Seattle-based Zonar Systems, LLC presented its new RFID-driven electronic vehicle inspection reporting system industry at the International Trucking Show in Anaheim, CA last week. The new system is designed to guide drivers through the pre- and post-trip vehicle inspection process and electronically produce a standardized and time-stamped report to meet the requirements of 49 CFR Part 396.
Dubbed EVIR (Electronic Vehicle Inspection Report), the system makes use of quarter-sized radio frequency identification (RFID) tags positioned around the vehicle. When activated by the Zonar 2010 handheld reader, the RFID tags are designed to transmit critical data to the handheld device, such as location on the vehicle, VIN number and a list of the components and systems in that quadrant or zone that must be inspected.
As each tag is read, the handheld device prompts drivers to select and record the condition of all the components or systems displayed for that tag’s location—tires, brakes, engine compartment, etc. If the driver’s inspection uncovers no defects, he or she pushes the green button on the handheld device. If a defect is detected, the driver is prompted to indicate the nature and severity of the defect via the red button. When the entire inspection is completed, the date and time of the inspection are automatically recorded.
The system is designed to transmit the trip inspection report electronically as well. When the handheld unit is returned to its mounting device in the vehicle, the report is instantly transmitted to Zonar’s secure server, according to the company, while the reader itself stays with the vehicle to provide on-road inspection verification.
In March of 2003, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published a memorandum announcing the agency’s decision to accept electronic driver vehicle inspection reports that are certified by drivers, mechanics or motor carrier officials using electronic signatures, unique passwords, personal identification numbers (PINs) or similar means in lieu of signatures on paper copies of the required reports.
More information about the Zonar system is available at www.zonarsystems.com.
