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MECH Orbit

License plate recognition for automotive workshop check-in

Automatic Vehicle Recognition by VIN and License Plate: Solving Auto Repair Shop Challenges

In brief

The system should not wait for a manager to create the event manually. A camera records the real arrival and plate, which can then be connected to the customer, booking and work order.

What the camera actually recognises

At the workshop entrance, the camera reads the vehicle’s licence plate. This event records the real arrival time and helps MECH Orbit find the corresponding vehicle record.

The camera does not read the VIN. The VIN, make, model and technical details are stored in the vehicle record and used when selecting parts.

How an event becomes a workflow

For a known vehicle, the manager can see the linked customer and scheduled booking. A new vehicle record must be reviewed and completed before a work order is created.

Recognition does not replace the service adviser. It removes manual searching and creates a reliable starting point for the visit history.

What reliable operation requires

Recognition quality depends on camera angle, lighting, plate condition and network access. Test real arrivals in daylight and darkness, and define a manual review path for plates that cannot be read.

What to check in your workshop

  • Can the camera see the plate at the correct angle and lighting
  • Does the database connect plate, vehicle and customer
  • What happens when a plate cannot be recognized

Practical questions

Does the camera read the VIN?

The arrival event is based on license plate recognition. The VIN and technical data are stored in the vehicle record and used for accurate parts selection.

Is a work order created without review?

Automation starts the process, but the manager should verify the customer, vehicle and planned work before continuing.

Author

Oleksandr Bludov is the founder of MECH Orbit and owner of AvtoAtmosfera workshops. This article is based on hands-on workshop management.

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