Business & security 41 www.aftermarketonline.net JUNE 2024 wide area network (LPWAN) technology offers a game changing alternative. Designed to operate covertly and conserve energy, Sigfox’s LPWAN radio signals are able to evade detection by even the most experienced and determined thieves because they are almost impossible to ‘jam’ and tamper with. This resilience stems from its unique transmission properties, utlilising sub-gigahertz technology to enable reliable communication over vast distances using small data packets with minimal interference. Critical to the effectiveness of any tracking system is the ability to remain undetected by thieves. Traditional technologies often fall short in this regard, requiring installations in conspicuous locations within vehicles, such as the glove compartment or fuse box. The traditional tracking technologies, including GPS, also have a disadvantage in this application due to their comparatively high energy consumption. They require a power source for continuous operation and are usually limited to easily accessible installation points, of which thieves are well aware. Revenue stream In contrast, Sigfox’s 0G-Wan radio technology boasts compact, lowenergy transmitters capable of operating for up to four years without maintenance and without an additional power source. This allows for discreet installations in hidden and less accessible areas of the vehicle, such as cavities in the vehicle underbody or within the engine compartment, which the thieves are unable to detect, enabling faster recovery of the vehicle in the event of theft. Moreover, offering to install these systems enables mechanics to create an additional revenue stream. The Sigfox network is available almost nationwide in many European countries, including the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland), plus France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Czech Republic, Croatia, and the Baltic states. With operations in key regions and ongoing expansion initiatives, Sigfox ensures that stolen vehicles can be tracked across borders, regardless of thieves’ efforts to thwart detection. For instance, even though Sigfox presence is growing in Poland, connectivity there is also playing an important role. This level of connectivity is particularly valuable across the board for car owners, mechanics and garage owners, providing assurance that assets can be safeguarded no matter where they are located. What is more, this benefit extends to insurance companies as it provides them confidence that vehicles can be tracked almost across the whole of Europe. The frequency range in which Sigfox operates, 868 MHz, enables signals to cover distances up to around 30 miles. This wide reach is particularly beneficial for car owners and garages based in rural areas where the standard mobile network’s expansion is often limited. Security products In addition, the radio signals are capable of penetrating materials such as concrete ceilings and steel, making them highly effective in challenging environments, such as workshops or around large machinery. This makes it possible to track a stolen car across borders, even in the event that the thieves have taken precautions to disable any tracking devices in the car itself. In the fight against vehicle theft, diversifying tracking technologies is key. By leveraging a combination of tracking technologies, including Sigfox’s radio technology and traditional localisation systems, car owners and mechanic businesses can bolster car defences against increasingly sophisticated threats — for instance, mechanics can offer these as security products to customers. This multi-layered approach serves as a potent deterrent to thieves, enhancing the resilience of security systems and safeguarding valuable assets. As the battle against car theft rages on, mechanics and garage owners find themselves on the front lines of defence. By embracing innovative sub-gigahertz radio technology, they can fortify their businesses against the ever-present threat of car theft and offer these solutions. With discreet installations, expansive network coverage, and multi-layered security protocols, these technologies offer a lifeline in an increasingly perilous landscape. With the right technology and tools, it is possible to retrieve stolen cars more effectively, providing car owners, garages, and mechanics with a better chance of recovering their prized possessions. Mechanics who offer to install security systems could create extra revenue streams Gareth Mitchell, UK partner manager for Heliot Europe
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