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Art gallery seeks sales through RFID
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Art meets science as gallery installs RFID-based shopper system
Delray Beach, Florida � April 14, 2005 � Shopping for fine art has become a little less intimidating and a lot more high-tech as Sapago Inc. announced today that it has launched its first Art-FID� Personal Shopper System at an art gallery in New England.
Visitors to Granite State MetalWorks borrow a handheld computer and a wireless, pen-shaped device to use within the gallery. When the visitor wants to learn more about a piece, he points the device towards a tag near the artwork to scan it. The Sapago Art-FID� system then displays detailed information on the artwork and the artist who created it as well as links to similar pieces.
The Art-FID� system utilizes radio frequency identification technology (RFID) to identify the artwork. RFID technology has received a lot of attention as organizations like Wal-Mart, the U.S. Department of Defense, Target, Albertson�s and Tesco have all launched initiatives aimed at using RFID to improve supply chain management.
�This takes RFID out of the warehouse and puts its power in the hands of the consumer,� says Michael Zammuto, President of Sapago. The system has a sleek, modern design and an Internet-enabled version of the Art-FID system integrates with the gallery�s web site and allows shoppers to instantly send pictures and a summary of the artwork to an email address.
Granite State MetalWorks owner, Lorene Albert says she expects the system to increase gallery sales. �I am always trying to find ways to make people feel comfortable. Most people find art too intimidating to ask questions,� says Albert. �One extra sale could pay for the system many times over and the system sets us apart as an innovator.� The gallery, which includes works by Albert and others, is located in the arts district of Littleton, New Hampshire, a popular ski and tourist destination.
Sapago expects to complete a round of venture funding this year and plans to roll out several versions of the system targeted to a broad range of retail segments.
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