What Idcare does

Idcare (legal entity: IDENTIFICATION CARE, S.L.) is a Barcelona-headquartered technology company specializing in RFID, electromagnetic (EM), and digital solutions for public and academic libraries in Spain, with a secondary international footprint reached through partnerships. The company installs and maintains security gates, self-service kiosks, return systems, inventory devices, workstations, and consumables (RFID tags and EM strips) in more than 1,000 Spanish libraries, where roughly 3,000 Idcare devices function daily. Its proprietary QuickConnect self-service software is described as internationally recognized and integrates with the major library management systems (AbsysNet, Alma, Sierra, Koha) via the SIP2 protocol. Innovation-tier offerings include the RemoteLocker modular smart-locker system, the Open+ extended-hours access system (with 850+ international installations), and the Hublet tablet-lending solution, the last of which is being deployed globally for the Instituto Cervantes under a €2 million, 40-country contract funded by NextGenerationEU. In 2025, the company launched the Idcare Digital division and the AI-powered Finder information terminal, co-developed with Samsung and Baratz, signaling an extension from physical library infrastructure into AI-assisted digital services.

The business model is hybrid hardware-plus-recurring-services: revenue derives from upfront sales of RFID/EM equipment and self-service kiosks, from licensing of QuickConnect software, from annual maintenance and technical-support contracts, and from professional installation and integration services. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Go-to-market is direct enterprise sales supplemented by event-led demand generation, exemplified by participation in Innovation Day 2025 at Instituto Cervantes Madrid. The customer base is concentrated in Spanish municipal and regional library networks (Consorci de Biblioteques de Barcelona, Ayuntamiento de Madrid, Diputació de Barcelona, Bibliotecas Nodais in Galicia) and major public universities (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Universidad de Cádiz), with emerging exposure to cultural institutions (Centro Federico García Lorca, Azkuna Zentroa) and global government clients (Instituto Cervantes). The company is privately held, founder-led by CEO José Antonio Asensi, and partners with global manufacturer Bibliotheca for distribution and technology backing. No external funding, institutional investors, or parent-company relationships are disclosed.

Name

Idcare

Legal name

IDENTIFICATION CARE, S.L.

Website

https://idcare.es

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Idcare is a Barcelona-based technology company that provides RFID, electromagnetic, and digital systems (self-service kiosks, security gates, inventory tools, AI-powered terminals) to public, academic, and cultural libraries. It serves 1,000+ Spanish libraries with 3,000+ devices and is expanding internationally via partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Barcelona

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales: Sale of RFID and EM security systems, self-service kiosks (selfcheck models), inventory devices, return chutes (buzones), workstations, and related equipment. Includes consumables like RFID tags, EM strips, and accessories.
2. Software Licensing: Licensing of QuickConnect self-service software recognized internationally for self-service machines, compatible with major library management systems.
3. Maintenance and Technical Support Contracts: Annual maintenance contracts providing ongoing technical support, help desk services, and ticket management platform access. Clear and comprehensive service-based contracts.
4. Professional Services: Installation, configuration, and deployment services for library systems, including integration with existing library management infrastructure.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Idcare sells and installs RFID and electromagnetic (EM) library technology systems for public and academic libraries in Spain, including self-service kiosks, security gates, return systems, inventory devices, workstations, and consumables such as RFID tags and EM strips. The offering is extended with RemoteLocker modular lockers, Open+ extended-hours access, the Hublet tablet lending system, and the new Idcare Digital division featuring the Finder AI information terminal and Unify+ audiovisual content management, all integrated with major library management systems via the SIP2 protocol.

