Supply Chain Management Review

Sean Murphy

Regardez! New Orleans art dealers turn to RFID
July 9, 2008

With the proliferation of RFID tagging, two purposes for the technology spring to mind: Tracking inventory, sometimes to the square foot, and protection from fraud, theft, or other security threats. Arguably, fine art dealers know as much as anybody the importance of both. 

This article from RFID Journal shows how one network of art dealers managed to use RFID tags to help them expand. Until now, the New Orleans-based group was afraid to try to open shops elsewhere in the country, probably getting short of breath just thinking about how to transfer artwork ranging in price from $2,000 to $20,000 across the country safely without worrying about loss or theft.

Using the tags, the group can keep track of each piece of art, whether it's 2,000 miles away or in the next room. I can't say I'm surprised at this. While I will be shocked if they start tagging candy bars someday, the technology is already well on its way in the apparel and pharamceutical industries, areas where even individual items are expensive enough to warrant use of the tags. It was only a matter of time before we saw this showing up on something as expensive as fine art.

Posted by Sean Murphy on July 9, 2008 | Comments (0)