By Jim Utter
Director of Journalism
Innovative Control Systems, a product brand of OPW Vehicle Wash Solutions, has introduced an impressive new upgrade to its existing license-plate recognition technology.
ICS’ new AI-LPR is an upgrade to the existing ICA Auto Passport LPR, which is an LPR system that simplifies license-plate recognition for vehicle wash club members through a contactless enrollment process that enhances operational efficiency and improves customer satisfaction.
The upgraded AI-LPR solution features machine-learning capabilities that can result in up to 99.9 percent accurate license-plate recognition, all without the need to add costly camera hardware or system-upgrade expenses.
“The goal when implementing any new vehicle wash payment technology is to ensure that it has actual real-world benefits for wash operators and their customers,” Kevin Ahnert, General Manager of ICS, said in a statement.
“The built-in capabilities of the new AI-LPR technology platform are truly milestones in the industry, and we are confident that those who choose to deploy this next-generation technology will be able to quickly, easily, safely and securely optimize the overall wash experience for wash-club members.”
All new Auto Passport LPR systems that are sold to the market since the beginning of March will have the AI-LPR solution built in. In some cases where older models are being used, a new LPR PC will be required.
The ICS Customer Support team will contact legacy Auto Passport LPR users with a valid support contract to schedule a free, easy upgrade to the AI-LPR solution. The updates will be completed during the day and could require up to an hour without access to the LPR system.
The original Auto Passport LPR system has offered several benefits for car wash operators.
Among them are the use of cutting-edge LPR machine-learning technology that automates club-member signup and transaction processing, the creation of a vehicle wash experience with no attendant involvement needed and the ability to track club members’ usage patterns, which helps operators better understand the washing (and buying) habits of their customers.
Founded in 1988, Innovative Control Systems in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has been an innovator in the development of payment terminals, process controls, software-management systems and equipment automation for the vehicle wash industry.
In 2021, ICS was acquired by OPW and became a member of the OPW Vehicle Wash Solutions business unit.
