With seven inspection lanes and a daily capacity of 650 vehicles, the facility performs tasks that are comparable with an official vehicle inspection in Germany. The inspection center sets new standards in traffic safety and vehicle management and meets stringent standards according to ARS 1355, the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO).

 

Four Partners, One Solution

The project resulted from a collaboration between MAHA, Applus, DKT Deutsche Kennzeichen Technik GmbH (DKT), and Schreiner PrinTrust (SPR). MAHA supplied the inspection technology, Applus was responsible for quality assurance and inspection processes, and DKT provided the digital platform including app solutions. The basis for reliable vehicle identification is also provided by the RFID/NFC label known as the “third license plate” from Schreiner PrinTrust. Bernhard Gött, CEO of DKT, explained, “With the labels from Schreiner PrinTrust, we securely identify vehicles, thus creating the basis for a smart inspection and tracking system.” Dr. Kai Schnapauff, Director of Schreiner PrinTrust, added, “Our technology with UHF and NFC enables flexible RFID reading on both short and long ranges and can easily be expanded with additional functions in the future.” The label can thus not only be read when entering the inspection facility but also serve additional purposes such as future issuing of driver’s licenses or the administration of taxi permits.

A Project with a Signal Effect

The inspection facility in Zanzibar shows how smart technology and international partnerships can substantially advance traffic safety and digital vehicle management. For Schreiner PrinTrust, it is further proof of how versatile and robust the third license plate can be applied worldwide and what potential it may still be able to tap.

A classic stamp that for a long time used to be the standard way of marking the documents can be faked—but what about a seal that reacts to heat? Due to the utilization of thermochromic ink, a simple test can confirm the authenticity of the seal. “One swipe with a finger is all it takes for the color to change,” explains Dr. Kai Schnapauff, Director, Schreiner PrinTrust. “That’s an unmistakable feature showing very quickly and easily whether or not a document is authentic.”

However, the adhesive seal was not only developed to prevent counterfeiting. “Thanks to the tab patented by Schreiner, using the seal is as easy as child’s play, fast, and precise,” says Manfred Hammerschmidt from Behördenverlag Jüngling, a publishing house for government forms. “Directly interfacing with the government agencies applying the seal it’s obviously important for us as a publishing house to deliver a high-grade product to our customers that’s easy to use as well,” Hammerschmidt adds. The seal is already in use by various counties and government offices including the Berlin state office for matters pertaining to citizens and public order.

The adhesive document seal, by the way, is not only used in conjunction with vehicle documents but increasingly also for other sensitive items such as official certificates, inspection documents, or for signatures.

 

Moving Forward with Counterfeit Protection

For Schreiner PrinTrust the further development of security solutions remains a central goal. Describing the current situation, Dr. Schnappauf says, “This is a very dynamic field we operate in and which constantly calls for new technologies and solutions to satisfy the growing security needs.” Going forward, a combination of digital and physical security features could deliver even more extensive protection especially in the case of the adhesive seal by combining several protection levels. With their expertise and innovative prowess, Schreiner PrinTrust and Behördenverlag Jüngling are already working on meeting the requirements today and continuing to ensure the security of documents on the highest level.

In numerous industries RFID is used to ensure the traceability and identification of objects, for example. However, increasing pervasiveness of this technology entails a growing risk of security gaps. Schreiner Group together with the Schreiner PrinTrust team—the experts in security and authentication—is now using hardware security modules (HSMs) to offer customers comprehensive protection.

The small dark box looks alittle like a normal industrial PC but the interior of this device is anything but normal: It is part of a hardware security module (HSM) with which cryptographic keys are generated, stored, and managed. HSMs protect sensitive data against unauthorized access and tampering. Unlike strictly software-based solutions HSMs offer higher protection because the sensitive information is stored in specialty hardware (the “normal” industrial PC) that is highly secured and protected against unauthorized access.

This system clearly differs from conventional ones: symmetric encryption uses only one key for encryption and decryption. That is fast and efficient but if the key gets into the wrong hands the data are in acute jeopardy. Asymmetric encryption uses a pair of keys: one for encryption and one for decryption. That offers higher security but, accordingly, requires higher computing power. Using HSMs, all commercially available encryption methods can be professionally implemented.

