Fortecho Arts Specifications

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At Fortecho Solutions, we utilize a combination of Active RFID Technology and a customized Enterprise Software to effectively safeguard and manage a wide range of valuable assets. Find out what makes our asset tracking solution a cut above the rest.

Protection and Climate Sensors

We specialise in Active RFID technology, the most versatile and suitable tool for protecting assets in dynamic environments. Our sensors monitor for:

Proximity

Vibration

Motion

Tamper

Location

Pressure

Relative Humidity

Temperature

A museum art display with x ray tag samples

The Software

The Fortecho software is highly sophisticated but simple to use. The software controlling and monitoring sensors at gallery level is hosted by a PC in a control room. It integrates with your security and video management systems to consolidate all alarms and quicken response times. Features include:

  • OTA (Over The Air) programming mode
  • Alert screens designed to prioritise key artworks and facilitate rapid verification and response to alarms.
  • Track and ‘fence in’ artworks on the move.
  • Trigger automatic physical responses: close doors, set off alarm sounders, move/ zoom CCTV cameras, etc.
  • Easily assign artwork images and detailed information to each item tagged in the system, enabling immediate recognition of the asset.
  • Remotely alter and control tag sensitivity and functionality.
  • 24/7 Real-time asset and environmental data
  • Control and group multiple artworks based on associated information (gallery, floor, building etc.)
  • Curators and security controllers can use the software simultaneously on PCs in separate locations.
  • Secure access—4 tiers of access from Security Controller to Security Director/Manager.
  • PCs and software are monitored for crashes.
  • Integrates with other collection management solutions.
  • Regular updates and improvements.
  • Scalable and modular system. Supports an unlimited number of devices, servers, sites and users, allowing you to grow your installation according to your needs
  • Temporarily deactivate all or some tag functionality at the click of a button, to allow for cleaning, movement, or transportation.
  • Powerful scheduling function: disable aspects of tag functionality ahead of time to avoid alarms during hanging/ cleaning/ setup.
  • Automatic alerts can be sent by email and/or pager devices to key personnel.
  • Detailed alarm history logs.
  • Control and group multiple artworks based on associated information (gallery, floor, building etc.)
Computer illustration

Environment Monitoring

Designed for conservators, curators and collection managers, the environmental monitoring module is a popular extension to the core Fortecho system. Environmental monitoring provides a digital record of the exact conditions an artwork has been kept in. Over time this forms a crucial cornerstone of the artwork’s identity. Unlike traditional climate-monitoring systems, our miniature wireless sensors record temperature, relative humidity and LUX at the exact location of the artwork—on, next to, or even inside the object. Coupled with reliable protection from theft and tamper Fortecho Solution offers a holistic approach to collection management. 

List of main features:

  • Alerts for exceeding max / min temperature and relative humidity parameters.
  • Alerts if temperature / relative humidity change too quickly.
  • Alerts for changes in light intensity and longevity of exposure (LUX).
  • Extremely long tag battery life of 5-15 years.
  • Small form factor of tags for easy placement.
  • Graphically analyze and share the data with key personnel.
  • Choose from preconfigured thresholds based on certain materials, or create your own based on the needs of a particular artwork.
  • Climate data is captured every sixty seconds.
  • Allows you to model changes in the environment and perform comparative studies.
  • Accurate real-time monitoring.
  • Sophisticated reporting tools.
  • Customisable alerts.
  • Environmental tag tamper function allows detection of unauthorised access to display cases and rooms.
  • Miniature tags may be placed on, next to and inside objects.
  • Meets inter-museum loan requirements - send weekly reports to loaning Museums.

Sensors

How do we protect your artworks?

Our tags are extremely versatile and their shape, size and functionality differ depending on the intended application.

Fortecho tags attach discretely and safely onto, next to, or even inside artworks. They are completely hidden from view and are controlled remotely via the Fortecho software to minimise handling time and disruption. 

Our tags work in real-time to detect movement, damage, tamper (whether the tag has been removed from the artwork or object) and the location of the asset or personnel. Tags check in every minute but send a burst of four messages a second in the event of an activation.

We also deploy PIR, VOS or laser devices to monitor for proximity/approach. Similarly, we use pressure plinth/kit systems for sculptures and small objects where traditional tag attachment isn’t possible.

Fortecho Products

  • All
  • Display Cases and Objects
  • Monitoring for Proximity and Touch
  • Paintings and 2D Artwork
  • Personnel
  • Sculptures and 3D Artworks
  • Sensors

Receivers

Sensors communicate wirelessly with a network of RFID Receivers or ‘Readers’ at distances of 15-70m indoors, or up to 200m outdoors. Readers create a cocoon of RFID coverage within which all assets are protected. Because tags communicate at 433 MHz, encrypted messages penetrate through most materials (including walls, floors and ceilings), allowing readers to be easily hidden inside walls, floors and furniture, though some of our clients prefer to mount them visible as a deterrent. Only a few receivers are required to cover any given space. 

 

The FS-1000

The new FS-1000 reader detects and decodes RFID (radio frequency identification) signals from Fortecho Solutions’ range of tags.

Dual Antenna technology provides RF redundancy coverage, giving a better wireless range. This reader is ideally suited for use in systems that track and secure tagged artwork and other high-value assets. The FS-1000 reader can be used to create RFID networks within buildings. For more robust and rigorous uses, they can be deployed externally across large complexes, such as container ports, warehouses or external yards if suitably protected.
The tag data and reader status information is fed into the end-user application enabling complete management of all tagged assets and the automation of business decisions about them based on accurate and near real-time knowledge of their location and condition.

Software Interfaces

Fortecho integrates with most intruder detection, CCTV, security management (SMS) and video management (VMS) software systems as well as TETRA radios. This allows for consolidated alarms, fewer screens, fewer cables, automatic activation and control of CCTV cameras, real-time object alarm information overlaying video footage, and more.

Alarms can be presented with the following information: artwork or object image, artwork or object information, location image, alarm priority, event timings, suggested action, reader information and floor map, alarm data transmitted to pagers and/or security radios and zonal tracking data.

  • TCP/IP SMS XML
  • CGI NVR System
  • ASCII Third Party
  • Modbus TCP
  • TCP/IP XML Zenitel
  • Bacnet/IP


Integrated Technologies

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Physical Integration

For non-software systems, Fortecho integrates via our ADR IO boards using physical relay outputs (NC or NO). Adding a Variable Input Output Module (VIOM), it is possible to monitor the processing PC and send out an alert in case of a crash or power failure.