Zebra Technologies and Discount Tire Unveil First Tire Inspection Mobile Computing Solution

April 7, 2021

Combination of mobile computer and tread depth reader accessory enables Discount Tire technicians to perform more accurate and efficient tire checks for driver safety

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), an innovator at the front line of business with solutions and partners that deliver a performance edge, today announced that Discount Tire, the world’s largest independent retailer of tires and wheels, has deployed the industry’s first tire tread depth reading mobile computing solution across its nearly 1,100 stores nationwide. PartnerConnect Premier Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Anyline and Premier Solutions Partner Accucode co-developed the solution featuring Zebra’s Android™-based TC75x mobile computer, a new laser-based tire tread depth reader accessory, and Anyline’s Tire DOT Scanner software enabling Discount Tire technicians to more efficiently and safely perform tire checks.

“We pride ourselves on delivering customers the highest quality tire service and products to help keep them safe on the road,” said Tom Williams, Chief Experience Officer, Discount Tire. “Our new tire inspection solution is a game-changer for our people and will help further our assurance to our customers that we are taking care of their safety by providing the best possible service and most accurate tire readings.”

Discount Tire’s new tire inspection solution helps improve worker productivity and increase the efficiency of capturing tire tread depth and Department of Transportation (DOT) information. Previously, technicians manually measured as many as 12 different spots for tread depth and used a pen and paper to record each DOT code. With the new mobile handheld solution, Discount Tire technicians can complete an assessment typically in under five seconds per tire. Technicians simply swipe each tire to check for tread depth and scan the DOT code with the tool’s camera in real-time, enabling them to assist more customers, reduce wait times, and provide a more positive customer experience. Discount Tire offers all its customers the option of a touchless experience, where drivers can remain in their vehicles while their tire safety service is performed.

Using the TC75x’s large display, Discount Tire technicians can also visually show customers the status of their tire tread depth. A color-coded chart clearly indicates the safety levels of the tire tread depth to indicate when new tires are needed. This information and the guidance of Discount Tire’s experts can help customers confidently make the safest decisions for their vehicles. The mobile solution also integrates with Discount Tire’s technology system to help eliminate other paper-based processes, such as automating the creation of customer profiles.

“Discount Tire is raising the bar with its commitment to customer safety through the use of innovative mobile computing solutions,” said Joe White, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Enterprise Mobile Computing, Zebra Technologies. “By using this new solution, Discount Tire is providing a performance edge to its technicians, enabling them to deliver better, faster service with visibility and actionable insights to their customers to help provide the safest driving experience.”

Using Anyline’s Tire DOT Scan software on the TC75x mobile computer, Discount Tire technicians can instantly capture the DOT tire identification number (TIN) on the sidewall of any tire to determine age and manufacture location. Discount Tire intends to leverage Anyline’s scan software to read other aspects of a vehicle, such as vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate and other tire-related information.

“Starting today, the most powerful tool in a Discount Tire technician’s toolbox is this smart device,” said Lukas Kinigadner, CEO and Co-Founder of Anyline. “With this industry-first solution, Discount Tire is setting a new gold-standard for tire inspections, empowering their workforce to make smarter, data-driven decisions that ensure the highest level of driver safety, and an unrivaled customer experience.”

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Zebra, Anyline and Accucode are introducing the industry’s first mobile tire tread depth reader and DOT scanning solution, which will be deployed across all of Discount Tire’s nearly 1,100 stores.
The co-developed solution features Zebra’s TC75x mobile computer and new tire tread depth reader accessory that enables Discount Tire technicians to provide customers with quality information to make the safest decisions for their vehicles. Anyline’s Tire DOT Scan software can quickly read DOT TIN numbers, expediting communications to customers when they are due for a replacement.
Discount Tire’s new tire inspection solution is helping improve worker productivity and increase the efficiency of capturing a tire’s tread depth and DOT information, enabling them to assist more customers, reduce wait times, and provide a more positive customer experience.

ABOUT DISCOUNT TIRE/AMERICA’S TIRE

Discount Tire, based in Scottsdale, is the world’s largest independent retailer of tires and wheels. Founded in 1960 by Bruce Halle, they serve customers at more than 1,070 stores in 36 states. The company does business under the trade name Discount Tire in most of the U.S., America’s Tire in parts of California, and Discount Tire Direct in markets outside the reach of retail stores. Their latest tool to help get you taken care of, Treadwell, is a proprietary online tire-buying guide that uses decades of data and individual driving habits to recommend the right tires. Discount Tire is a primary sponsor of the No. 2 Ford Mustang driven by Brad Keselowski in the NASCAR Cup Series. For more information, visit www.discounttire.com.

ABOUT ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES

Zebra (NASDAQ: ZBRA) empowers the front line in retail/ecommerce, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, healthcare, public sector and other industries to achieve a performance edge. With more than 10,000 partners across 100 countries, Zebra delivers industry-tailored, end-to-end solutions to enable every asset and worker to be visible, connected and fully optimized. The company’s market-leading solutions elevate the shopping experience, track and manage inventory as well as improve supply chain efficiency and patient care. In 2020, Zebra made Forbes Global 2000 list for the second consecutive year and was listed among Fast Company’s Best Companies for Innovators. For more information, visit www.zebra.com or sign up for news alerts. Participate in Zebra’s Your Edge blog, follow the company on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, and check out our Story Hub: Zebra Perspectives.

ABOUT ANYLINE

Founded in Vienna in 2013, Anyline has established itself as a market leader in mobile data capture. Using the newest and most innovative artificial intelligence approaches, Anyline enables any mobile device to process written characters and barcodes in real time, even when offline. Anyline mobile data capture technology is CCPA/GDPR compliant, processing all data collected securely on the users’ device, and removing any chance of data interference. It’s not only more accurate than manual data entry, but also works 20 times faster. These scanning solutions are trusted by household brands such as PepsiCo, Canon and Red Bull, as well as national governments and the United Nations. For more information, visit www.anyline.com.

ABOUT ACCUCODE

Founded in 1996, Accucode is a software and technology integrator specializing in fulfilment and installation services for mobile computing, wireless infrastructure, and automated data collection technologies. Accucode provides large scale deployment services including kitting and device configuration, along with device repair and spare pool management. www.accucode.com