“The security in a project is always only as strong as the weakest link in the total concept. We’re in the fortunate position of being able to offer our customers a holistic security concept with auditable standards,” says Dr. Kai Schnapauff, President of Schreiner PrinTrust. “In addition to the hardware security modules, it encompasses the integration of suitable, secure RFID chips and of course our in-house ISO 14298 certified security production. As a result, the sensitive keys enjoy constant highly secure protection against access—from external as well as from internal parties.” Maximum security, trustworthiness, and reliability are indispensable components in times where data security is becoming increasingly important. The implementation of the hardware security modules shows that Schreiner Group takes the challenges of digital security seriously and proactively tackles them. For customers, that means comprehensive protection on the highest level.

Founded as a printing business for specialty forms, PAV has recently established itself in the marketplace as a producer of plastic cards, especially contactless cards such as employee and company ID cards. In a total area of 12,000 square meters, the third-generation family business operates all production processes at its Lütjensee location. The connect cards for a major German automaker are produced here in North Germany as well. “Every new vehicle is provided with this special card upon delivery and sale. At the beginning of the process,” explains PAV Key Account Manager Frank Güldenpfennig, “it is an ‘ignorant’ card. It has no chip but gradually receives several functions. Ultimately, the card will have a QR code on it providing a link to the manufacturer’s login page, a sticker with the VIN (vehicle identification number), and a related PIN on the back.” That’s where the PIN Scratch Label comes into play. Because the security of vehicle connectivity systems frequently requires additional protective mechanisms the PIN code that is necessary for authentication and access to sensitive in-vehicle functions is located underneath a scratch field. By simply scratching off the top layer the vehicle owner can expose and use the code. By the way, using a light source to penetrate the scratch layer and view the PIN is fruitless because the scratch layer of the Schreiner label is absolutely opaque.

The successful collaboration between PAV and Schreiner PrinTrust in this area already looks back on a five-year history. Obviously, the volume is oriented to an automobile production of more than one million new vehicles with a corresponding number of connect cards per year. “As special as the automotive industry may be at times: the fact that particularly in such areas longterm agreements are frequently concluded is an advantage. Obviously, that’s a dream for planners and suppliers,” Güldenpfennig adds. “Of course, in that case, it’s also important to have a reliable partner like Schreiner PrinTrust.”

It is the successful collaboration between two family businesses: The integration of the PIN Scratch Labels in PAV’s proven cards helps maximize the security of vehicle connectivity systems while ensuring userfriendly authentication.

Insurance plates are indispensable for mopeds and scooters, etc. As inconspicuous as they may be, the small adhesive plates need to satisfy exacting requirements: They must be particularly rugged and weather-resistant. Higher-level UV protection and strong adhesion play a role just like ease of use by the insurance policy holder.

One of the objectives of the pilot project for proof of liability insurance for small motorbikes using film-based plates is to simplify the processes for vehicle owners and the insurance sector. The sticker is sent to the client, very easy to apply, and the inconvenience of having to remove and reinstall the plate is eliminated. In the case of the plastic carrier plate that can be ordered from Schreiner PrinTrust as well, the current film-based plate is exchanged once a year or a new one simply applied on top of the previous plate. That method has been proven in use on scooters for several years. Schreiner PrinTrust developed the innovative adhesive plate for the German Insurance Association (GDV).

Sustainability is another aspect of the project. Insurance plates become invalid after one year. At that time, metal plates need to be exchanged completely. In the case of the film-based plate, however, the basic carrier plate remains on the vehicle and only the top layer with the printed identification is replaced. Plus, the production process and transportation of the film-based plates entail far less emissions than those of a conventional insurance plate.

The experts from Schreiner Group were the development partner and supplier from the beginning of the project and the self-adhesive insurance plate from Schreiner is explicitly mentioned as an alternative to conventional metal plates in the relevant regulation of the German Federal Ministry of Transportation. Plus, the fact that the various insurance companies can now purchase the insurance plates and carrier plates for their clients also for small motorized bikes reflects the trust in the quality and reliability of this approved producer.

Dirty air started the joint project in 2006 when fine-dust aka particulate pollution in city centers was clearly too high and low-emission zones were created along with the “Regulation for Marking Motor Vehicles with Minimal Contribution to Pollution.” The regulation requires a standardized Germany-wide identification of cars, trucks, and buses featuring the three colors of a traffic light.

