Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Gretchen Pruett, Library Director
Contact Info
(830) 2214322 - gpruett@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Approval of a purchase from TechLogic Inc. for an automated material handling system for the New Braunfels Public Library at a cost of $61,453.
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BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
The FY2019-20 budget approved $59,000 for the acquisition of an automated material handling system. The purchase of the automated material handler allows for simplified check-in of materials, increasing efficiency.
Adding the self-check in function through the automated material handling system will allow for a significant cost savings in staffing. We anticipate at least .5 FTE freed up for direct customer service through a decrease in the amount of time spent handling materials. Not all patrons will check in their own materials and we will still need staff to sort the items once the customers have checked them in. The AMH will increase patron check-in of materials to 90% and will decrease sorting time by 50%. Vendor estimates (which are in development) are that the machine will pay for itself in 1 - 2 years.
Based upon discussion and quotes from other material handling system vendors, the library staff are recommending the purchase of the system from TechLogic, Inc., for $61,453, which has several features which are sole source to this system, including Vertical “Sandwich” conveyors, SMART BIN® brand sorting/storage containers and a “Loader/Unloader” automatic induction system. The unique specification of this custom Tech Logic System is unavailable form any other supplier and is a sole source product meeting the procurement requirements.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
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Yes |
Strategic Priorities: |
10. Maintain an ongoing program to provide exemplary customer service |
FISCAL IMPACT:
The FY 2019-20 Adopted Budget included funding for the purchase of this new equipment. Savings in the Library’s operating budget will cover the costs over the budgeted amount.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
es
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of a purchase from TechLogic Inc. for an automated material handling system for the New Braunfels Public Library at a cost of $61,453.