Kingston University is employing an RFID-enabled solution to automate its after-hours return process, as well as to conduct inventory counts of 2,000 pieces of media equipment that it loans out to students and staff members. The solution enables borrowers to return goods outside of business hours, by placing items into RFID-enabled lockers, and also reduces the amount of time required for personnel to take inventory of items stored in the equipment stockroom. When students or staff need to return a piece of equipment, they proceed to a cabinet composed of multiple lockers, enter the equipment into an available locker, close the door and tap their ID card next to the high-frequency (HF) reader on the locker door. The reader then interrogates the ID number of the card, locks the locker for that user, and registers via a database who has locked the locker and what it contains. An e-mail is also sent to the card owner confirming what has been placed into the locker. Upon returning to work at the beginning of the next business day, employees retrieve all equipment from the cabinets and place those items in the storage area, along with all the other goods. Learn how the solution has increased satisfaction and streamlined inventory control by saving staff time.
Speaker:
David Rimmer, Faculty Technical Manager, Kingston University