Behördenverlag Jüngling is a publishing house that is perfectly suited for providing the new mandatory marking. In nearly 90 years, Jüngling evolved from a publisher of forms to a specialist publishing house for government and related official documents. The business based in Unterschleissheim near Munich is not only a supplier to the public sector but also the go-to place for numerous institutions such as monitoring organizations and the federal association of the automotive trade. The fine-dust sticker is just one product of Jüngling’s extensive portfolio of products and services. Manfred Hammerschmidt, CEO of Behördenverlag Jüngling-gbb, looks back: “At that time, we were looking for a reliable partner that was able to satisfy all the requirements including the challenging security features and we soon realized that Schreiner PrinTrust was our first choice. Plus,” he laughs,” we’re practically neighbors.”

Aside from their geographic proximity the two companies share the pursuit of innovative products and professional expertise. “For us,” says Dr. Kai Schnapauff, Director Schreiner PrinTrust, “that was an exciting project back then because we had to deliver exceptional durability – across 10 years! – in special ambient conditions: The conditions behind the windshield entail heavily fluctuating temperatures and prolonged UV exposure. At the same time, quality must be ensured for years just like all the necessary sticker versions.”

Today, 56 low-emission zones exist throughout Germany. Only vehicles with a green sticker that stands for pollutant category 4 have a green light here. An extension of the range of colors is currently being discussed. “Let’s see,” says Manfred Hammerschmidt, “if there’ll be another sticker. It would serve to mark vehicles exceeding EURO 4, which means they’re cleaner than the green sticker requires. We’d no doubt be ready—and together with Schreiner PrinTrust we’re already a well-practiced team.”

Laxenburg is a far cry from a megacity: The small town in Lower Austria located about 20 kilometers south of Vienna has a population of roughly 3,000. Its palace and palace park, though, are highly popular tourist destinations attracting visitors galore especially during the summer months and on weekends. To cope with the influx of tourists and, above all, make life easier for the town’s residents, a modern parking system was installed with the help of Schreiner PrinTrust and Worldline.

In his fifth year in office, congestion continues to be an issue of major concern to Mayor Daniel Berl. “We distinguish significantly between typical local traffic and visitor traffic on weekends. Following three years of hard work, we managed shifting heavy haul traffic away from the town by banning trucks. In addition, new sound barriers more effectively protect our residents.” To ease the weekend traffic burden on them, the town of Laxenburg has created ample additional parking areas for palace visitors on the outskirts—more than a thousand vehicles can park there for free! “We don’t mean to fill the town’s coffers because we always welcome tourists. For us, the benefit to our citizens and well-being of Laxenburg residents clearly takes center stage,” explains Mayor Berl.

The town with a rich history in which Empress Elizabeth spent her honeymoon is no doubt worth a visit. In recent years, the number of tourists has continually gone up, increasingly stretching the capacities of the available parking areas downtown. The new parking system now offers a parking sticker to the residents of Laxenburg enabling them to use special parking zones downtown free of charge! The label for application behind glass from Schreiner PrinTrust has an RFID chip and can be identified quickly and reliably by the town’s inspectors using a smartphone. The parking system supplied by Worldline uses the same radio transmission technology here as the one that has been used for on-street parking in Vienna for years.

Combined with the parking guidance system, the total concept noticeably helps ease the burden on visitors and residents in the town. Mayor David Berl summarizes the benefits, “Laxenburg stands for above-average quality of life and people getting along well with each other—with this concept, we’ve managed to accommodate diverse interests really well.”

Rushing down the ramp, the rider heading fullspeed toward the automatic glass door better stop before it’s too late. Wrong, because the glass door opens precisely upon his arrival, enabled by special wheel-mounted RFID tags from Schreiner PrinTrust that the “Velostation Europaplatz” at Zurich’s Central Train Station uses. “If it were up to our clients, they’d ride their bikes all the way to the tracks,” Michael Leisner, a supervisory board member of abaleo AG, the system’s manufacturer, says with a smile. “Although, unfortunately, that’s not possible, they do appreciate the convenience we offer them.” The RFID label that has been created in collaboration with the experts at Schreiner PrinTrust contributes to that convenience. Its special characteristic is perfect performance even on the metal wheels of bicycles, enabled by the development of special RFID antennas with spacers because normal RFID labels do not work on metal. In addition, the RFID label makes clear identification possible not only for access control but also for electronic billing—in a reliable and contactless process. Every single label is personalized and clearly identifiable for this purpose. “About 90 percent of our clients are subscribers and long-term parkers. Obviously, not having to rummage around for cash is important for them,” explains Leisner. The subscription system is flexible and can be cancelled at any time.

