RFID keeps tabs on art
The French Art Network, a New Orleans-based art gallery with locations in several states, has begun using RFID technology to keep track of its collection, both on the gallery wall and in transit.
The asset management solution places a programmed RFID tag on each piece of art identifying the artwork and its location. Every 10 minutes, long-range RFID readers provide a “roll call” of the artwork inventory. The inventory information from each gallery is sent via the web to The French Art Network headquarters where it is synchronized, so every 10 minutes management knows the exact status of its entire inventory.
To help prevent artwork theft, especially when paintings are moved from one gallery to another, each RFID Tag contains a tamper counter. This device enables management to determine if someone tries to swap tags between paintings while outside of reader range. If someone tries to swap tags between paintings, the tamper counters automatically advance, providing the monitoring system with a time stamp of the “tamper event.” This alerts the galleries to take appropriate action once paintings are back within reader range.
The asset management solution was developed by Florida-based Silent Partner Technologies using RFID technology provided by its partner, VUANCE, including its AAID Security Solutions’ Asset Tags and Passive Readers. ![[end]](/resources/bullet/rfidnews-4.gif)
