CaptureTech Deploys RFID Shelving System for Books
Active Shelf™ Technology Helps European Book Retailer Improve Customer Experience and Manage Inventory More Effectively
Baltimore, MD–April 6, 2006– CaptureTech, a division of Barcoding Inc., the nationally recognized leader in data-capture solutions, has successfully implemented one of the world's first Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) shelving system utilizing UHF Gen 2 standard technologies. On April 25, 2006, the BGN bookstore chain opened its first "Smartstore," named Selexyz Scheltema in Almere, The Netherlands, utilizing Barcoding's patent-pending Active Shelf™ technology.
Active Shelf™ technology uses antennae mounted within the shelves to continuously track RFID-tagged books to specific shelf locations. Active Shelf™ improves customer experience by helping staff and customers find books rapidly, and by reducing wait time at the cash registers. The system feeds data to information kiosks that inform visitors about book locations. Advanced software allows customers to make natural language queries and receive book recommendations. “By offering customers these possibilities we are boosting customer satisfaction. We are planning to introduce new applications for the system to further optimize the service to customers”, said Jan Vink of BGN.
Ronald Jansen of Centraal Boekhuis, BGN's distributor, said, “We already pack the books in the distribution center according to the shop layout. When a box arrives in the shop, it is scanned and can then be brought straight to the right department or floor. This means customers have less or no trouble at all with how the shop is stocked, as everything is unpacked in the right place straightaway.”
The RFID chips are only used by the distributor and in the book shop, and only contain information about the book. “Our RFID chips are the latest generation. They cannot be infected with viruses or be read by unintended parties. When the customer pays, the chip is deactivated for good, which means customers do not have to be afraid about privacy intrusion,” said Sander de Ridder of CaptureTech.
About CaptureTech
CaptureTech, a division of Barcoding Inc., the nationally recognized leader in data-capture solutions, helps clients streamline their operations with RFID systems, and related software. Clients include manufacturing, distribution, healthcare and warehousing companies, as well as government agencies. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, CaptureTech has eleven sales offices throughout North America, as well as representation in Europe and Australia. Please visit www.capturetech.com for additional information.