Pune library adopts RFID
R S Enterprises pioneers innovative technology in India
Think of a library where you don`t have to search for books and there are no lengthy processes of borrowing and returning? One just has to enter the name and book is there with in reach. The new radio frequency identification technology (RFID) can do this work with in fractions of seconds.
RFID is radio frequency based identification. It works with a small chip that has a read- write capability. This chip is attached to an antenna. Both are pasted either on a paper, tape or embedded in a plastic card. When this combination comes in proximity of a particular radio frequency, the antenna generates a small amount of current. This current drives the chip, which starts to read and write. This system enables rapid and accurate recording & recovery of data and helps the users to perform in an efficient manner. The speed of data capturing enhances to a great extent and the possibility of errors reduces to one in 3million, which is almost negligible. There are many benefits of this technology that include the capability of recording historical data that helps in tracking & tracing. Improved item security, access control and proof of delivery without contact data transfer is possible through RFID.
``The requirements of a library are- Data management, circulation management, tracking and tracing of books, purchase monitoring, stock keeping of books, web enabled database and prevention of theft. All these requirements are fulfilled with the help of RFID Technology,`` says Sanjive Mehta of R S Enterprises, Delhi, who has successfully carried out the maiden RFID installation of its kind in India at the Jaikar Library at Pune.
Flexible and thin labels are applied to library items and similar labels are embedded in the identity cards of the members also. These labels have a chip and RF antenna. This label works at 13.56 MHz. The components of the system include, a coupler that sends information in two different directions. It reads the information and sends it to computer. There is an antenna that emits radio frequency waves, technical work station, security gates, self return book drop box that helps in canceling loaned books instantly and stock taking. This has a very strong shelf management system with a handheld RFID reader for scanning books on shelves and report generation software. ``A time will come when RFID will touch every part of our life and the full details of a person would be available as soon as he enters the premises,`` says Sanjive Mehta, Director of R. S. Enterprises. This technology can be useful in departmental stores, hospitals, banks etc, continues Mehta.
R S Enterprises has been in the forefront in providing innovative solutions using RFID. It boasts of having more than 400 satisfied customers.