Full-Service Package for Bikers
Michael Leisner can readily explain why people pay for parking their bicycles even though free parking in public places is available as well: “E-bikes have become increasingly important not only in Germany but also in Switzerland, and you don’t just park a valuable bike at the next corner of the street! So, clients not only appreciate having a convenient place for parking their bikes but, above all, one that is secure and guarded!” The possibility to charge bikes at the bike station makes the facility even more attractive. The bicycle workshop integrated in the parking station is another benefit, and many bike riders take advantage of the service allowing them to drop off their bike in the morning and pick it up again in good repair at night. Moreover, the 1,600 parking slots are well-illuminated and provide direct access to the tracks of the Zurich Central Station.

A Space-Saver with Untapped Potential
There is cross-border agreement that the bicycle is a key element in the mobility transition journey. Especially as a means of transportation for commuters on the way to the train station, bicycles could provide relief for congested streets and roads. The member of abaleo’s supervisory board speaks from experience: The Swiss metropolis is flat in many areas, which basically makes for a biker’s paradise, but, in reality, that’s not the case. Aside from the tussle on the streets, the competition for parking places is a key issue. That’s why Leisner advocates establishing modern parking places near transportation hubs because convenient and secure bicycle parking garages are still few and far between. “That’s clearly an area with growth potential,” says Leisner, “and now is exactly the right time to act on it! I’m happy that we’ve already embarked on that journey together with Schreiner PrinTrust, and therefore making a small contribution to mobility of the future!” He would like to see more cities following Zurich’s example and for drivers and riders to work with rather than against each other when it comes to parking.

In 2022, authorities in the Republic of Kosovo introduced the 3rd License Plate. The objective was to increase traffic safety in the country and to ensure clearly registered vehicles using the all-in-one solution from Schreiner PrinTrust and its Kosovar partner. The Dukagjini Group implements the 3rd License Plate for the authorities. How has the project developed and what has happened in the country since its rollout? Lavdim Beqiri jun., Director of Dukagjini Printing House that is responsible for distributing and personalizing the plates, makes an assessment after one year of 3rd license plates.

Mr. Beqiri, could you briefly explain to us how you experienced the collaboration with Schreiner PrinTrust in the project?

The decision in favor of Schreiner PrinTrust was made quickly at the time, and we have not regretted it. We are more than happy with the collaboration. Among the aspects that convinced us are the outstanding quality and high security precautions that have been implemented in our project to prove its authenticity. It is a very fast and effective solution in which the collaboration has really been good throughout. All that makes us feel that even after one year we’re still in good hands with PrinTrust.

Mr. Beqiri, thank you very much for the interview!

At the beginning of 2022, the deposit system in Germany was extended, which means that plastic one-way bottles with a capacity of up to three liters and beverage cans are now generally subject to mandatory deposits. Those containers had previously been exempted. Schreiner PrinTrust is one of the few suppliers in Germany to have been awarded DQS security certification and selected security printer for the DPG cover-label. A dedicated web shop has been established for enhanced response to demand.

Fast, easy, and secure: Customers can order their individual DPG cover-labels from the Schreiner web shop, provided they have previously registered as a beverage manufacturer or importer with DPG Deutsche Pfandsystem GmbH. The statutory labeling of products requiring a deposit is composed of the DPG marking that consists of the DPG color and a barcode with the Global Trade Items Number (GTIN) serving to identify the specific beverage container. Because the marking is of central importance in the German deposit system the requirements and security specifications to be met by approved printers are high. The DPG cover-labels can be obtained from Schreiner PrinTrust as a certified deposit service provider.

“We are obviously pleased that we were able to impress with our long-standing expertise,” says Dr. Kai Schnapauff, President of Schreiner PrinTrust. “With our web shop we are now offering customers the opportunity to order DPG cover-labels from us directly online.” Size, liner materials, and colors for the DPG cover-label are clearly defined. There are two variants available for attaching the cover-label: The special deposit sticker can be applied either on top of the (old) barcode or to complement the main label. As a result, even one-way bottles and cans will reliably find their way back into the deposit cycle and clearly benefit the environment.