Topcon protect range with Datatag technologies

Survey equipment manufacturer adopts multi-layered approach in battle against equipment theft

AFTER a spate of equipment thefts on various Crossrail and other infrastructure projects, The Survey Association approached PANIU (Plant and Agricultural National Intelligence Unit) to discuss how they were winning the battle against plant and machinery theft.

Working with security marking experts Datatag, the power behind the successful CESAR scheme, PANIU looked into the scope of thefts and the types of survey equipment being targeted and together proposed a new combination of Datatag’s multi-layered technological approach to the board of The Survey Association.

Such was the response that the new Datatag Survey System was launched to all members of the Association with Topcon being the first survey equipment manufacturer to supply Datatag as standard with all of their new total stations.

Dave Bennett, business manager at Topcon, said: ‘The theft of survey equipment is a real issue, not simply because of the cost of replacing it, but more so the delays to a job as a result. Many of our instruments are already running with Topcon’s own TS Shield, the world’s first security and fleet-management system for surveying equipment.

‘Anything which further deters theft and allows companies to finish projects on time is a huge benefit. We are confident that the Datatag technology will have a major impact on helping to reduce instrument theft.’

The new Datatag Survey System gives equipment an electronic ‘fingerprint’ that can be used to mark a wide range of equipment. For example, it includes:

• High-quality ultra-destruct labels – unique, tamper-evident, ultra-destruct warning labels featuring a unique number which uses stealth UV etching to ensure the number is permanently etched even if the label is damaged or removed.
• Datadots – a superior, easy-to-use microdot identification system; Datadots can be applied to any surface, making it virtually impossible for the criminals to locate and remove them all.
• Datatag DNA – with this invisible and unique chemical DNA solution, criminals will have to be confident they have removed every molecule of Datatag DNA.
• Warning decals and signs – specially designed decals and signs to indicate that the equipment is protected by a state-of-the-art Datatag system and warn off potential thieves.

Chris Harrison, sales director at Datatag, said: ‘Our technologies have been proven to reduce theft in many markets, such as construction and agriculture, and as such are the power behind many industry-backed security marking schemes. We are confident that our successes in these markets will be replicated here and that, as a result, companies will see the benefit of fitting Datatag very quickly. We are very pleased to see Topcon take the market lead in protecting their customers.’