patrons use, Apex XpressCheck has no problem recognizing it. Bar code, magnetic stripe, smartcard, and RFID card applications are just a few of the ways patrons can easily begin their self-checkout process. Apex XpressCheck can even read patrons’ bar-coded key ring tags without removing them from a key chain. And, if you require patrons to use a PIN during checkout, no problem!

Ability to handle item bar codes in multiple and inconsistent locations. Apex XpressCheck is designed for flexibility, allowing for the placement of the system’s bar code reader in various locations to accommodate different bar code positions. Libraries wishing to standardize bar code placement in order to facilitate patron use may lease an ITG bar code duplicating system at a significantly discounted rate.

Multiple language capability. Patrons can select from a menu of up to four different languages so that all messages, including audio prompts, are delivered in the language chosen. English and Spanish come standard. Apex XpressCheck’s powerful configuration utility allows library staff to install additional languages on their own. As an alternative, ITG can provide additional languages for a nominal charge.

Automatic staff notification when patron or item is blocked. To assure patrons that they will always be able to complete their transactions without having to leave the self-checkout station, the system can be configured to automatically and immediately notify a staff person whenever a patron or item is blocked. The staff person can be located anywhere where a network connection is enabled, including a wireless one. The library can install an intercom to provide voice communication between patron and staff, eliminating the need for staff to be physically near the self-checkout station in order to provide assistance.

“Network Down” Store-and-Forward functionality. Apex XpressCheck’s Store-and-Forward (SAF) capability comes standard with all systems and allows patrons to use self-checkout even when the library’s SIP server or host system is offline or experiencing technical difficulties. The self-service software stores the vital transaction information as patrons use the self-check station while connectivity to the host is unavailable. When the host is online again, Apex XpressCheck transmits this stored information to the ILS. Like most everything else in the Apex XpressCheck software, SAF parameters are easily established and changed by library staff. These parameters can be used to limit checkout privileges even when patron authentication is not possible.

Options for payment of fines, fees, and item specific charges by cash or credit card. ITG offers a variety of fines and fees payment options that can be fully incorporated into the Apex XpressCheck. Payment may be done by cash, credit/debit card, or stored value card. In addition to Apex XpressCheck’s fully integrated payment module, libraries have the option of using payment systems offered by other companies that allow patrons to store money in accounts, pay for printing, and use the station to reserve an internet computer. In all cases, the Apex XpressCheck account information screen alerts patrons about fines owed, and the maximum charges allowed before being prevented from checking out additional materials. The system can also be used to collect payment for borrowing specific items, such as DVD rental charges.

Unlocking of AV security cases following approved check out. ITG's patent-pending solution allows for patron self-checkout of AV materials without compromising the security of your valuable and vulnerable AV collection. Apex AV Xpress can be configured to open Kwik Cases®, SecureCases™, One-Time Cases™ and other AV security cases only after the item has been checked out to the patron.
 
Two options are available. The first works with bar code as well as RFID-based systems and is integrated into the self-checkout station. The second option provides a free-standing release station that can be used by patrons regardless of whether they used self-checkout or staff-assisted checkout (RFID only).

Option for automated dispensing of CDs and DVDs. Connect one or two Apex XpressCheck™ self-checkout stations to the same Apex DiscXpress II system. An Apex DiscXpress II system consists of one or more towers in which five 100-disk carousels are stacked. A single tower holds up to 500 disks; a double tower holds up to 1,000. When connected to an Apex XpressCheck, all items can be checked out in a single self-checkout transaction at the same time, in the same way, regardless of item type. Disks dispense automatically during the self-checkout process. On-screen prompts lead the patron through the checkout process.

Libraries with larger AV collections can opt for the Apex DiscXpress II Central Dispensing Unit (CDU). Disks are distributed in a separate step after successful checkout by staff or by patrons at the Apex XpressCheck. Patrons simply go to the CDU and scan their patron cards. The system dispenses their checked-out disks. For more information about automated CD and DVD dispensing option, click here.