JustBooks RFID implementation upgrades library inventory management and customer experience

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India-based library chain JustBooks is using RFID technology to automate its inventory management processes and enhance customer experience. JustBooks currently owns and loans over 160,000 library items in various categories. All are tagged with UPM Raflatac ShortDipole RFID tags converted into custom book labels by Great Eastern Impex.

JustBooks is a fast growing library chain that offers customers monthly or annual subscription plans adaptable to individual needs and interests. In this highly customer-oriented field of business, the company sought a solution to secure smooth and swift book circulation processes that would also give customers the freedom to independently and effortlessly issue and return books as well as carry out complementary actions like checking their profile information, book searches based on title and author, adding books to their queue or requesting them for transfer.

JustBooks embeds RFID tags into each member card and every library item. Customers use the membership card to log into an unmanned touch screen kiosk equipped with library management software and readers from ThingMagic. The handy kiosk can be used to issue and return books placed on a designated tray area and to carry out other complementary actions.

The library management software is mapped according to the library's layout and linked with inventory data and back-end. Using additional equipment, the library staff can easily check the correct location of any items that may have been misplaced and put them back in their original place for customers to find.

It is reported that JustBooks chose RFID due to its "superiority over other similar technologies", especially in terms of easy and fast implementation and operational stability as well as reliability and accuracy. Pleased with the results, the company is currently expanding its use of RFID.

"The benefits of RFID are clear for example in terms of cost savings gained from a reduced need for manual work and labour force compared to traditional library operations. The achieved real-time visibility and efficiency in turn translate into improved processes and enhanced customer experience," says Edward Lu, Sales and Marketing Director, Asia, RFID, UPM Raflatac.