University of Oxford - Click and collect: How books are transferred to Oxford University’s Bodleian Libraries
The process begins when a book is ordered online through a system called Solo. Once ordered, the book is sent from a storage facility to a designated library. Orders placed before 10:30 AM are delivered the same day. The system processes orders in batches, and the information is sent to a system called BISF. The book is located in the warehouse, labeled, scanned, and sorted into totes for delivery. Totes are organized by library destination and can weigh up to 15 kg to ensure easy handling. The delivery route is planned, and books are loaded into vans in the order of delivery. Upon arrival at the library, books are unloaded, sorted by librarians, scanned, and placed on the shelf for collection. This organized process ensures efficient delivery and collection of books ordered online.
Key Points:
- Books ordered online are processed and delivered the same day if ordered before 10:30 AM.
- The system uses BISF to manage and track book orders from storage to delivery.
- Books are sorted into totes, which are organized by library and delivery route.
- Totes are limited to 15 kg for easy handling by staff.
- Librarians sort and scan books upon arrival to ensure accurate placement on shelves.
Details:
1. 📦 Ordering Process
1.1. Processing at Bodly and Storage Facility
1.2. Transportation to Designated Shelf
1.3. Customer Pickup
2. 🚚 Distribution System
- Orders placed before 10:30 AM are delivered on the same day, enhancing customer satisfaction through prompt service.
- The distribution system processes six batches of orders per day, ensuring efficient handling and timely delivery of goods.
- Information is managed through the BISF system, which streamlines the order processing workflow and plays a crucial role in maintaining the speed and accuracy of deliveries.
3. 🏗️ Warehouse Operations
- Books are located at high shelves, potentially causing vertigo for employees, indicating a need for safer retrieval methods.
- Items are sorted with correct labels and scanned into the system ensuring accurate tracking.
- Books are organized into totes for delivery to libraries, facilitating efficient distribution.
- Totes have a weight limit of 15 kg, which could impact packing strategies and transportation logistics.
4. 📦 Delivery and Sorting
- The sorting process is highly organized to ensure efficiency and prevent injuries, with items loaded into vans in the order of delivery, utilizing advanced sorting techniques to minimize handling time.
- Deliveries follow a specific route: OSNE, then RSL Weston, and finally the Old Bodleian Library, which is optimized to reduce transit time and fuel consumption.
- Upon arrival, items are unloaded and distributed to the designated libraries, such as the Radcliffe Camera, with precise timing to ensure library operations are not disrupted.
- Efficient sorting upon arrival is critical, especially during high volume deliveries like those to the Radcliffe Camera, with specific staff assignments to handle peak times effectively.
5. 📚 Library Shelf Placement
- Books are sorted onto a cart as they arrive, which streamlines the shelving process, reducing handling time and improving efficiency.
- Scanned books ensure accurate logging and tracking, maintaining organized inventory management, which is crucial for operational efficiency.
- Correct shelf placement facilitates easy access and retrieval by patrons, enhancing user experience and satisfaction.
- Efficient shelf placement decreases time spent by staff in searching for misplaced items, allowing more focus on user services.
- Proper shelf organization supports higher circulation rates as patrons find it easier to locate and borrow books.