Product overview

Idcare is a Spanish technology company and leader in library systems offering a comprehensive portfolio of RFID, electromagnetic (EM), and digital solutions for public and academic libraries. The core offering consists of Selfcheck self-service kiosks (Entry Level through Selfcheck 3000, including Hybrid RFID/EM models) paired with RFiD and EM security gates. Supporting products include inventory systems (Mobile Inventory, UHF Inventory), return systems (Autobim, Smart Shelving, AMH Flex sorting), workstations, and consumables (RFID tags, EM security strips). The innovation line includes RemoteLocker modular lockers for 24/7 service points, Open+ extended hours access, and Hublet tablet lending systems. Recent additions under Idcare Digital include Finder (AI-powered information terminal with voice assistant and wayfinding) and Unify+ (audiovisual content management). All products integrate with major library management systems via SIP2 protocol. The company serves 1,000+ libraries across Spain with backing from Bibliotheca.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Selfcheck Self-Service Kiosks (Autoservicios) Self-service kiosks for library patron self-checkout and return, including Entry Level, Selfcheck 500, Selfcheck 2500, Selfcheck 3000, and Selfcheck Hybrid models. All are compatible with major library management systems via SIP2 protocol and are designed for public and academic libraries.
• RFiD Security Gates RFID security gates for library entrance detection with 3D technology. Available variants include entry-level (up to 1.20m passage width, up to 7 antennas per reader), ULTRA premium (up to 1.80m), UHF floor-standing (2m), and ceiling-mounted (5-6m detection). Designed for public, academic, and specialized libraries.
• Tattle Tape Clear Gate (EM Security Gates) Electromagnetic security gates for libraries using Tattle Tape technology, with modern transparent design, ethernet connectivity, and customizable graphics. Inherits 3M library security gate technology for protection against unauthorized material removal.
• Return Systems (Buzones) Document return systems for libraries, including integrated self-service return, Autobim combined return slot with aluminum container, smart shelving for document return and browsing, and AMH Flex automatic sorting return system with unlimited container capacity. Includes interior and exterior variants.
• Inventory Systems (Inventario) Mobile and fixed RFID inventory devices for library collection management. Mobile Inventory features wireless WiFi connectivity to library management systems, long battery life, and compatibility with Alma. The UHF Inventory model enables long-distance reading for faster shelf scanning.
• Staff Workstations (Estaciones de Trabajo) Staff workstations for circulation processing in libraries, including USB Workstation in compact format, Double Shielded Workstation for metal surfaces, and UHF Workstation variants.
• RFID Consumables (RFID Tags) RFID tags for library collections, including book labels in square 50x50mm and credit card 53x85mm formats, CD/DVD labels (40mm and 116mm), UHF tags, and special tags for electronic devices (tablets, e-readers, laptops). Tags offer a 50-year data retention warranty and 100,000 read-write cycles.
• EM Security Strips (Tiras EM / Tattle Tape Strips) Electromagnetic security strips for library materials, including TT B1 for hardcover books (165x1.6mm), TT B2 for books and magazines, and CD/DVD strips (114mm diameter). Supplied in boxes of 1000 or 200 units.
• Magnetizers and Desensitizers (Magnetizadores) Electromagnetic strip activation and deactivation devices for library staff, including Desmagnetizer 930, Magnetizer 764, and combination Magnetizer/Desmagnetizer 942 units used during circulation processing.
• RemoteLocker Modular smart locker system for 24/7 autonomous book lending and returns. Installs in public spaces such as sports centers, civic centers, and metro stations without requiring new construction. Connects to existing library management systems (AbsysNet, Sierra, Koha) via SIP2 protocol.
• Open+ Extended Hours Access System Extended hours access system allowing libraries to offer flexible opening hours outside staffed periods. Validated with over 850 international implementations, enabling 24/7 access during exam periods and closed hours.
• Hublet Tablet Lending System Secure tablet lending system developed with Samsung, featuring cloud-based management software, docking stations with 3 or 6 connectors, touchscreen interface for user identification, barcode/card reader, and individual chargers for extended home use. Supports applications such as DELE exam administration.
• Finder AI Information Terminal AI-powered digital information terminal combining touchscreens, artificial intelligence, and user services. Features voice assistant, smart book search for physical and digital materials, interior wayfinding maps, cultural agenda, and real-time news. Developed with Baratz and Samsung.
• Unify+ Audiovisual Content Management Cloud-based audiovisual content management system unifying all library AV content, including information panels, screensaver displays, and interactive screens, into a single platform accessible from anywhere.
• QuickConnect Self-Service Software

