Case Study: M+ achieves robust archive cataloguing and management with Gallery Systems TMS

M+ cleans archive data in over a year with Gallery Systems

The customer, M+, a new museum in Hong Kong, faced the challenge of managing its extensive archival collections, which were previously catalogued like individual artworks. This approach failed to account for the hierarchical nature of archives, creating a significant data management problem. To solve this, M+ partnered with vendor Gallery Systems to utilize their TMS collections management system.

Gallery Systems' solution involved configuring TMS to support archival standards like ISAD(G), creating new departments for accessions and cataloguing, and establishing parent-child relationships to map hierarchical fonds structures. The result was a robust system that streamlined workflows, enabled cross-departmental collaboration, and integrated archives with other museum functions like exhibitions. While the initial data cleanup was a colossal task taking over a year, the outcome was a sustainable and efficient process for managing M+'s unique collections.

M+