Circulation Assistant User Guide
Table of Contents CIRCULATION ASSISTANT................................................................................................ 3 Compact kit .......................................................................................................... 3 Standard kit .......................................................................................................... 3 Standard shielded kit ..............................................................................................
Note: This User Guide relates to Software Version Release 3.2 Circulation Assistant The RFID Circulation Assistant is FE Technologies Library RFID software that allows library staff to perform functions, such as borrow items and return items, using their LMS client software and RFID enabled items. The system comes in the following formats: Compact kit This kit comprises the Circulation Assistant software and a low power USB connected RFID reader with integrated antenna.
Thin Client High Power Kit This kit comprises the Circulation Assistant software and a high power RFID reader with a separate antenna pad (or custom shielded antenna pad, in which case additional costs apply). This kit is useful where high volumes of items are to be processed, desk space is available and the library uses a thin client environment to run the LMS client.
Key Functions The Circulation Assistant kit replaces the need for barcode (asset number) entry of items into your LMS client for staff assisted issue or returns procedures. You simply place items on or over the pad. The Circulation Assistant software sends (simulating a barcode scan) the asset number to the LMS client and at the same time also sets the security of the item to the corresponding value.
“unsecured” value. There are several ways of synchronising depending on the LMS you are using. You can also choose to manually process issues and returns. You can cycles between each type of mode by simply clicking in the middle of the icon – which will change its status with each click: Auto synchronisation method This is the most reliable and sure method if it is compatible with your LMS.
Manual method This is a very basic method, in which you must manually click and ensure that the LMS and Circulation Assistant software are set to the same mode. This is useful when your LMS is not compatible with the Auto synchronisation mode and does not have shortcut keys for selecting its check out and check in functions. This method is compatible with all LMS client.
Disabling the LMS Window In the Context Menu (right click on the Circulation Assistant on your task bar) there is an options “Require LMS Window Focused”. When enabled, the Circulation Assistant will only send asset numbers to the LMS window as normal. When disabled, it provides functionality for the Circulation Assistant to send asset numbers to any window. This may be used in scenarios where the LMS may be offline or inaccessible. Check tags ‘Tag Info Viewer’ allows you view the data encoded in a tag.
Convert Tags If your library supports multiple tag data formats, the Convert Tag function provides the utility to convert tags from one tag data format to another. The Convert Tags function is accessible by simply right clicking on the Circulation Assistant icon visible in the Windows Taskbar and selecting “Covert Tags” from the menu.
The converted items will appear with a green tick and the bottom half of the screen will identify these items as now being in the new tag data format. The Circulation Assistant can be configured to automatically convert tags, so while you are performing check in and check out functions, the tags will also be automatically converted to the new tag data format. This feature is configured via the Management Console application.
Processing multiple items The Circulation Assistant supports processing multiple items even if your LMS client does not support it. The extent to which this feature is effective depends on your LMS. The following methods of processing multiple items are available: Queued method with popup detection This is a patented method that is available in conjunction with the auto synchronisation method for compatible LMS clients.
This FE Technologies Patented method of processing multiple items is only available in conjunction with its patented LMS Auto Synchronisation method detailed above. This is the recommended method if it is compatible with your LMS. Queued Method with time delay In this method, the Circulation Assistant sends asset numbers one after another with a predefined time delay between each item. This method will work with any LMS.
Processing items using the circulation assistant Set your LMS client to the relevant screen (issues or returns). The mini-window for the Circulation Assistant software on your screen should be in the same mode as your LMS client (Issues or Returns) using one of the methods previously explained. Ensure the cursor is flashing in the Asset number field (barcode number field) in the LMS client and place item(s) on the pad.
System configuration The various system settings will be setup by the FE Technologies support technician or your IT support staff.
you cans elect the application to either present to the user in English or Japanese. Please refer to the section “Application Language” in the Management Console User Manual. Re-installing Circulation Assistant In the event that your library replaces a computer or upgrades the computer operating system, it may be necessary to re-install the Circulation Assistant and accompanying FE Technologies software on the affected machine(s).
http://www.fetechgroup.com.au/downloads/pre-requisites/CRRuntime_32bit_13_0_1.msi The Management Console application provides users with the functionality to check online for software updates and download the latest version of the FE Technologies RFID software. Upon logging into the Management Console with credentials corresponding with an IT level access account, users will find a section under the Deployment sidebar menu titled Schedule Update.
Assistant software: • Management Console.msi • Circulation Assistant.msi • Services.msi The MSI files can be manually executed by simply double-clicking the MSI file or right-clicking on the MSI file and selecting the Install option from the context menu. This process will query the target system and display an installation wizard to guide the user through the upgrade process. When the user clicks the Finish button, the software components are installed and the wizard is closed.
Each Windows Installer (MSI) will take between approximately 30 seconds to a couple of minutes to complete. After the aforementioned Windows Installer (MSI) wizards have completed, launch the This document is supplied as ‘Commercial In Confidence’ business documentation. The contents of this document may not be released to a third party without prior consent of FE Technologies or its authorised representatives. User Documentation © FE Technologies 2018 Document No. 18.3 RFID your way Issue No. 1.
Management Console application using the desktop shortcut. You will be presented with a Configure Central Share window, prompting you to enter the directory for the central share along with credentials (username & password) to access the folder. Enter the requested information and click the [OK] button. If the name of the computer has not changed since the last installation, simply restart the computer and the Circulation Assistant application will be functional. No further action will be required.
Restart the computer to complete the process. Information to the user (FCC Part 15.105) Class B product: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
Support Options For any queries or to log a support call, please contact FE Technologies Customer Care Centre via one of the following forum: Online Support http://www.fetechgroup.com.au/online-support.html Email: support@fetechgroup.com Phone Support 1300 731 991 – Australia 0800 231977 – New Zealand +85 2 3008 5757 – Hong Kong +60 3 2788 4847 – Malaysia +65 3158 0074 – Singapore 801 4033 – Brunei This document is supplied as ‘Commercial In Confidence’ business documentation.
