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Improve Business Efficiency By Tracking Fleets by VIN Barcode

You don't have to be in the automotive industry to use VIN barcodes. If your business uses barcode scanners to track assets but still relies on a check-in/check-out clipboard to track your business's individual motor vehicle fleet, then it may be time to consider improving your business processes. Consider using the existing 17-digit code by scanning barcodes from vehicles on your own fleet.

Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) are not just a series of alphanumeric characters; they're high-density, alphanumeric 1D barcode symbology that encapsulates detailed vehicle data. Everything from the make, model and year to common manufacturer codes are embedded in this type of barcode. That's why they're used on a variety of applications, from vehicle history reports to vehicle registration documents.

You can reduce human error in your current tracking for these valuable assets, analyze the use of your fleet, and even track a detailed vehicle maintenance schedule in the same system you use to track other high-dollar assets.

With the right systems in place, businesses can leverage this information for seamless asset tracking utilizing asset tracking software.

Wasp Asset Tracking Software Can Decode VIN Barcodes

Transforming vehicles into manageable assets is a step many organizations overlook.

Tracking VIN barcodes simplifies fleet management, enhancing overall efficiency and strategic decision-making. 

Businesses in fleet management or in possession of a few vans can use these barcodes to streamline tracking efforts.

AssetCloud decodes the alphanumeric characters in VIN barcodes. You can reduce human error in your current tracking for these valuable assets, analyze the use of your fleet, and even track a detailed vehicle maintenance schedule in the same system you use to track other high-dollar assets. It supports businesses in managing vehicle inventories with efficiency.

That way, instead of your team assigning vehicle data to a string of alphanumeric characters, you can skip the human error and let AssetCloud populate your system with accurate vehicle data right out of the code. 

Its high-density encoding and error correction ensure that the information retrieved is accurate. This technology reads even distorted VIN barcodes typically found on vehicles. This makes Wasp a powerful tool for vehicular asset tracking.

If you pair your software installation with access to vehicle registration data, your software may include configurations, appraisal, and history reports. That data can be especially important for insurance processes that your business may face with its vehicles.

What Information Do VIN Barcodes Contain?

VIN barcodes are rich with vital information. They begin with the World Manufacturer Index (WMI). This codes the manufacturing company and location. The Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) follows, specifying attributes like engine type and airbag type.

The Vehicle Indicator Section (VIS) is a unique identifier for each vehicle, set by the manufacturer to verify vehicle authenticity. Each barcode also includes a Check Digit, the ninth digit in the VIN. This ensures the authenticity of the VIN.

The 10th digit reveals the vehicle's model year, while the 11th digit outlines the assembly plant.

How Most Organizations’ Vehicle Asset Management Can Be Inefficient

A variety of industries have businesses that own vehicles, from supply chain partners to HVAC service companies to delivery services.

Many organizations struggle with vehicle asset management due to inefficient systems. Some may track only the most basic vehicle data and never keep records of the VIN codes of their fleet while others keep a list of VINs and never look at them again. Meanwhile, the likelihood of errors rises with manual VIN entry.

This method of tracking can make data retrieval slow and cumbersome. If law enforcement calls because someone stole your vehicle, you may slow down their vehicle recovery efforts if you don't have ready access to this 17-digit code. 

Think of Vehicles as Assets to Track That Already Come With Barcodes

Integrating VIN barcode scanning functionality to your business process can improve both security and efficiency. With the right barcode scanning software, you can streamline asset tracking.

You may already use this reliable method for tracking assets such as laptops or large tools. Why not do the same with your vehicles?

Then you'll have swift data access and reduce the time spent on vehicle inventory management. It also ensures that relevant vehicle data is readily accessible.

How Asset Tracking With VIN Barcodes Makes Managing Fleets Easy

Vehicles come ready for tracking with VINs on vehicle components in easy reach, either in front of the windshield of the driver or in the driver's side door.

With a sophisticated barcode scanner from Wasp, you could mount a dedicated scanning device to read VIN barcodes at the windshield every time they enter or leave your fleet's parking lot.

This enables efficient management and effective monitoring of vehicle characteristics. Scanning VINs is easy and offers rapid access to historical data, such as maintenance records. Because this barcode format is used in so many places, the amount of data you can access might rival what you would expect from a QR code.

Accurate VIN scanning helps verify a vehicle’s authenticity and aids in claim processing. These technologies provide real-time updates, enhancing fleet operations significantly.