RFID makes it easier and more efficient to track and perform regular tyre maintenance. It identifies potential problems or failures before they cause a breakdown. Confidex has come out with a tyre tag, smaller than its peers and with an omni directional antenna

As the global tyre industry is witnessing rapid changes in manufacturing, distribution and usage to end of life of tyres, Radio Frequency  Identification (RFID) will play a significant role in tackling many challenges posed by the growing complexity in the sector.

Demand for data collection is growing, calling for intelligent decisions and fast actions. Data on tyres helps tyre companies to improve their production efficiency, reduce rejections and even help in addressing in legal disputes, while fleet companies can manage lifecycle of tyres and operations cost.

In February this year, Confidex, a leading designer and supplier of short-range wireless identification solutions, launched the new Confidex tyre tag, which is designed for tyre traceability through the lifecycle of tyres. The tags are based on RAIN RFID/EPC global Gen2v2 RFID technology, which has global certification for passive RFID tag.

Highlights

The highlight of the Confidex tyre tag is that it is smaller than its peers and has an omni-directional antenna. “Initially, we had enquiries from two Chinese tyre manufacturers - Jiangsu General Science Technology Co and Hodo Tyres. They were looking for solutions for an embedded tyre tag technology that is different from all the other solutions available in the markets. We took two years to design, develop, and release this embedded tyre tags commercially. Our RFID tag is a bit smaller than the existing tags available in the market, having an Omni directional antenna.

Now these two Chinese companies are ready to release the mini truck tyres with our embedded RFID tags,” said Paul Broekhuizen, Executive Vice President Smart Industries at Confidex Ltd. By integrating RFID tags within the tyre during the manufacturing process, fleet operators and other end users can track tyre wear and usage. This can help to control ongoing tyre costs. RFID makes it easier and more efficient
to track and perform regular tyre maintenance, as well as identify potential problems or failures before they cause breakdown, says the company.

According to the company, its tyre tag can be fitted with a flexible position within the tyre and is 40 mm smaller than other comparable tags on the market. Its omni directional antenna provides greater flexibility for both warehouse and yard management applications. The Confidex tags offer a read range up to 3 metres or 9 feet from all directions and are compliant with the ISO 20909 and ISO 20910 standards. “The main advantage that the omni directional RFID tags provide is that you can take readings from any direction by a handled reader. You can even have a fixed reading tool in your workshop, and you need to take your vehicle near to or pass by the reader. The ratings are accurately taken. That was the key requirement of the Chinese customers too,” said Broekhuizen.

Confidex is also in discussions with major European tyre companies to test its tyre tags. Positioning Tyres come with different designs and materials, compositions and thickness, so the challenge is to fit an
RFID tag at an ideal position. Since the Confidex tyre tag is installed before the vulcanisation process, it can be placed in any position. “Customer can embed a tag at any position. But, better to check with Confidex, we can simulate how it performs in the new position,” Broekhuizen pointed out. Since the Confidex RFID tag is smaller in size compared to the other tags available in the market, with minor changes,
it can be easily fitted in the tyres that have already been into production. During the vulcanisation process, tags o through very high heat and pressure for hours and sometimes, the antenna may get damaged.

The Confidex tyre tag has a spring type of the antenna - not a typical 3D spring, but more like flexible folded wire antenna, which is 2D structure. This is more flexible and provides benefits during the vulcanisation. “Due to the spring-like design, air bubbles cannot form around the antenna, making it more flexible and sustainable during bending and stretching in the vulcanisation process,” said Broekhuizen. The tags are IP68 rated against liquids and dust and provide resistance to common chemicals and UV exposure.

The company’s RFID tyre tags have already been tested in-house and now they are being tested by European tyre companies with specific requirements. Since the embedded tyre RFID tags cannot be taken out without damaging the tyre, they are ideal for identifying counterfeit products and lifecycle monitoring. “So basically, an embedded RF ID tag helps to monitor lifecycle of tyres. This is the most ideal and complex RFID tag solution,” added Broekhuizen.

The other solution is the label type of tag, which is used for after-sales solutions. It looks like a simple label, but has an antenna too. These labels have different additives which are meant for the different materials, and the antenna design is based on the materials. Broekhuizen explained: “The rubber and steel of the tyres are very complex substances. There are always chemical reactions when you stick anything on rubber. There are chances of them peeling off and permanently bond, so we need a special kind of adhesive which are best with the rubber composites.”

