VIN Deciphering Scheme Software: An Alternative to Manual Calculation
Tracks
VIN Deciphering Scheme Software: An Alternative to Manual Calculation By Nathan Dosmann, President of Dec-O-Art & Sergio Romo, Vice President of PMCS, Inc.
For trailer manufacturers, there are unique responsibilities and challenges that distract from building quality trailers. One of those challenges is calculating the vehicle identification number (VIN) with respect to 49 CFR Part 565 and the resulting labeling and documentation that is required. Spending the time calculating VINs and completing labels is time spent not working on the business and its future. Fortunately, this isn’t something that needs to be done from scratch. For more than 15 years, FedCert Suite (Dec-O-Art, Inc.) and Vineze (a division of PMCS, Inc.) have provided trusted solutions to guide trailer manufacturers through this VIN calculation process and resulting labeling of OEM trailers through the use of technology. Both VIN deciphering software systems start with a simple one-time setup of WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier), plant information, trailer types, body types, lengths, and axles. Next, they guide the user to apply vehicle specific weight and tire attributes to the vehicle’s database record. The programs take this information and calculate the VIN and associated check-digit for the specific vehicle with the click of a mouse.
The alternative is calculating the VIN check-digit by hand. Manually calculating a VIN involves transliterating the alpha characters into numbers and applying the specific value-weights to the numerical value of each VIN position to determine the respective mathematical product of each position. Then one would have to add up the products of each position and finally divide by 11. This determines the remainder and consequently, the check-digit that is placed in position nine within the VIN. This newly created VIN must be used on any labeling and MSOs that are produced. With this method, there is risk of doing the calculation, labels, and MCOs incorrectly. The monetary and time costs could be substantial and can range from a notice of defect to a full recall and/or fines. With VIN deciphering schemes like the ones Dec-OArt and Vineze provide, the risk is mitigated because everything is generated by a computer.
An example of a Vineze label.
60
March/April 2021
www.NATM.com
