Tag: tire serial number scanner

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Tire Sidewall

How Tire Sidewall Scanner for Commercial Vehicles is Optimizing Fleet Operations

Why Tire Data Matters More Than Ever for Fleets

Fleet management has entered a new era where data accuracy determines efficiency and safety. Tires are among the most critical and often overlooked components of a vehicle. Every tire carries a unique identity through sidewall information like the DOT and TIN numbers, which track manufacturing details, size, and compliance.

In commercial fleets with hundreds or thousands of tires, tracking this information manually is time consuming and error prone. That’s where Scanflow’s tire sidewall scanner for commercial vehicles transforms operations by digitizing and automating how tire information is captured, stored, and managed.

The Challenge: Manual Tire Inspections Don’t Scale

Fleet maintenance teams often rely on manual note-taking or barcode stickers to track tires. But these methods introduce several operational challenges:

  • Inaccurate records: Illegible handwriting and transcription errors can result in data inconsistencies.
  • Lost traceability: Tires are replaced or rotated frequently, making it difficult to match them to vehicles.
  • Compliance risk: Missing or wrong TIN data can complicate recalls or audits.
  • Time waste: Inspecting each tire manually can take 2–3 minutes, slowing down fleet checks.

With hundreds of tires to inspect, these inefficiencies add up quickly resulting in lost productivity and missed insights.

Automating Tire Identification for Commercial Vehicles

Scanflow’s tire sidewall scanner uses computer vision and AI to recognize embossed and printed codes directly from tire sidewalls. Using a smartphone, tablet, or handheld device, technicians can scan each tire in seconds even in dirty, low-light, or worn conditions.

The system captures key information including:

  • DOT and TIN codes
  • Manufacturer and model
  • Size and serial numbers
  • Optional QR or barcode data

Once captured, this information syncs automatically with fleet management or maintenance systems, giving managers a real-time view of every tire in their operation.

Key Benefits for Fleet Managers

1.Rapid Inspections and Real-Time Updates

Technicians can scan and record tire details in under 10 seconds. This enables more frequent checks and faster decision-making.

2.Improved Tire Traceability

Each tire is digitally linked to a vehicle and location, ensuring full traceability through its lifecycle from installation to replacement.

3.Lower Operational Costs

By automating inspections, fleets save hundreds of labor hours annually while preventing costly errors related to misidentified tires.

4.Enhanced Safety and Compliance

The system ensures accurate TIN and DOT data capture, simplifying recall compliance and safety audits.

5.Integration-Ready Technology

Scanflow connects seamlessly with existing fleet management platforms, enabling data synchronization without disrupting current workflows.

Built for the Real World: Why Fleets Trust Scanflow

Commercial fleets operate in challenging environments dusty depots, outdoor yards, and low-light garages.

Scanflow’s AI-driven system is designed specifically for these conditions, offering:

  • Low-contrast text detection for worn or dirty sidewalls.
  • Offline scanning capability for remote locations.
  • Multi-device compatibility across Android, iOS, and rugged scanners.
  • API and SDK support for custom fleet integrations.

These features make it a practical and scalable solution for logistics companies, trucking fleets, and transport providers across the U.S.

Real-World Impact: Smarter Fleet Maintenance

With Scanflow, fleets can monitor tire performance across every vehicle. Instead of manually checking each tire, managers receive live data on:

  • Tire age
  • Replacement history
  • Usage distribution across routes
  • Upcoming maintenance requirements

This visibility leads to better tire rotation strategies, optimized replacement schedules, and longer tire life translating into measurable cost savings.

Mobile Flexibility: Tire Scanning Anywhere, Anytime

One of Scanflow’s biggest strengths is mobility.

Technicians don’t need specialized hardware; they can use their smartphones to scan and upload tire data instantly. This makes it easy to:

  • Conduct roadside inspections.
  • Track tire changes during long-haul trips.
  • Validate tire data at delivery or return points.

Every scan is timestamped and geo-tagged, creating a verifiable record of tire maintenance across the fleet.

Implementation and ROI

Step 1: Deploy Scanflow’s SDK or app to your mobile devices.

Step 2: Train field staff  typically within a few minutes.

Step 3: Integrate tire scan data into your fleet management system.

Step 4: Track results in your dashboard error reduction, time saved, and compliance metrics.

Let’s take a comparison of measurable outcomes between manual inspection and Scanflow.

Metric Manual Process With Scanflow
Time per tire 2–3 minutes Under 10 seconds
Error rate 5–10% <1%
Average savings – Up to 80% time reduction


The Future of Tire Management in Fleets

As tire distributors adopt digital identifiers like QR codes and embedded chips, the role of scanning will expand even further. Scanflow’s platform is built to evolve supporting QR and barcode recognition, and preparing for upcoming standards in smart tire identification.

This ensures your fleet remains ready for the next generation of digital vehicle maintenance.