During the tyre manufacturing processes, RFID labels are applied to different bags or containers of the chemicals and other ingredients. With the help of the labels and the reader on the loader, the mixing process is strictly monitored and controlled.

The third solution is barcoding, which comes with an RFID ag which is for regulatory compliance. The embedded RFID tags also help to monitor the tyres in the recycling business. “Tyres go to different countries, so it is difficult for the recyclers to understand or have data on the lifecycle. With an embedded tag, recyclers can get info on the manufacturers, location, and date of manufacturing and
other info. And with all such info, recyclers can manage their business more efficiently,” said Broekhuizen. The information on the Confidex tyre tags come up with the extended memory so additional information can be stored. “There is always fixed information on the RFID and then there is an EPC memory which can have more information.”

Broekhuizen sees growing demand for embedded RIFD tags in both developed and developing markets for different reasons. According to him, a more substantial challenge is to tackle counterfeit cases in the tyre industry, and such cases can be avoided by using RFID tags. In the developed markets, RFID will help to reduce labour costs and improve efficiency.

The company also plans to explore the penetration of its RFID tags in the OTR segment, where the total cost of ownership and lifecycle are the main drivers of the business. Tyre companies are also exploring tyre leasing business. According to Broekhuizen, huge business opportunities lie before the company as the tyre rental business model needs embedded RFID tags. With the lease model, fleet operators can bring down the operating cost by almost 50%. “Fleet companies have to use as per the usage of the tyres or per kilometre. With RFID tags, all data and monitoring can be done accurately,” he said.

Vehicle Management Corporation survived industry consolidation to dominate a USD 1.5 billion niche managing mining’s most expensive consumables.

More than 30 years after its modest beginnings, Fernie’s Vehicle Management Corporation (VMC) now leads the global independent tyre management software sector. The company oversees USD 1.5 billion in tyre and rim assets across 480 mining sites on multiple continents. With individual mining tyres costing upward of USD 50,000, VMC’s enTIRE software has become critical for operators aiming to maximise the value of their most expensive consumables.

“We don’t sell tyres or offer tyre services – software is our sole focus,” Fernie said. This specialisation has been VMC’s core competitive strength and a key reason it outlasted larger, better-funded competitors during two decades of industry consolidation.

VMC’s journey from a single-client DOS application to managing billions of dollars in assets demonstrates how even small software firms can thrive by addressing highly specialised industry needs that larger solutions often overlook.

THE CONSOLIDATION SURVIVOR

VMC’s fierce independence stands out in a tyre industry where consolidation is accelerating. While giants like Bridgestone and Michelin snapped up rivals – Otraco and Klinge, respectively – VMC has held the line, rebuffing takeover interest and prioritising customer relationships over shareholder pressure or supplier alliances.

“With Bridgestone acquiring Otraco and Michelin purchasing Klinge, VMC became the only independent, commercially viable tyre management software provider remaining,” Fernie explained. “Developing a competitive independent system today would require USD 5+ million in funding and years of field testing, making our market position difficult to replicate and any alternatives difficult to justify.”

This independence is now central to VMC’s appeal for multinational miners working with multiple suppliers. Unlike manufacturer-backed software, VMC’s enTIRE system is completely agnostic, allowing clients to base their purchasing decisions solely on performance data and cost-effectiveness.

That strategy has earned VMC unusually durable client ties. Its three-decade partnership with Freeport Indonesia – one of the world’s largest mining operations –underscores the appeal of a model that favours operational flexibility over vendor lock-in, a growing concern among customers wary of manufacturer-driven ecosystems.

“Most of our clients are long-term,” Fernie noted, emphasising how this stability has become increasingly valuable as mining companies seek to avoid the disruption and data loss that often accompanies vendor changes in manufacturer-controlled systems.

BEYOND COST CUTTING: SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

While cost reductions – often 10 percent to 30 percent within three years – drive initial adoption, VMC’s impact extends far beyond savings. In nonstop mining environments, where tyre failures can lead to life-threatening accidents, safety and uptime are equally vital.

