Dematic is the leading supplier of Automated Material Handling Equipment and Logistics Software solutions. The company specializes in the design, installation and aftermarket service of automated material handling systems for industries throughout the world, including a best in class Automated Library System (ALS) for university libraries.
The Dematic Automated Library System (ALS) utilizes automated storage and retrieval machines, and a special integrated software control system to provide fully automated high density collection management. To preserve library collections, the ALS can operate in a controlled environment that has the proper humidity, temperature and is free of dust and other contaminates.
The ALS is typically installed on-campus, in a university's main library to allow real time collection interaction by students and faculty. Returned items are collected at a Library check-in location. The library's system will determine if the items should be sent back to the shelves or returned to the Automated Library Storage System. Items to be returned to the ALS have their barcodes scanned at ALS workstations and the correct bin is automatically positioned in front of the operator for placement of the item in the bin. The bin is then automatically returned to its position in the ALS.
To request an item in the ALS, a patron simply uses the library's online catalog system. The Library's system will automatically request items held by the ALS. In most instances, the item will be waiting for the patron at the designated circulation desk in the time it takes the patron to walk to the desk. The ALS has the ability to assign items to random locations, maximizing space utilization. A computer system developed by Dematic records all items' locations for rapid retrieval.
Additionally, collections, valuable items, items requiring restoration, restricted holdings, etc. can be assigned by the ALS to dedicated locations. When items are returned, the ALS will scan their barcode and return them to their proper location. The ALS has extensive management and reporting capabilities. User ID's and passwords allow the Library's administration to restrict access to specific items and to ALS system commands and reports.
and typically requires 1/7th the space of conventional shelving and at substantial cost savings. On a 25-year lifecycle cost basis, the ALS solution is conservatively one-half the cost of a conventional solution.
