Automated Material Handling Solutions: Transform Your Library’s Book Sorting Efficiency

Benefits of Automating Returns

Improved Circulation

Faster check-in of materials returned by patrons and a high-speed sorting system ensure that in demand books reach the next person as fast as possible, enhancing the user experience.

Increased Lifespan of Materials

Automated material handling solutions minimize the number of touches on materials. By implementing smart book return and a book sorting system, you can avoid overloaded bins and drop-off boxes which can damage book spines and DVD cases, and human contact is minimized meaning improved hygiene and less wear-and-tear, helping to prolong the lifespan of your library’s materials.

Better Use of Staff Time

The amount of staff time needed to handle returns and holds is greatly reduced, meaning their efforts can be focused on other tasks and supporting users. The physical stress of lifting materials and managing repetitive tasks is also minimized, supporting your staff and volunteers’ wellbeing.

Real-Time Tracking and Reporting

Combined with systems like IMMS™ and Central Management, libraries can monitor returns and sortation in real time, generate performance and usage reports, and use this data to improve workflows and optimize staffing.

Scalability and Space Optimization

The modular design of our systems allows you to start small and expand as your library’s needs grow. You can customize the layout to fit your space and then relocate or reconfigure components over time, future-proofing your investment and enabling you to adapt to changing user behavior.

Design Your Own Lyngsoe Book Sorter

All Lyngsoe book sorters are modular in their structure. This means that you have a range of layout options to ensure the sorter meets your library’s unique requirements. 

Whether you need a book sorter with one destination or 100+ destinations, we can accommodate.

When determining the size required, the key factors to consider are the number of returns over time, available space, and the number of staff you wish to allocate to material handling. 

At Lyngsoe Systems Library Solutions, we are always happy to listen, advise, and help you design a system layout that is tailored to your needs and effectively utilizes the available space.

Guidelines for Defining Your Needs

We understand that starting the process of automating your material handling can be overwhelming.  Balancing the needs of both patrons and staff requires careful consideration of a number of factors.

To guide you through this process, we have created a comprehensive guide detailing essential questions that you should consider. These range from how many returns you handle daily, to whether you wish to allow for 24-hour returns.

You can check out our guide below. If you have any questions or wish to discuss your requirements with one of our experts, we are always available to help.

Enhancement Options for Your Material Handling Process

We have been a leading provider of logistical solutions for decades, and along with our automatic sorting solutions, we offer a number of additional products that will take your material handling efficiency to new heights. 

Here are some examples of our solutions which have been designed to support with areas such as your central sorting setup or moving materials across floors:

Lyngsoe Sorter Controller™ gives you advanced control and configuration of your sorter

BISR - Singulator - streamlines the sorting of your bulk returns

Our elevation solutions help you overcome spatial challenges by connecting sorting systems across floors

Graphical Display System (CGS) / HMI Monitor gives you a real-time overview of your entire AMH system

Lyngsoe Tote Check-In Server™ extends the power of your central sorter to all branches

Lyngsoe Smart Lockers gives your patrons 24-hour access to reserved materials

Accuracy Matters

Our book sorters operate at very high speed, meaning items are processed much faster than it would be possible for humans to do, saving both time and resources.

The software can be set up to split/divide a single module into two destinations, meaning items are discharged in a manner that spreads them out across the container/destination as required.

This is important as it translates to a better, automatic fill rate of the container, meaning even less need for human attendance or interaction with the sorter.

A Lyngsoe book sorter will quickly become a cherished and trusted “colleague” in smart libraries!

Reliability and Exceptional Service

Installing an automatic book sorter, you are potentially servicing patrons 24/7/365, so you need to be able to trust in the product’s quality and service provided by the supplier.

With Lyngsoe Systems, you are in safe hands. Already entrusted by a long list of international and renowned libraries, the robustness and reliability of Lyngsoe Sort Mate™ sorters are tried and tested.

Our sorters integrate seamlessly with your Library Management System (LMS), ensuring a smooth installation transition and efficient workflows moving forward.

To add an extra layer of intelligent control to your library operations, we offer our innovative Intelligent Material Management System™ (IMMS™) software.

Appreciating libraries' need for high reliability of operation, all our hardware and software products are easy to operate, maintain, and service by design. Additionally, our highly skilled Service Team is on hand should you need any assistance. 

Remote Access and Service

Though our solutions are designed and built to ensure a highly reliable operation, like other things in life, they last longer if they are taken good care of, and we are happy to assist you through our aftersales services.

We offer a range of service options, from specialists coming onsite to an advanced monitoring service called Lyngsoe Secure Solution which enables us to proactively identify and address potential equipment issues remotely.