Dear Christine,

The ARGUS Collections Management System has a Bar Code module for
tracking objects. The Bar Code Module allows you to quickly and easily
track objects, location and even staff involved with moving the objects.
Bar code labels can be placed on objects, on tags attached to objects
(like your saddle), on packaging surrounding your objects or on the
shelf for easy access during an inventory.

I have recently spoken to system engineers of the bar code companies
that we are working with who are familiar with RFID technology.
According to them, RFID technology has not developed to a point that it
is viable in our industry. The advantages offered by using tags with
radio frequency do not outweigh the disadvantages. You still have to
attach a "button" or "tag" to the object and the wand may pick up other
frequencies from other tags if you don't get close enough to the object
you are inventorying.  This could easily result in inaccurate
inventories. They also said that the technology is still quite
expensive. Questor Systems is very interested in this technology and we
plan to monitor its development for potential inclusion into our
products once it has matured.

I would be happy to discuss this in more detail with you. I can also put
you in contact with one of the Bar Code companies that we work with.
Please call or email me at [log in to unmask]

Sincerely,
Teresa

Teresa Ridgeway
Education Consultant
Questor Systems, Inc.
2627 Mission Street
San Marino, CA 91108
626.403.0808
626.403.1739 fax
www.questorsys.com



Date:    Mon, 11 Mar 2002 17:24:02 -0800
From:    KIRSTIN HOLM <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: RFID technology

I'm looking into getting some type of tracking system for the objects in
= the museum's collection. Bar coding is one option I'm thinking about,
but = I am more interested in RFID tracking, which uses radio
frequencies to = transmit information to hand held scanners. The beauty
of RFIDs is that = you can just wand over the objects and get all the
information, rather = than having to move or handle the object. And
having just completed an = inventory of the entire museum's collection,
it would be a definate plus = to not have to search for accession
numbers on saddles! Has anyone had any = experience with bar coding or
RFIDs - how are they working out? And if so, = what type of database do
you use? We use ARGUS at the moment.=20

thanks in advance -=20


Kirstin Holm
Collections Manager for=20
Permanent Collections
Autry Museum of Western Heritage
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA   90027
(323) 667-2000, ext. 210
[log in to unmask]

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).