Systems for Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI) have been around for more than a decade. Systems that support vehicle access control and vehicle identification in general are applied in many different applications all over the world. Manufacturers like Nedap annually ship thousands of long range RFID readers to qualified system integrators that apply microwave readers or UHF readers in installations at airports, seaports, bus terminals, taxi stands, city centres and industrial estates. However, at events and other occasions we still notice that many people are aware of the existence of such systems where a vehicle is identified at a distance of up to ten meters to allow that vehicle and its driver easy access.

Why should you consider long range RFID for automtatic vehicle identification? There a number of reasons to consider when comparing that technology over conventional proximity card technology or other conventional systems.

Convenience 

One important reason to embrace AVI systems is the convenience they bring. Vehicle access control based on normal proximity access control cards or, even worse, barcode or magnetic stripe cards, often results in people leaning uncomfortably out of their windows towards the reader to show their access credential. Opening a barrier like that is no treat, it takes too long, is ergonomically irresponsible and often causes damage to the vehicle or vehicle access control installation.

AVI using long range RFID enable users to gain access the easy way: a transponder or tag behind the windshield or otherwise attached to the car, is remotely read by a long range reader. Without any delay the barrier opens and the vehicle can pass throug Long range AVI systems offer the highest level of convenience you can offer to your employees, suppliers and customers.

Security

In a lot of situations you still see guards checking authorizations of vehicles and drivers at the perimeter of industrial estates, residential areas and business facilities. This is usually time consuming, can cause inconsistent credential validation and is labor intensive. In a lot of situations automatic vehicle identification is not only more convenient but also more secure.

AVI systems are designed to be connected to access control systems. The same systems you use for building access control, can also be extended to support vehicle access control, which will enable you to extend the deployment of security policies. Time schedules and conditional authorizations can easily be implemented for vehicles.

Nedap’s TRANSIT system even supports the identification of both the vehicle and the driver. Our booster credential is both card reader and AVI transponder: it reads the proximity card you use in your building (HID, LEGIC, MIFARE, Sony FeliCa, etc.) and it will send the card number and its own number to the TRANSIT reader. The TRANSIT reader is connected to the access control system of your choice. It is very likely that your system will support a ‘two men rule’ or ‘boss first’ scenario, which will enable you to authorize the combination of vehicle and driver. When the driver leaves the vehicle, he or she will take the access control badge to get access to your building. Removal of the card will render the booster useless for thieves, thus increasing the security level at your estate.

Traffic flow in a green environment

Congestion, queues and miscommunication can cause delay and have a negative impact on business and the wellbeing of people. We are moving towards an era where 70% of people will be living in urban territory. Cities and business currently are investing heavily in infrastructure and facilities to keep all those people and their vehicles moving securely. Maintaining mobility is a challenge in itself for city administration and business management. Meeting that challenge while conforming to new emission standards is virtually impossible.

Long range AVI systems can help you ensuring the speedy flow of traffic while contributing to a green environment. Automatic remote detection prevents cars from standing still with the motor running. It prevents congestion and ensures swift and fuel efficient transportation of vehicles and goods.

Tracking and tracing of vehicles

AVI is much more than just vehicle access control. Not only cars, but all kinds of vehicles can use AVI systems. Vehicles can be tracked as part of logistics or production processes. A lot of taxi queues are managed using AVI systems: through the identification of taxis the queue is managed and vehicles are allowed access to the passenger pickup area in the right order. Weighing bridges for trucks are equipped with AVI to automatically identify the vehicle and connect it to the weighing information before allowing the truck to proceed to the next step in the process. All kinds of vehicles in mining industrial estates are tagged to keep track of them during the production process in the mines while ensuring high levels of safety. Trains are equipped with AVI to identify them entering and leaving train stations and keep track of them while performing their duty. Even a lot of bus terminals are managed using AVI equipment.

Well worth the investment

A lot more examples can come to mind, but the message is clear: AVI systems that use long range RFID have a lot to offer. In all the years Nedap has been developing and selling AVI systems, we still have to encounter the first customer that feels that he or she did not get sufficient return on the investment in AVI equipment. By far most installations are running for many years, continuously contributing to the business of our clients on a daily basis.