Milwaukee, Wisconsin, January 27, 2003 ---HK Systems, Inc., the leading North American automated material handling and supply chain software total solutions provider, today announces Chicago State and Valparaiso University Libraries have chosen the company to provide Automated Library Storage Systems (ALSS).
The HK ALSS utilizes an automated storage and retrieval machine and a special integrated software control system to provide a fully automated high density document archival. The systems operate in a controlled environment that has the proper humidity and temperature, and is free of dust and other contaminates to preserve library holdings.
The new campus library at Chicago State University will consist of a two-aisle miniload system capable of storing approximately 700,000 volumes. Valparaiso University's new campus library will consist of a two-aisle miniload system capable of storing approximately 400,000 volumes.
Both systems will allow easy and quick access to extensive blue chip periodical collections. In addition, the ALSS control system tracks all items stored in the system, provides user-friendly dialogs, and interfaces with each library's main circulation and catalog systems.
Patrons will continue to utilize each library's circulation and catalog systems to locate materials. When an item located in the storage and retrieval system is requested, circulation simply sends a message to the system and retrieves the
document.
"HK Systems' ALSS enabled us to design our new Christopher Center for Library and Information Resources to take advantage of the most efficient use of volume storage space," stated Rick AmRhein, Valparaiso University's Librarian. "The added advantage is that our total library collection will remain at a single location, with access to materials in the ALSS within minutes."
Jeff Hedges, HK Systems' Director of Market Development, stated, "HK Systems worked closely with the planning and design teams at Valparaiso and Chicago State Universities for more than one year. Great effort was given to assure that the
systems were sized properly for each university's collection as well as designed to accommodate volume growth."
HK Systems is the most experienced provider of synchronized material flow solutions. The company's comprehensive product and services offerings include automated storage and retrieval systems, automated guided vehicles, conveyance, sortation palletizers, customers warehouse management, transportation management, and event management systems.
Addressing the synchronized flow of material and information throughout a company's network, HK Systems develops, deploys, and maintains innovative solutions that improve customer service, reduce inventory and delivery time, and lower overall costs of manufacturing, distribution, and transportation.
For more information regarding HK Systems, its products and/or services, call 1-800-HKSYSTEMS or visit www.hksystems.com.