“Operating tyres outside pressure or load specs increases blowout risks,” Fernie said, emphasising safety. enTIRE tracks rim certifications and keeps failure histories, supporting safety protocols. “Rim accidents are very dangerous, potentially fatal.”

Environmental benefits have also emerged as an increasingly important value proposition for mining companies under growing pressure to reduce their carbon footprints and waste generation. By extending tyre life and dramatically reducing premature failures, mining operations generate substantially less waste while simultaneously improving fuel efficiency through optimised tyre pressure monitoring systems.

“Optimising pressure with TPMS can extend tyre life by 20–30 percent, reduce rolling resistance and lower fuel consumption by up to three percent – a substantial saving in mining operations,” Fernie explained. In an industry where fuel costs represent significant operational expenses and environmental regulations continue to tighten, these seemingly modest percentage improvements compound into substantial savings and meaningful reductions in environmental impact.

The environmental mathematics are compelling: operators can achieve approximately 30 percent increases in tyre life through proper lifecycle management, directly reducing landfill waste, shipping requirements and manufacturing demands – collectively helping reduce the carbon footprint of tyre procurement and disposal across the mining sector.

THE TECHNOLOGY EVOLUTION

VMC’s technological evolution, from humble beginnings as a basic DOS program to advanced, cloud-based solutions, reflects the broader digitisation revolution in factory operations that began in the early 1990s. The firm’s flagship enTIRE software began as a Windows product with what Fernie recounts with clear pride as a ‘pioneering drag-and-drop interface’ in the early 1990s – a cutting-edge user experience design that was decades ahead of its time.

The platform has progressed steadily through several generations of technology, transitioning from Microsoft Access databases to high-performance SQL Server implementations, which have significantly improved performance and scalability. It introduced full multi-site support features in 2001 and incrementally incorporated tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) from seven sensor vendors starting in 2007. The software industry award was presented in 2005, when the system was named the Financial Review Australian Information Industry Association’s ‘Best Industrial Software Application’.

Recent development efforts focus heavily on artificial intelligence integration for enhanced analytics capabilities and predictive maintenance functionalities. “We’re actively using AI to streamline development and support,” Fernie said, outlining the company’s forward-looking technology strategy. “We expect AI will significantly enhance predictive analytics, client dashboards and user interfaces, improving how data is interpreted and acted upon.”

The integration of multiple TPMS systems represents a particular competitive advantage. “enTIRE PressureNet is sensor brand-agnostic and integrates with multiple sensor types, unlike many manufacturer-locked systems,” Fernie explained. “Our independence allows clients to choose or switch sensor brands without losing backend compatibility.”

FIGHTING FRAUD IN HIGH-STAKES OPERATIONS

In addition to optimising operations and pre-emptive maintenance, enTIRE is an advanced fraud detection and prevention solution in settings where a single tyre costs more than high-end cars. The software’s detailed tracking identifies many forms of theft, tampering and misbehaviour that afflict the high-end tyre market throughout global mining operations.

“Tyre fitters may scrap a near-new tyre (if not tracked) and then this tyre would be picked up from the scrap location and resold,” Fernie explained, detailing one common fraud scheme. “In mining, each tyre can be worth up to USD 50,000. This potential additional income is very significant in developing countries.” The financial incentives for such fraud are substantial, making comprehensive tracking systems essential for asset protection.

Beyond simple theft, the system prevents more sophisticated data manipulation during high-stakes contract negotiations. “If a tyre supply contract is worth USD 100 million, there can be significant pressure placed on operators of any tyre management system to ‘modify’ tyre performance in a supplier’s favour,” Fernie said, highlighting the system’s role in maintaining data integrity. “enTIRE has very strong internal systems to prevent internal tampering.”

Other fraud prevention features involve detecting unauthorised tyre replacement in off-site fleet operations, where drivers may sell new tyres and substitute them with less expensive ones, and preventing early scrapping of tyres that can otherwise be retreaded or reallocated for a longer service life.

ORGANIC GROWTH STRATEGY AND MARKET POSITION

VMC has achieved its market-leading position without relying on venture capital investment or large corporate sponsorship; instead, it has relied on diligent organic growth fuelled by strong customer relationships, word-of-mouth referrals and relentless reinvestment in product development. The firm purposefully reinvested earnings in automation technologies and enhanced software capabilities, rather than engaging in fervent hiring or costly promotional campaigns, while maintaining lean operations and establishing increasingly refined development capabilities.

