Combination of mobile tyre DOT scanning with tread depth reader accessory enables technicians to perform tyre checks in five seconds

Anyline, a Vienna-based software provider, has launched an industry-first tyre DOT Scanner for mobile devices. The technology will be used by Discount Tire, the world’s largest independent retailer of tyres and wheels, which is rolling out the solution in nearly 1,100 stores across the United States. The scanning solution will be paired with a tread depth reader from Zebra Technologies, enabling Discount Tire technicians to more efficiently and safely perform tyre checks.

“From retailers to fleet management and logistics, every company that handles tyres knows the difficulty of accurately recording tyre DOT numbers,” said Lukas Kinigadner, CEO and Co-Founder of Anyline. “This innovation automates the process and enables technicians to simply scan the data in real-time from the tyre wall.”

Previously, technicians used a pen and paper to record each Department of Transportation (DOT) code and manually measured 12 different spots for tread depth. With the new mobile, handheld solution, Discount Tire technicians can complete an assessment typically under five seconds per tyre.

“We pride ourselves on delivering customers the highest quality tyre service and products to help keep them safe on the road,” said Tom Williams, Chief Experience Officer, Discount Tire. “Our new tyre inspection solution is a game-changer for our people and will help further our assurance to our customers that we are taking care of their safety by providing the best possible service and most accurate tyre readings.”

Using Anyline’s tyre DOT Scan software on the Zebra TC75x mobile computer, Discount Tire technicians can instantly capture the Department of Transportation (DOT) tyre identification number (TIN) on the sidewall of any tyre to determine age and manufacture location. Discount Tire also intends to leverage Anyline’s scan software to read other aspects of a vehicle, such as vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate and other tyre-related information.

Discount Tire technicians can also visually show customers the status of their tyre tread depth. A color-coded chart clearly indicates the safety levels of the tyre tread depth to indicate when new tyres are needed. This information and the guidance of Discount Tire’s experts can help customers confidently make the safest decisions for their vehicles. The mobile solution also integrates with Discount Tire’s technology system to help eliminate other paper-based processes, such as automating the creation of customer profiles.

“Discount Tire is raising the bar with its commitment to customer safety through the use of innovative mobile computing solutions,” said Joe White, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Enterprise Mobile Computing, Zebra Technologies. “By using this new solution, Discount Tire is providing a performance edge to its technicians, enabling them to deliver better, faster service with visibility and actionable insights to their customers to help provide the safest driving experience.”