Perhaps a bar code app could be particularly useful if it could link to-- or be--the database that keeps track of the various parameters.
Too bad our vitrines don't recess into their peds while on display to hide their open edges (and any labels that could then be right at the bottom).
Original Message:
Sent: 09-29-2015 11:34 AM
From: Linda Nelson
Subject: Pedestal and Plexi Vitrine Cataloging Ideas?
Good afternoon,
This is an interesting problem. Have you considered a bar code sticker on the plexi and the ped? I know you can get the stickers in fairly small sizes and then each pedestal and plex could have a permanent number attached. Even if it ended up on the back edge of both pieces, it should not stand out too much.
I saw an article somewhere that there are now apps for smartphones and tablets that can scan and read a bar code. This seems like a potential solution for your problem. I know exactly what you mean by a Tetris game, I've had that issue in the past. The vitrine or pedestal you need is at the very back of the storage space.
Let me know how it works out. Good luck.
Linda
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Linda Nelson
Registrar
Maryland Science Center
Baltimore MD
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2015 04:14 PM
From: Timothy Wintemberg
Subject: Pedestal and Plexi Vitrine Cataloging Ideas?
Pedestal and Plexi Vitrine Cataloging Ideas?
We have a fairly large number of display furniture pieces that can be difficult to keep track of as we have a few different storage locations.
In the past, we’ve created an Excel file that lists specifications (top deck size, height, label slant type, location, etc.) and assigns a unique code to each piece. For instance, a pedestal tagged P4 would also fit vitrine V4 (in our low ceiling storage area, matching sets can get separated or only a ped may be used separately for a given exhibition). In a pinch, a quick filtering via excel can find other pieces that may be able to fit together.
Our main problem with this system is that we tend to lose track of it over time . . . especially as we sometimes, in the rush to set up for the next show, neglect to put painters tape tags showing the id number for each piece.
Vitrines can be hard to tag permanently (we’ve discussed scribing the ID on a bottom edge of the plexi where it shouldn’t be to visible, or using “invisible” UV only markers to write the id number and even joked about using the pet tracker micro chips) but beyond using some type of removable/tape label/tag, we haven’t had any great solutions.
Similarly, pedestals can be hard to mark discreetly, but permanently. The best we’ve managed, albeit a totally last century solution, is to permanently mark the inside of our pedestal with the id number and then copy that to a temporary, but visible sticker when the piece goes into storage (our storage is tight so liberating a particular piece can be a bit of a Tetris game). Our peds have no hatch to the inside, so we have to tip them over to find the number.
I’d appreciate any suggestions for keeping track of our stock ; when we stay on top of it, it makes inventory, staging, installation and graphic design flow much smoother.
Regards,
Tim
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Timothy Wintemberg
Director of Exhibition Design
The Newark Museum
Newark NJ
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