“When large manufacturers’ systems failed with over-engineered projects, clients often came to us for reliable replacements,” Fernie said, describing a pattern that has accelerated during recent supply chain disruptions when tyre shortages made lifecycle extension critical for maintaining operational continuity.

The company’s fundamental growth strategy centres on systematic data accumulation and market share expansion. “Our strategy, early on, has always been to increase market share as we realised that the more tyre performance data our systems controlled, the more valuable we would become,” Fernie explained, articulating a network effect strategy that becomes more powerful with scale.

This field-tested software, combined with deep industry connections and vast databases, now creates major entry barriers that would require competitors years and millions to overcome.

DIVERSE APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRY DIFFERENCES

VMC software supports significantly disparate operating models in mining and transport industries, each with dissimilar tracking demands and cost-justification criteria. Mining applications typically involve high-cost, low-volume tyres that are closely monitored by operating hours. In contrast, transport fleets manage high-volume, lower-cost tyres, which are tracked by kilometres and frequently shared across interchanging trailers pulled by various prime movers.

“Mining justifies the cost of extensive data entry based on the large cost savings, while the transport industry is more careful regarding tracking cost,” Fernie explained, highlighting how economic incentives drive different implementation approaches across industries.

Its flexibility in covering these differing operational needs while ensuring consistent data quality and analytical functionality across both industries is possible with the software.

GLOBAL EXPANSION AND CULTURAL ADAPTATION

VMC continues to expand its global presence, with a specific emphasis on high-growth regions such as Africa, Indonesia, India, Eastern Europe and Latin America, where a large demand for advanced asset management solutions arises from growing mining activities and infrastructure projects.

The firm has local teams offering multilingual support capabilities. However, cultural adjustment remains a continuing challenge in emerging markets as they transition from legacy manual systems to online platforms.

“We adapt training and user interfaces to local literacy and workflow styles,” Fernie said. “Regional teams help bridge gaps in communication, training and change management, ensuring smoother adoption.”

Main entry barriers in emerging markets include the absence of sound local technical support, the scarcity of internet infrastructure in geographically remote mining sites, the reluctance to change due to entrenched manual systems and administrative hurdles involving payment reliability and bureaucratic delays.

FUTURE TECHNOLOGY AND INDUSTRY TRENDS

Future software updates mirror industry-wide trends towards greater automation and the integration of artificial intelligence. On the horizon are planned improvements, including richer analytical dashboards, enhanced cloud analytics capabilities, mobile inspection tools with integrated image capture capabilities and AI-driven notification systems for predictive maintenance notifications.

As autonomous and electric cars increasingly penetrate mining fleets, VMC’s strategic emphasis on tyre and rim information, rather than vehicle powertrains, places the company well-positioned to meet emerging transportation technologies without necessitating drastic system architecture adjustments.

“enTIRE tracks data independently of vehicle type, so electric vehicles are managed the same as diesel fleets,” Fernie explained. “Our focus is on tyre and rim data accuracy – not the powertrain.”

INDUSTRY CHALLENGES AND MARKET OUTLOOK

The tyre management industry faces ongoing challenges related to data accuracy and actionable insights. “The industry’s main challenge is accurate and actionable data,” Fernie observed. “Successful tyre management operations start with accurate data collection, management and transparent reporting.”

Supply chain disruptions have strengthened demand for VMC’s services as tyre shortages heighten the importance of lifecycle extension and predictive maintenance. “Our strongest growth has been when there have been tyre shortages and clients want to extend their current tyre life as much as possible,” Fernie noted.

For Fernie, who brings over 30 years of experience in tyre management software development to the industry, VMC’s continued success validates the strategic decision to remain independent in an increasingly consolidated market. “Just ‘being there’ and remaining independent will always attract customers from non-independent tyre management systems over time,” he said, expressing confidence in the company’s long-term competitive position.

In an industry where margins of operation are crucial and safety must not be compromised, VMC has established a highly profitable niche by addressing complex problems that most individuals never even consider – until a USD 50,000 tyre blows on a distant mining operation thousands of miles from the nearest replacement. For mining operators globally with billions of dollars in mobile equipment, that specialised expertise and uncompromising independence have been worth their weight in gold. 

