ITG RFID™ Tagging & Circulation

ITG staff stations offer true flexibility with configurable software to accommodate varying user preferences and a choice of easy-install hardware options. ITG makes it easy for staff to work comfortably at a desk or in the stacks.

Software Overview

ITG's patented no-SIP DirectReader™ circulation software works in the background during check in and checkout allowing users to keep the native ILS circulation screen visible and operating at all times. It also allows staff to choose multi- or one-at-a-time item processing. For programming, ITG's TagFast™ software ensures bar codes are fully scanned and verified against a weed list before writing data to tag. ITG's GlobalFlex™ non-proprietary tag data model guarantees compatibility with any future North American tag data standard.

Hardware Overview

Staff stations are available in mobile and desktop configurations. For desktop, hardware includes an RFID reader and pad antenna (low profile or extra large) for connection to an existing library staff workstation. Ergonomic ITG mobile staff stations can be set up for tagging and circulation, as an inventory and shelf reading system, or as a fully-functional Total Mobile™ Staff Station. This single-solution setup includes hardware and software for tagging, circulation, shelf reading and inventory, including the handled, lightweight PowerReader™ wand. With a full watt of power and a large paddle style RFID antenna, PowerReader wands offer ultimate tag reading speed and accuracy. Their 25" length allows users to access high and low shelves without bending or reaching.

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 patented 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 (multiples) or use the "one-at-a-time" method.

Security is turned 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%.

TagFast™ Software

All FlexCheck stations include ITG TagFast™ software. It ensures easy and error-free tag programming without requiring a direct interface to the ILS.

ITG FlexCheck™ Mobile

The FlexCheck Mobile station includes both TagFast software and DirectReader, along with a battery-powered mobile cart that can be used in the stacks during the conversion to RFID. Additionally, the station doubles as a flexible, portable staff station, available any time an extra staff circulation station is required. And, a simple upgrade converts the station into the ITG Total Mobile™, adding ITG's mobile inventory gathering system.

TagFast software provides 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. Because no direct connection is needed between the programming software and the library’s ILS, tags can 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.

The mobile system programs and automatically dispenses standard tags, obviating the need to manually pull them off the paper release liner. An additional dispenser can be added for tag overlays.

Mobile systems can also be leased for monthly terms (3-month minimum).

ITG Mobile Staff Stations are ergonomically designed for ease of use and movement throughout the library as well as for easy reconfiguration and switching between applications. Configurations include: 1) Total Mobile Staff Station – a single solution for tagging, shelf reading/inventory and circulation; 2) FlexCheck Mobile Station – A complete RFID tagging and circulation station (no shelf reading functionality); 3) Mobile Tag Programming Station – A lease option for collection conversion, and 4) PowerReader™ Shelf Reading System – Mobile inventory system with wand (no circulation or tagging functionality). They may be used with either the built-in heavy duty battery or a direct AC connection.

* US Patent #7,289,026 B2
 

ITG Plug-N-Play

ITG also offers portable, plug and play solutions for RFID tag programming and circulation anywhere in the library. The low cost, lightweight SmartReader™ works with any library's standard ILS without a SIP interface to check in and out library materials instantly. For tag programming anywhere in the library, the Universal Programming Station ITG's RFID Universal Programming Station requires no host PC, and is shipped preconfigured with a library's preferred RFID data model so they are ready to use out of the box.