Case Studies

ASP Microcomputers assists with Australian first in converging technologies for Holmesglen Institute of TAFE’s library management solution

Overview

The Institute offers a broad spectrum of educational courses, mostly at the post-secondary level, to over 50,000 students. The Information Commons is a library network of some 130,000 items into which is integrated a computer-based learning area in each of its four branches. Stocktake is an important process, to know what materials are missing and need urgent replacement, and to gauge how well the material security system is operating. It is a labour-intensive operation that is difficult to carry out quickly and safely. The solution was to replace the corded equipment with small, portable cordless devices, taking advantage of Holmesglen’s wireless computer network and Bluetooth® wireless barcode scanning technology.

Project Objective

To implement a safer and faster way of taking stock of materials in the Information Commons, and improve processes so that it’s not necessary to close the library to the public during stocktake.

Solution

• A real time barcode stocktake system over a 802.11 wireless infrastructure
• Portable Bluetooth barcode scanners transmitting to ‘paired’ Pocket PC’s
• Scanner and Pocket PC integration via ASPKey+ for Pocket PC™ middleware
• Pocket PC devices transmitting the data back to the host application in real time

Benefits

• Equipment is light, easy and safe to use
• Real time data transmission eliminates the need to upload the scanned data
• Faster reading of barcodes from a greater distance
• Time required to complete a stocktake has halved
• Rapid ROI due to reduced staff times and safety improvements

Hardware and Software

• ASPKey+ for Pocket PC™ middleware
• Denso GT10 portable barcode scanners with Bluetooth wireless transmission
• Dell Axim X50/51 PDA’s
• Library application software

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