This is an exciting time for ATM Tech Solutions. Since 1984, ATM has been a leading force in the File Tracking, Asset Management and Access Control software markets. ATM Tech Solutions, Inc. is internationally known in these markets and now, ATM is introducing its latest product, called BookMate™ an RFID Self Check OUT kiosk and system, at the Texas Computer Education Association -TCEA - trade show.
In addition to BookMate™, ATM has recently developed an Intelligent Trash Can to "read" and count items as they are disposed of for the Medical Industry and the Smart File for tracking files for real time location tracking. All of the products use RFID Technology.
BookMate™ was first installed at Lamar Independent School District's McNeill Elementary this year, (2008) and with the assistance of Principal Ken Davis and Librarian Tiffany Smith, BookMate™ was born. BookMate™, the Self Check Out Kiosk, has a Barcode Reader, RFID Reader, Touch Screen and Computer.
An RFID Printer is also available if you want to print your own labels in house. If not, you can hire ATM to print your labels for you.
The BookMate™ Software interfaces with their current Sirsi/Dynix sysem, allowing them to continue to use their existing system. BookMate™ will free up the librarian allowing them to concentrate on other tasks. It also teaches students independence and makes the library a fun adventure. Let us show you how to bring your library into the 21st century. What is BookMate™ and how does it work?
BookMate™ is a system consisting of a Computer Powered Kiosk which has a Touch Screen, Barcode Reader and RFID Reader. BookMate™ plugs into your Network and interfaces with your existing Library System. Books are Checked Out and In just like they were scanned with a barcode scanner, only faster and by your students, not the Librarian.
Each book is labeled with an RFID label inside the front or back cover, which has the barcode number encoded in it. When the book is "read" by the RFID reader, it matches the barcode and with the BookMate™ software, it checks out the book to the proper student, just as if the barcode was scanned on your existing Library System.
For Checking Books back In, your existing Book Drop Box/Bin is retrofitted with the BookMate™ RFID Reader. BookMate™ "reads" the RFID tag in the book as it is dropped in the Book Drop Box
The beauty of RFID is multiple books can be scanned at once. With RFID, self Check In and Out stations are possible where Barcodes must be seen and scanned, one at a time.
To create your own RFID Book labels, the BookMate™ system has an RFID Printer. The BookMate™ RFID printer can print one label at a time or all items contained in a data file.
Conversion: How do I convert to RFID ?
ATM Tech Solutions, Inc. can provide your initial batch of labels for you to apply to your existing books or we can send the labels to your book distributor for them to apply for new book purchases. After your conversion, you can print your own labels as you receive new books or materials.
When a student wants to Check a book out, they simply "touch" the START button on the touch screen and places their book(s) on the BookMate™ Kiosk at the RFID spot and scans their ID card. BookMate™ takes care of the rest. If your library uses a book limit, BookMate™ checks how many books the student has currently checked out and limits the number of books the student can check out. If there is a problem, BookMate™ speaks to the student, saying "there is a problem, please see the librarian". The BookMate™ voice is recorded by the librarian, so they hear the librarian's voice.
Because BookMate™ also checks books IN as they are dropped into the book drop box, the student can check their limit of books out immediately, instead of having to find the books in the box or having the Librarian Check all books In when the students enter the library. If you have ever been interrupted from teaching or reading to your class, the self check IN and OUT will eliminate you having to be tied to the front desk. BookMate™ is truly the librarians ultimate assistant.
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