New innovation tipped to ‘transform’ plant security

DATATAG, the delivery partner of the Construction Equipment Association’s (CEA) CESAR Security Scheme, has unveiled its latest innovation of a RAPID check (Registered Assets Police Information Database) and ‘Ultra Tag’ RFID transponder.

The move has been tipped to enhance the security of construction and agricultural machinery by equipping police officers with the means to quickly check a machine’s status on the secure database and extend the read range of the CESAR system’s RFID transponders to assist police further.

The ‘Ultra Tag’, a secure RFID chip, is described as ‘impervious’ to interrogation and compromise. Its enhanced reading distance, when used with a Datatag scanner, marks an improvement in identification technology. The development is predicted to bolster the resilience of tagged assets against theft and tampering.

RAPID, a web-based application, represents a year of development by the team at Datatag and consolidates data of approximately 625,000 machines into a single platform. The database will allow all police officers in the UK, and others globally, to access data with just a smartphone.

The system offers a secure amalgamation of police, manufacturer, and insurance data and by simply entering a part of a vehicle identification number (VIN) or any related number, officers can determine the status of a machine. This feature is intended to be particularly important in identifying stolen machinery quickly, thereby securing recovery and assisting in prosecutions.

Kevin Howells, MD of Datatag, said, “The launch of the RAPID check service and the Ultra Tag represents a monumental stride in our commitment to advancing security technology. These innovations are not just about protecting assets; they’re about empowering all law enforcement with the tools they need to combat theft and secure vital machinery.

“Our Ultra Tag is a game-changer in RFID technology, offering unparalleled security features that are virtually tamper-proof. We believe that our new RAPID check will revolutionise the way police officers across the globe interact with and safeguard construction and agricultural machinery.”

Suneeta Johal, CEO of the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), added, “The introduction of the RAPID check, in collaboration with Datatag, marks a new era in asset protection and data accessibility. This innovative tool is a significant leap forward for the CESAR Scheme, enhancing our capability to safeguard over 600,000 registered machines.

“It’s a proud moment for us to see how far we’ve come since the inception of CESAR. With RAPID, we are not just providing a database; we are offering a comprehensive security solution that will redefine industry standards and offer peace of mind to equipment owners worldwide.”