Comerio Ercole participated in Oerlikon Nonwoven's exclusive Technology Centre Open House in Neumünster, Germany, on 2-3 July 2025. The event attracted over 50 industry professionals for interactive demonstrations and technical discussions on nonwoven manufacturing innovations.

As a key partner, Comerio Ercole presented its latest calendering solutions, highlighting their role in enhancing finishing processes through precision engineering and energy-efficient designs. The company emphasised its collaborative approach in developing customised systems tailored to industry needs.

Attendees observed live demonstrations of Oerlikon Neumag's hydro-charging technology for meltblown media and spunbond production lines for specialty materials. Partner companies contributed additional insights across the production chain, from fibre treatment to final winding solutions.

The event showcased how strategic partnerships drive progress in nonwoven manufacturing, with Comerio Ercole demonstrating its commitment to integrated, innovative production technologies.

The Comerio Ercole team said, “We believe that delivering value to our customers means not only providing advanced machines but also being part of a well-coordinated and forward-thinking network.”

Designed to tackle the largest truck and bus wheels while maintaining precision for passenger vehicles, the RB30T Hybrid Wheel Balancer from Ranger (a BendPak division) delivers power and versatility. Switching between heavy-duty and light-duty applications is effortless, requiring just a button press. Its integrated pneumatic wheel lift enhances safety and ergonomics by minimising manual handling and reducing injury risks.

Capable of balancing wheels for buses, semi-trucks, OTR vehicles, light trucks and cars, the RB30T ensures fast, accurate results without recalibration. Its re-engineered platform supports wheels up to 330 lbs (approx. 150 kg), 49.25 inches in diameter and 20 inches wide, with rapid cycle times – seven seconds for car wheels and around 20 seconds for full truck assemblies. At its core, the Ranger Drive-Check system uses advanced 64-bit processing and quartz piezoelectric sensors to detect even the slightest imbalances across multiple axes. This smart technology simulates real-world driving conditions, identifying vibrations before they become road issues and automatically recommending optimal corrections.

Built for durability, the RB30T features a ribbed nylon-fibre drive belt, counter-weighted flywheel system and a three-phase motor with solid-state phase conversion for smooth, high-torque operation under heavy loads. The balancer comes ready to use with a commercial mounting kit, including cones and adapters, while its spacious top tray and side shelves keep wheel weights and tools organised for efficient workflow.

Available as a standalone unit or with the Ranger Select package – which includes professional installation and training – the RB30T is a robust solution for shops handling diverse wheel balancing needs.

Sean Price, Director of Product Development, said, “The new RB30T wheel balancer can do it all. Its versatility makes the RB30T a great choice not just for heavy-duty fleets and repair garages but also for high-volume tyre shops and mixed fleets.”

Bridgestone has officially rolled out its proprietary aircraft tyre management system “easytrack” in collaboration with Cebu Pacific Air, marking the first deployment of the solution by a commercial airline.

The system, launched in April 2025, uses QR codes and a smartphone app to track aircraft tyres across the supply chain—replacing Cebu Pacific’s manual, paper-based process.

“As Cebu Pacific continues to expand its operations, it's essential that we invest in smart solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce manual workload,” said Shevantha Weerasekera, Vice President, Engineering & Fleet Management at Cebu Pacific. “Partnering with Bridgestone to implement the ‘easytrack’ system has enabled us to significantly improve our tyre  management processes significantly, ensuring greater accuracy, safety, and productivity across our operations.”

Bridgestone said the system has halved labour time for inventory management and achieved full tyre tracking accuracy after verification trials at Cebu Pacific’s warehouses, MROs, and maintenance bases.

“As a value co-creation partner, we have proposed solutions tailored to on-site operations based on learnings and insights gained from Cebu Pacific Air’s frontline operations,” said Arata Tomita, Director, Global Aviation Tire Solutions Business Division at Bridgestone. “We are very pleased that the official implementation of ‘easytrack’ has contributed to the improvement of operational accuracy, safety, and productivity.”

Bridgestone said the move aligns with its “Bridgestone E8 Commitment,” with a focus on enhancing efficiency and ecology by supporting sustainable tyre practices and operational productivity.