In this issue of AgriWorld UK, we have featured Datatag ID as our Vehicle Security Company of the Month.
Datatag was established in 1992 by the MITSUI & Co Corporation of Japan and Yamaha Motor UK Ltd in response to the growing issue of motorcycle theft, which heavily impacted the UK market. Datatag addressed the specific issue of stolen motorcycles being broken down into parts with its unique approach of providing multiple layers of permanent security marking technologies, something which continues to underpin its success today.
Fitted by more brands as standard than any other in the sector, Datatag is the country’s most trusted security marking company and has won a variety of awards over the years for its innovation, commitment to security and theft prevention. Today, Datatag is considered a leader in the market and continues its tradition for security and innovation.
Currently based in Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, having moved to new offices in May 2023, the company’s professional team members and expert support system work across the UK. Datatag works with businesses and individuals of all types, who own a valuable piece of business-critical machinery or an irreplaceable personal item.
Datatag protects vehicles and property by providing industry-leading and technologically advanced forensic security marking for valuable assets, property and vehicles. The company operates in many markets including motorcycles, power tools, leisure vehicles, marine and bicycles and its systems are fitted as standard by the likes of Suzuki, BMW, Harley Davidson and Kawasaki, as well as trailer manufacturer Ifor Williams.
Datatag’s unique offering is anchored in its multi-layered approach to security, which includes visible identifiers which allow police easy access to the true provenance of any marked asset without the need for any expensive equipment.
These visual identifiers are complemented by a range of technologies like microdots or Datadots®, tamper-evident security labels with unique identifiers and QR codes, ultra-violet ‘stealth’ etching, UHF RFID transponders and even forensic DNA solutions. Combining these ensures that once marked with a Datatag system any asset is always identifiable by police regardless of how hard a criminal may try to hide, remove or change its identity. Each system allows owners to protect assets for a low one-off cost with no annual fees or registration costs.
However, Datatag’s biggest markets by far are in construction and agriculture, where it serves, as the delivery partner to the CEA (Construction Equipment Association) owned CESAR Scheme, which is supported by the AEA (Agricultural Engineers Association). The management and growth of the CESAR Scheme has made it arguably the world’s most successful security marking and registration scheme, with over 80% of products sold into the UK now protected as standard. Over 700,000 systems have been supplied to major brands such as JCB, John Deere, Volvo, Manitou, Merlo, Massey Ferguson, Case IH, New Holland and Kubota to name just a few.
Datatag is constantly evolving the CESAR Scheme technologies and recently developed highly secure ultra high frequency long range RFID transponders that are hidden within the vehicle or machinery. These UHF transponders have a read range of up to 20 metres, however, in perfect conditions Datatag has achieved read ranges of 30 metres! Each transponder is totally unique and being passive require no battery to power them.
Datatag’s support for the agri market is bolstered by its systems specifically aimed at protecting trailers, 4x4s and GPS units, all using its multi-layered approach.
To support all their systems Datatag has recently developed a class-leading, web-enabled database search app called RAPID (Registered Asset Police Information Database) which allows police instant access to almost all of its protected asset databases, including CESAR, marine, motorcycle, trailer, and power tool. RAPID combines all machine, police and insurance data, making it very easy for a police officer to check machines 24/7. Plus, this app also has over 130 videos to help officers easily identify where on a machine they can locate the VIN or chassis identifiers.
The development of the new RAPID data app has significantly enhanced the UK Police’s ability to check stolen data. So much so that in just over a year, the company has seen data checks increase from a few thousand enquiries to over 25,000 checks. Around 2,500 police officers from all around the UK now have access to the system and this positively impacts their ability to easily and quickly identify stolen or suspect machines, leading to prosecutions and the return of stolen machinery to the registered keeper or insurance company.
As Datatag looks forward, it continues to evolve alongside the market. CEO and Managing Director, Kevin Howells explains, “Since most OEMs now protect their customers’ machines as standard, our role is to continue developing the technologies and providing excellent support for customers, police and law enforcement.” he says, “Looking to the future, we will work more closely with the insurance industry and expand the initiative into Europe and worldwide. Machinery theft is not unique to the UK and is a huge global problem since valuable machines are always in high demand.”
Datatag has built its reputation as the leading security marking company in the UK by not only providing cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions, but by being responsive to the customers it serves. By continually investing in its own products, as well as supplementary services, Datatag continues to lead from the front, protecting the nation’s most valuable assets and ensuring security for the future.
For more on Datatag ID, please see below:
T +44 (0)3450 700440
info@datatag.co.uk
www.datatag.co.uk
For more on CESAR Scheme, please see below:
https://www.cesarscheme.org