Conclusion: Smarter Fleets Start with Smarter Scanning

Managing commercial vehicles efficiently depends on reliable, accurate data. With Scanflow tire sidewall scanner for commercial vehicles, fleets can replace manual, error-prone inspections with a seamless digital workflow.

From faster inspections to improved compliance and lower operational costs, Scanflow helps fleet managers take control of their tire data  turning every inspection into actionable intelligence.

If your fleet is ready to move faster, safer, and smarter, Scanflow is the technology partner to get you there.

Categories
Tire Sidewall

Scan Tire DOT Numbers with Your Smartphone: Fast & Accurate Tire Identification

If you’ve ever had to manually record or verify the DOT number on a tire, you know how tedious and error-prone it can be. Whether you’re a tire retailer, fleet operator, or auto technician, tracking tire data is essential for recall safety, compliance, and asset identification. Thankfully, mobile technology has caught up and now you can scan tire DOT numbers with your smartphone using powerful tools like Scanflow. 

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about scanning tire DOT numbers with your phone, and how solutions like Scanflow make this process lightning-fast, highly accurate, and perfect for enterprise applications. 

Understanding DOT Numbers and Tire Identification

The DOT number, also called the TIN (Tire Identification Number), is a string of alphanumeric characters stamped into the sidewall of a tire. It reveals critical information such as: 

  • Manufacturer and plant code 
  • Tire size and batch 
  • Date of production (week and year) 

This code is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation and is vital for identifying tires in case of recalls, for warranty purposes, or for asset registration in business systems.

Why Scan DOT Numbers with a Smartphone? 

Traditionally, capturing DOT numbers involved manual typing or paper logs prone to mistakes and time delays. Using a smartphone for tire scanning offers: 

  • Speed: Instant data capture and extraction. 
  • Accuracy: Eliminates manual entry errors. 
  • Convenience: No special scanners or hardware required. 
  • Scalability: Perfect for tire retailers, fleets, or logistics providers managing thousands of tires. 

With this method, you’re not just scanning  you’re digitally identifying assets and creating traceable records with just a phone in hand.

Introducing Scanflow for Asset Identification and Tire Scanning 

Scanflow AI asset identification SDK empowers smartphones and tablets to perform high-accuracy tire scanning using built-in cameras. Designed for speed and reliability, it recognizes DOT numbers and additional sidewall data even under tough conditions worn treads, uneven lighting, and more. 

Key features of Scanflow tire scanning: 

  • Detects DOT/TIN, serial number, tire size, model. 
  • Uses AI to capture low-contrast or damaged codes. 
  • Fully functional offline, great for warehouses or field conditions. 
  • Integrates with apps, ERPs, or inventory systems. 

By combining asset identification with tire scanning, Scanflow turns smartphones into powerful data collection tools.

Step-by-Step Guide: Scanning DOT Numbers with Your Smartphone 

Step 1: Open Your Scanflow-Enabled App

Ensure your mobile app integrates the Scanflow SDK. Launch it to begin scanning. 

Step 2: Align the Camera with the Tire Sidewall

Position your phone so the entire DOT number area is visible within the screen. Use built-in framing guides for precision. 

Step 3: Capture the DOT Code

The Scanflow engine will automatically detect and extract the DOT/TIN from the sidewall using real-time image processing. 

Step 4: Review Captured Data

Details like manufacturing week/year and tire plant code will be shown. Confirm accuracy before proceeding. 

Step 5: Export or Sync Data

Store it locally, sync with your cloud platform, or push directly into your ERP, WMS, or CRM system.

Best Practices for Reliable Tire Scanning

To get the best results with smartphone-based tire scanning: 

  • Clean the tire surface before scanning. 
  • Use adequate lighting, or enable the camera flash. 
  • Hold your phone steady and perpendicular to the sidewall. 
  • Scan both sides of the tire sometimes the DOT appears on only one side. 
  • Train your system using Scanflow’s custom recognition models for better results in specific environments. 

Real-World Use Cases and Business Benefits 

Tire Retailers & Repair Centers

Quickly register every tire sold or installed. Meet compliance requirements for warranties and recalls. 

Fleet Management & Logistics

Digitize asset identification for tires across multiple vehicles and locations, streamlining inspections and replacements. 

Manufacturing & Quality Control

Automate the capture of DOT numbers during production and inspection, reducing manual labor and errors. 

Insurance & Claims Assessment

Accurately document tire data for claims, damage inspections, or accident reports.

With Scanflow, these businesses achieve faster processing, higher accuracy, and better traceability all while reducing operational costs.

Conclusion

Smartphone based tire scanning isn’t just the future it’s here now. With Scanflow, you can instantly and accurately capture DOT numbers, turning every tire into a digitally traceable asset. From fleet tracking to retail compliance, Scanflow asset identification transforms how tire data is captured, managed, and leveraged for business success.

Talk to the Scanflow team today. 

 

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