Quantifiable outcome

• 3,000 devices functioning daily across 1,000+ Spanish libraries
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

AI capability6 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• HubletcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 March 2025Finnish company specializing in secure tablet lending systems. Joint development and deployment of Hublet tablet kiosks for Instituto Cervantes project spanning 40+ countries. Hublet provides the core technology platform while Idcare handles implementation.
• SamsungflagshipTechnology or Integration · 17 March 2025Technology partner providing tablet hardware for Hublet system. Samsung tablets are integrated into the lending solution with high security features for unattended public use. Partnership active in Finder AI solution development as well.
• BaratzflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 March 2025Spanish library technology company and organizer of Innovation Day. Co-development partner for Finder AI solution and key integration partner. Manages AbsysNet library management system. Long-term strategic alliance for Spanish market innovation.
• Instituto CervantesflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 March 2025Major €2 million project client and partner for global digitization initiative. Funded by NextGenerationEU. Project spans 40+ countries across Europe, Americas, Middle East, Asia, and Oceania. Enables DELE exam administration and cultural resource distribution.
• BibliothecacoreTechnology or IntegrationGlobal manufacturer partner providing backing and support. Bibliotheca is described as one of the most important manufacturers worldwide in library technology. This partnership positions Idcare as the Spanish leader with international manufacturer support.
• Aat VosminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesigner architect collaborating on innovative library space concepts and 3rd space transformation designs for modern library environments.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• OCLC: Global library cooperative providing WorldCat and a range of library services, resource sharing, and technology. While not a direct RFID hardware competitor, OCLC is a strategic force in the same end-customer base (public and academic libraries) and shapes the broader library technology ecosystem.
• Bibliotheca: Global library technology manufacturer and Idcare's core strategic partner. Bibliotheca provides the underlying hardware and library systems (self-service, RFID, security) that Idcare integrates and distributes in Spain, making it both an ally and a broad incumbent that could choose to enter Spain directly.
• Bibliotheca (3M legacy) / Tattle Tape systems: Bibliotheca inherited 3M's library systems business including the Tattle Tape EM security line that Idcare continues to distribute and integrate. Represents the legacy installed base Idcare targets for refresh and modernization opportunities.
• Axiell Group: Northern European vendor of library management systems (e.g., Aurora, Koha distributions) and adjacent library technology. Overlaps with Idcare on the SIGB/library services side and offers integrated solutions for public and academic libraries across Europe.

Emerging players

• Baratz: Spanish library technology company managing the AbsysNet library management system and a co-development partner for Idcare's Finder AI solution. Acts both as integration partner (SIGB layer) and potential competitor in Spanish library services innovation.
• Hublet: Finnish provider of secure tablet lending solutions for libraries and a co-development partner with Idcare for the Instituto Cervantes €2M project. Partly an ally, partly an adjacent player in the library digital services space that Idcare complements rather than competes with directly.

Direct peers

• FE Technologies: Australian library technology vendor offering RFID, self-service, and security solutions for public and academic libraries. Operates in the same niche as Idcare and is a credible competitor for international library modernization tenders outside Spain.
• Comprise Technologies: US-based vendor of self-service kiosks, RFID security gates, and library automation solutions for public and academic libraries. A direct competitor in the same product categories Idcare serves, with overlapping customer profiles in North American academic and public library markets.
• Softlink Information Centres: Provider of library management systems (Liberty, ICS) and library automation solutions for special, academic, and public libraries globally. Overlaps with Idcare on the SIGB and self-service fronts, particularly relevant for academic and special library tenders.
• Lyngsoe Systems: Danish-headquartered provider of RFID and library logistics solutions (self-service, sortation, inventory) competing globally in the same product categories as Idcare. Direct competitor for library automation tenders, especially in European public and academic libraries.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/idcare_es
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC5SpIQl3vfZQOkZ9Wr1HftA
• Facebookfacebook.com/IdCare.es
• Instagraminstagram.com/idcare.es/?hl=es
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/identification-care

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Idcare