Hello, we are AdvaNova, it’s nice to meet you!
Here’s what you would have found if you’d searched for Telepen back in 2022. It’s hard to believe that two years have flown by, but Telepen is now AdvaNova – and we’ve got more than just a new name.
It all began with a new website…
In June 2022, the AdvaNova brand was launched as an amalgamation of Telepen and Firebee Ltd., two companies that now sit under the AdvaNova umbrella. When Telepen acquired Firebee in late 2021, it was time for us to create a new site that would reflect this unity.
We landed on AdvaNova because we wanted to advance new technology – Adva for Advance, and Nova for New. By combining 50 years of experience, we have been able to offer new solutions to academic libraries and much more throughout the UK.
Moving with the times
Since the rebrand, AdvaNova has continued to innovate with a range of new products and functionality. Crucially, we have brought manufacturing in-house, keeping our service sustainable and allowing us to better develop our products. Our AdvaNova Consultancy arm now helps with our manufacturing capabilities.
In the future, we look forward to using big data and AI to help academic libraries make decisions on user occupancy, such as:
- Optimising space booking timetables
- Saving money on utilities
- Planning staff resource.
But we should also look at how far we’ve come. Some of our proudest developments include:
Self-service kiosks
According to research led by AdvaNova, 73% of library users expect their facilities to offer self-service kiosks. Our technologies empower people to be self-sufficient, from loans and returns to paying library fines. In December 2022, we launched a new slimline kiosk for smaller spaces – with its very own temporary Christmas update!
Smart returns
Our range of smart returns products has put the power back into library staff’s hands. Users benefit from shorter waiting times, while library staff can sort through books faster, optimising returns. We now offer a vast range of smart returns products, including:
- Sort assistant
- Live scanning wands
- Smart RFID return chutes
- Smart lockers
As of June 2023, we’ve even upgraded to smart vending machines – improving library security and making the user experience simpler than ever before.
Access control
From event venues to academic buildings, access control barriers offer security and crowd control. Our range has evolved since 2022 developing our longstanding partnership with Fastlane Glassgate turnstiles.
Card scanning technology means visitors can get through quickly and securely, while accessible entry is also available with wider gates. It goes beyond entry and exit too, with products like the Sentry app. Accessing spaces and booking rooms comes easily with smartphone integration.
Sustainable onshoring as a guiding principle
Since 2022, we have not only developed our products but our manufacturing processes. One of the most important changes we were keen to promote as AdvaNova was sustainable onshoring. With the effects of the pandemic still on our minds, we made a conscious decision to keep business operations within the UK.
This means we can manufacture all our products on home soil with the carbon impacts of global shopping. Likewise, we can respond to customer queries faster and reduce lead times – ideal for getting products installed before key deadlines like a new term.
Sustainability is a major influence on every decision we make, from manufacturing to renewable energy. For example, via our AdvaNova Consultancy arm, we’re helping businesses with lighting towers transition from diesel power to solar energy.
Giving something back
While keeping production in the UK is a huge driver for AdvaNova, we also love to work with local communities. Libraries have proven to be a lifeline throughout the cost of living crisis, and we actively support them as ‘warm spaces’ for those struggling to pay heating bills.
In October 2023, we signed the Armed Forces Covenant to support our military heroes. At the time of writing, 30% of AdvaNova’s workforce are veterans, and we will continue to champion this cause.
Future developments at AdvaNova
Sentry predictive people counters
In the near future, we’re looking to introduce predictive people counters. These make occupancy management easy using AI technology. Our evolving Sentry system will produce reports that help organisations monitor occupancy and plan for peak times.
We’ll continue to develop this, using features like heat mapping and noise tracking, going beyond standard attendance management and helping libraries make use of their space. This is essential not only for avoiding overcrowding, but for health and safety, and resource planning.
Sentry Cloud
Having first been introduced at the turn of the century, our access control software has undergone many upgrades. Our newest version, which will be ready in time for the 2024/25 new term, is a total ground-up rebuild with new software and utilities.
At the moment, the Sentry app is live and is being used by customers like the University of Leeds. This shows users an ID barcode to allow them to enter libraries via their app or use self-service kiosks.
Hardware upgrades
With our new manufacturing capabilities, we’re updating our hardware. Expect to see new RB2 and Tbox upgrades, as well as razor-sharp graphics displays in our access control barriers. Newer models are on their way and we can’t wait to show you.
Staying in touch
If you’re interested in hearing more from us, you can sign up to our newsletter, which was launched in September 2022. We also run monthly product webinars to showcase what’s in development – helping you buy new or upgrade the latest tools. We’re also introducing product specific user groups to help our customers get the most out of their products.
Promote better security and occupancy management with guided explanations from our teams. With glowing reviews from public services and academic institutions throughout the UK, you can trust AdvaNova.
A lot has changed in two years, and we can’t wait to see what happens in the years to come. Get in touch today to find out more.
