The Aspects ARTS system is a wireless tracking, audit and security system for works of art and people. The system operates 24/7, which from a security perspective is very important as perimeter or intruder security systems are switched off during the day. Radio Frequency Identification RFID is fast becoming the new technology for asset visibility in logistics, retail, warehousing, supply chains and many other areas of commerce. In the last few years manufacturers of active RFID systems (batteryoperated) have made significant advances in the performance, size and cost of RF transmitters (tags). The Aspects ARTS system is a combination of intuitive, versatile, and easy-to-use software that has been integrated with the best of these tag systems. IS-TG501MS IS-TG100MS L-TG700 XS-PLINTH01 Integrated Security Information Systems (ISIS) has worked closely with a major RFID company and a national gallery for the past 7 years developing what is now widely regarded as the industry standard for ultra long-range wireless asset tracking. The Aspects ARTS software continually monitors the status and location of tags every few seconds, be they worn by individuals or attached to works of art. Art tags are supplied in a variety of forms, with sensor options to suit the work of art to be protected: for example, those used for paintings are credit-card size, a few millimetres deep, and contain a vibration sensor (see IS-TG501MS above).
In a typical installation, small RFID receivers (sensors) are hidden out of sight to provide blanket detection throughout the building. Tags are able to communicate with receivers in open air at distances over 100 metres, but a typical receiver zone is set to cover about 20-30 metres. The tag associated with each work of art has a unique ID number and is registered with that work of art in the Aspects ARTS database. Painting tags can be used to detect vibration movement (such as a canvas being cut from its frame), or a knock, or a tilt when a painting is physically taken off the wall. The pressure plinths and kit systems can detect a change in weight as little as 20 grams. The tags for display cases detect an attack on the case or if the case door is opened without authorisation. Tags on works of art that are in storage can be switched into a monitor mode, which means they will not alarm but will still be audited. When art tags are not in alarm, they communicate every few seconds with the receivers, auditing a collection nearly 6,000 times a day. Temperature-sensing tags report and record the exact temperature in close proximity to an exhibit. The key fob tag can locate a staff member and has a panic alarm button which, when pressed, generates an alarm in the software. The software can be connected to non-proprietary security systems such as CCTV, door control, pagers, audible alarms and 3 rd party alarm software. Thus, for example, if a work of art is disturbed, any number of triggers can be activated such as paging information to a gallery warder, displaying and recording the pertinent CCTV camera, or sending an email notification to senior management.
System Access The Aspects ARTS software is networkable, password protected, and has four levels of user access - at the lowest level (Security Controller) the programme cannot be shut down. The software is very user-friendly with most operations requiring a simple point & click. The receiver infrastructure is continually monitored, and an Offline alarm appears within seconds of power failure, malfunction or radio interference. Security The Current Alarms window is always on screen, is impossible to close, and takes precedence over all other windows during a security breach. The split second a work of art alarms the Current Alarms window (below) flashes information, graphics and alarm instructions about the event e.g. a visual of the work of art, its location, and time.
An audible alarm in the software will sound. Clear instructions in the dialogue box make it quick and easy for security controllers to understand what is happening and what to do. Aspects ARTS has all the necessary real-time information to react to an event immediately and prevent theft (rather than belatedly searching CCTV footage for evidence long after the event has passed).
The tracking function monitors the zone location of an artwork or employee and when an alarm is in process helps to identify the direction a tag is moving through the building. Typical alarms are: LST Alarm Cabinet Alarm Duress Alarm Tamper Alarm Reader Offline unauthorised movement of work of art - display cabinet has been opened without authorisation - member of staff requires urgent assistance - tag taken off work of art the sensor has malfunctioned, been tampered with or other radio devices are blocking the signal Alarms are colour-coded in the alarm window and the duress alarm generates a different Alarm sound.
The History window (below) logs all the historical alarms in reverse chronological order, and contains comprehensive filter, search and reporting options. Deployment Keeping an up-to-date record of works of art and their location is difficult when a collection is large and spread over several locations. Up until now manual processes have struggled to keep up with frequent movements. In Aspects ARTS the location of an artwork is automatically updated every few seconds - tags literally check-in nearly 6,000 times a day.
Initial deployment of the Aspects ARTS system is quick and easy. New tags auto-enrol and are made available in a list for registration. The collection database can be electronically imported: registration then becomes a 2-step point and click process. The use of drop-down menus and speed tables ensures new registrations are also quick and easy. Mandatory data fields ensure the database is accurate. There are spare fields to record all additional information and images. The alarm sensitivity can be set for each individual work of art from the software.
The Registration window is used to Search, Edit, Delete and Swap information about a work of art or its tag. Audit & Analysis The continual tag transmission, whether in alarm or not, is called supervision. The software holds an up-to-the-minute, real-time location of all tagged works of art. When a tag fails to check in, an Artwork Tag Missing icon flags a Warning on the scroll bar on the bottom of the main window, along with other warning icons.
The Aspects ARTS software has a number of data analysis tools for key departments to use. For example the Event Pending Analysis window below not only shows how often a work of art has been in alarm, it also displays how often that work was touched, and for how long.