Art Guard FAQs

Q. What is the major difference between the MAP System and MAP sensors programmed into a conventional control panel?
A. The biggest distinction is that the MAP System is a plug-and-play system. Sensors are shipped pre-enrolled in the panel, which can simply be plugged into a power outlet and connected to a router for primary IP communication with cellular as back-up or as the primary communications. A Wi-Fi card is optional. No security installer is necessary. And the MAP System must be monitored. The MAP System is intended largely for private residences, galleries and small institutional facilities where the convenience of a self-managed system is preferred. It’s also ideal for traveling shows with the only change being the monitoring address.

Q. Can the MAP System talk to my main security system? 
A. No, there is no connection. The MAP System is dedicated to protecting art and assets, so it stands alone in case of failure or compromise of the main system. Most art security consultants will advise that serious art protection be separate and discrete.

Q. What sort of response does the system give to an event? 
A. At a minimum, emails and texts can be generated and sent to any number of people through data only monitoring. Phone calls to multiple parties, including the police or a security responder, can be added to this. The panel can be set to beep and or sound an alarm, or these features can be turned off. Up to eight wireless alarms can also be plugged into wall sockets at various locations.

Q. How secure is the MAP System?
A. MAP’s RF signal is converted to a 128 bit encrypted signal making it unequivocally safe.

Q. What happens if the internet goes down or is compromised?
A. The Art Guard/Helix panel has a GSM cellular card, enabling immediate and complete back-up communication. A Wi-Fi card can also be installed but its effectiveness depends on specifics of the location.

Q. What are the major advantages of the MAP System?
A. Convenience first. Complete management of the system can be done from a computer or mobile device through an online interface or free app. Second, safety. With three means of communication the integrity of the System is carefully maintained against hacking and failure. Third, cost. As a plug-and-play package, there is no need for a security installer or wires to be run. Fourth, flexibility. Since the System is wireless, options for locating the panel increase significantly. And last, privacy. As a plug-and-play system, fewer people are involved in the installation and fewer need to know of its existence. The MAP System operates discretely as a secondary security layer when the main security is on and the primary security when the main security is disarmed.