Why are Tech Logic's totalAMH systems so reliable?

Dozens of Tech Logic totalAMH systems are aging well into their teens—with some operating for more than 20 years. When a library invests in a Tech Logic totalAMH, we stand behind our commitment to deliver unequalled totalAMH longevity.  

The length of time equipment performs reliably and efficiently for an organization is called “equipment lifecycle.” Equipment life cycle encompasses planning, acquiring, operating, maintaining and disposing of equipment. Of course, all mechanical systems experience wear over time depending on usage (miles driven), environmental conditions (roads, traffic) and the maintenance performed (tune-ups, oil changes).  

Why is a Tech Logic totalAMH able to deliver decades of service and an unparalleled return on a library’s investment? Why is the equipment lifecycle of a Tech Logic totalAMH significantly longer than other AMH systems on the market?

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Engineered specifically for libraries

Under the leadership of Tech Logic's co-founder Bob Rolfe (former director of Hennepin County Library in Minnesota) Tech Logic produced North America’s first library-specific automated material handling (AMH) system. To this day, our success is tied directly to the success of our library partners and with the library industry as a whole. From its earliest totalAMH, Tech Logic has paid careful attention to features that streamline the work of libraries. Tech Logic assembles its totalAMH equipment in Minnesota with its skilled engineers, software developers, manufacturing team, system installers, and support personnel.

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Quality, custom components

A Tech Logic totalAMH system is assembled at our headquarters in Oakdale, MN with custom components we manufacture or source through trusted suppliers. Tech Logic partners with fabrication shops to provide the best quality and availability of parts for our customers. As a result, our partners can supply or replicate parts quickly if something needs to be replaced on a totalAMH system in the field.  If problems arise on older equipment, our partners also work with us to find solutions that will extend equipment lifecycle. Some suppliers have been Tech Logic partners for more than 15 years, providing their engineering expertise for our own staff and customers.

Tech Logic also reevaluates equipment designs for incremental improvements in components. For example, new designs for conveying surfaces and transfers refined totalAMH precision to separating stacks of materials. Similarly, a totalAMH that was designed for barcode scanning can easily be retrofitted with RFID tag readers if the library chooses to introduce RFID technology to their operation. The ability to evolve with new components or to meet library needs offers flexibility with existing sorting equipment rather than replacement.

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Proven software

Tech Logic totalAMH systems are powered by software developed specifically for libraries and refined over more than twenty years. Most recently, the totalAMH software operates on an industrial PC with Enterprise LTSC (long-term servicing channel). This platform guarantees long-term stability without interruption for unnecessary OS upgrades that could jeopardize continuity of the sorter’s operation. We can be confident that the software delivers consistently reliable performance for a critical library operation.

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Remote problem diagnosis and resolution

Tech Logic’s totalAMH software provides maximum flexibility to adjust or remedy functioning of the equipment. Our engineers can access the totalAMH software remotely to diagnose issues and make small adjustments as needed. Having configured our totalAMH to handle millions of returns with accurately, Tech Logic is confident that the software can be adjusted to meet specific needs.  

Regular housekeeping

As with any mechanical system, regular ongoing housekeeping extends equipment lifecycle. A totalAMH handling millions of returned library materials encounters dust, oily residue, and dirt of all types. Tech Logic Field Service installers teach library staff simple housekeeping tasks for the totalAMH to avoid interruptions in service. Those tasks, such as cleaning the conveying surfaces or vacuuming dust from conveying runs, support years of problem-free sorter performance.

Periodic preventive maintenance

Tech Logic offers on-site preventive maintenance visits for hands-on service of a totalAMH. Visits can be as often as necessary with frequency typically based on the size and complexity of the totalAMH. All sorters benefit from preventive maintenance to identify any parts replacement in advance of failure. Field service personnel trained on our totalAMH systems perform preventive maintenance visits to ensure continued reliable performance.  

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Evaluation of an older totalAMH by our engineers

As a Tech Logic totalAMH ages through its teen years, our engineers can evaluate whether the equipment shows signs of aging. Sometimes even an older totalAMH can be refreshed by replacing moving parts and saving the expense of a complete system replacement. Not only is the equipment’s lifecycle extended, but the library saves the cost of system replacement.

For all these reasons, the equipment lifecycle of a Tech Logic totalAMH is significantly longer than other AMH systems on the market.

Success Story: Salt Lake County Library

The Salt Lake County Library system in Utah has utilized Tech Logic totalAMH sorters since 2005 and currently operates 11 sorters across its 18 branches. Their current totalAMH sorters range in age from sorters installed 4 years ago to 20 years ago, with the oldest two sorters retired and replaced in 2024.

Tech Logic trained three of the library’s own Facilities staff in its manufacturing headquarters on maintenance procedures and troubleshooting—an option available to all totalAMH customers. The library established its own maintenance schedule to vacuum filters and lubricate moving parts, as well as check proper functioning of the totalAMH. Tech Logic provided a maintenance plan for parts replacement to complement the library’s own on-site sorter expertise.

According to Skip Condie, Salt Lake County IT Senior Systems Manager, “the library has found Tech Logic sorters to be exceptionally reliable and consistent in their operation. Using the sorters significantly improved productivity, making them a worthwhile investment when compared to hiring additional staff to handle the library materials workload.”

Tech Logic connects libraries with their communities through dynamic, innovative, and efficient workflow technologies—delivering unparalleled service and outstanding patron experience. Since 1997, we have worked exclusively with libraries to develop solutions that empower library patrons and staff.