TecCom GmbH from Ismaning near Munich, Germany, presents the first IT platform to check whether auto parts are genuine. Anyone anywhere in the world can check that products with the CLEPA security code are genuine at any time of day or night. TecCom is supporting the initiative of the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) in the battle against product piracy. For its efforts TecCom has been awarded the Automechanika Innovation Award in the IT & Management Category.

Leading European automotive suppliers have supported the initiative from the very beginning: Robert Bosch, Continental Teves (ATE), Federal Mogul, GKN, Schaeffler Group (LuK, Ina, FAG), Tenneco, TRW Automotive, Wabco and ZF. This is because counterfeit auto parts cost the suppliers between five and ten billion Euros per year according to estimates from the suppliers themselves. CLEPA believes that an IT-supported process with barcodes is the strongest weapon against part counterfeiters. This is why the security experts from the Swiss company Vesdo developed a standardised security code for CLEPA.

Products of participating manufacturers will carry a worldwide unique identification number in the form of a DataMatrix barcode. Each part can be authenticated uniquely. Previous security measures such as holograms, seals or colour codes depend on instant visual recognition. It is necessary for the checker to know how to recognise the measure exactly. With its security code CLEPA does it differently: authentication is performed with an IT solution. Intelligent, uncopyable test algorithms are checked in a single database that is protected from unauthorised access.

A TecIdentify user needs only an Internet PC with scanner or a mobile phone to check an auto part and get a response whether it is genuine. There is no need to research external security features that would provide similar security.

The TecCom solution TecIdentify serves as the authentication centre for all who want to check a part: manufacturers, customs inspectors, traders, garages and drivers. “Many of our first movers are using Automechanika to explain the effects of counterfeit parts to their customers. TecIdentify is a natural fit for them. This year's Automechanika Innovation Award in the Category IT & Management also proves the importance of this topic. In fall we will start with TecIdentify V1.2 that has many new features,“ says Jürgen Buchert, CEO of TecCom GmbH, enthusiastically.

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