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 INDIANAPOLIS,
INDIANA (May 31, 2002 )
Advanced Software Technology, Inc., a 20 year leader in
barcode integration has announced a unique barcode solution developed
exclusively for the Indy Racing League. A handheld barcode device,
the PPT 2800 manufactured by Symbol Technologies, is the latest piece
of technology to arrive on the race scene. The PPT 2800 runs on special IRL tire tracking software
called The IRL Tire Verification
Program™. This custom application was developed by Advanced
Software Technology to meet a need the race officials have at each
auto race to verify equipment.
The IRL has strict rules that govern race equipment,
and tires are no exception. Race tires are one of the most critical
components of the race and keeping track of them is no small job.
Several sets of tires are leased to each of the 28 race teams. IRL
rules dictate which sets of tires are started on each team’s car. The
IRL Tire Verification Program™ helps officials track the leased tires
and returns and also verifies that the correct tire starts on each
race car. If the scanner shows a bad reading, a report is generated
and filed with official race documents.
Bar-coding is the core of this system. The
Firestone/Bridgestone race tires are manufactured with a rubber
barcode molded into the side of each tire. The PPT 2800 is used to
scan the barcode on each tire, which is then matched to a database
held in the handheld unit. If there is not a match, then the barcode
is stored in a database and archived in a permanent record.
The Indy 500 race circuit covers 15 races held at
racetracks all over the US and runs March through September. The IRL
Verification Program is also being used to track 20 Championship Auto
Racing Teams at 21 races, held from March through November in
countries all over the world, such as Japan, England, Germany, Canada,
and Australia.
The Symbol PPT 2800 was chosen for this application
because of its power and durability. It has a powerful operating
system and will suit the stringent needs of the racing industry for
many years. It is portable and easy to carry in a pocket but most
important, the unit is rugged. The racing environment is fast and
intense and not always friendly to electronic equipment. The unit
must withstand extreme temperatures, blowing dust and dirt, rain and
wind, and even multiple drops to concrete. The Symbol PPT 2800 is
holding up well to the extreme test.
Advanced Software Technology, Inc. has designed and
developed custom reliable barcode ID systems for the racing industry
since 1995. Thousand of race tires are scanned each year at
racetracks all over the world, using their rugged RF barcode systems.
As a Value Plus Partner for Symbol Technologies, they supply a full
range of barcode equipment: handhelds, scanners, printers, and media.
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