NOVI, Mich. — ATEQ TPMS Tools L.C. is upgrading its range of TPMS tools with mobile data-capture technology that will provide technicians the ability to scan tire DOT codes, as well as vehicle identification numbers (VIN) and license plates.
The upgrade is part of a partnership ATEQ has formed with Anyline Inc., a Boston-based firm that's considered a leader in developing optical character recognition (OCR) solutions. The technology will be standard with the company's newest product, the VT67, which includes a built-in camera.
According to Bruno Rousseau, ATEQ's global TPMS manager, ATEQ tested a number of OCR technologies for DOT, VIN and license-plate recognition before deciding to partner with Anyline.
Using the ATEQ VT67's built-in camera and Anyline OCR technology, technicians will be able to comply with DOT registration with maximum accuracy, Mr. Rousseau said, and optimize multiple workflows to ensure what ATEQ claims is the fastest turnaround speed on the market.
ATEQ noted that due to advances in vehicle technology over the past decade, tool manufacturers have needed faster, more accurate ways to keep up with market demands. This collaboration with Anyline is in line with that goal.
While the VT67 is ATEQ's top-of-the-line TPMS-servicing product, the company said customers should see a return on investment on this tool in one month, based on servicing five to seven vehicles a day.
ATEQ plans to unveil the new product and the partnership at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas Nov. 2-5, where it's an exhibitor.
Anyline G.m.b.H. was founded in 2013 in Vienna, Austria, by Lukas Kinigadner, Daniel Albertini, David Dengg and Jakob Hofer, who focused originally on meter-reading scanning for clients in the utility industry. Since then, the company has expanded its scope to offer a wide range of optical character recognition (OCR) and barcode-scanning solutions.
Earlier this year Discount Tire rolled out a mobile tread-depth reading system, developed by Zebra Technologies Corp. using Anyline technology, at its 1,100-plus retail stores across the U.S. Zebra claims the system will help increase the techs' productivity and improve the quality of information gathered.
