LOT Vision: Is It an Efficient Vehicle Tracking Technology?

LOT Vision is revolutionizing vehicle tracking and management in large auction lots where every second counts. Outdated methods of locating cars often result in wasted time and missed opportunities. With precise GPS technology and instant diagnostic insights, Manheim’s innovative system empowers auction professionals. By streamlining searches and boosting transparency, LOT Vision sets a new standard for efficiency and reliability.

Built by Manheim, LOT Vision provides diagnostic insights, mobile ease, and wireless tracking into one system. Whether you are a seller, transporter, or staff member, this system streamlines your processes from car preview to post-sale pickup. In this post, we’ll examine what LOT Vision is, how it operates, and why it is being praised as a game-changer in sites like Manheim Dallas, Atlanta, and Orlando.

What is LOT Vision?

LOT Vision, also referred to as LOT Vision Manheim or Vision Lot, is a vehicle tracking system launched at the 2019 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) show. It uses GPS-based wireless devices to find cars on Manheim’s auction lots within a 10-foot radius, so drastically cutting search times. Beyond location tracking, it gathers Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for vehicle condition insights, therefore boosting openness. 

Furthermore, available at no charge to Manheim clients, LOT Vision interacts with the mymanheim.com/lotvision and the my Manheim lot vision app, accessible via QR codes at auction sites or the lot vision – mymanheim portal. Furthermore, it seeks to simplify processes for dealers, movers, and personnel at sites like Manheim Dallas lot vision and Manheim Orlando lot vision.

Key Features of LOT Vision

Vision Lot has several unique characteristics, including:

1. Real-Time Location Tracking: Locates vehicles to within 10 feet. This is especially valuable for searching in large lots like Lot Vision Dallas.
2. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC): Gathers more than 7,000 common DTCs and continuously updates them in real time, providing information related to the vehicle’s health
3. Bulk Search Capability: It allows users to mass search up to 300 vehicles simultaneously with either VIN or work order numbers, simplifying mass operations.
4. Multi-Platform Access: Can be accessed via the MyManheim platform, Manheim app, or with a QR Code on locations like Manheim Atlanta
5. Browser Optimization: Works best in Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, which are more reliable than other browser options.
6. Show My Position Feature: Identifies the user’s position on the map about the vehicle to help navigate.

How Does LOT Vision Work?

LOT Vision operates through a GPS-based wireless device, typically inserted into a vehicle’s OBD-II port, standard in most post-1996 cars. For older vehicles, the device attaches to the steering wheel. It communicates with Manheim’s servers to report the vehicle’s location within 10 feet, accessible via mymanheim lot vision or the my Manheim lot vision app. Users enter a VIN or work order number. If location services are enabled, the system displays the vehicle’s position and the user’s location on a map, guiding them directly to the car.

Moreover, the device also retrieves DTCs from the OBD-II port, providing real-time vehicle health data displayed in a “DTC Codes” column or via VIN details. Also, Manheim staff manage device installation and removal to ensure accuracy and prevent interference with personal OBD-II tools, which are prohibited on lots. As a result, this configuration helps for effective operations at locations like Manheim Dallas Lot Vision and Lot Vision Manheim Orlando.

How to Use LOT Vision

Using LOT is designed to be user-friendly, with multiple access points:

• Access the Platform: Users can scan QR codes at auction locations, visit mymanheim.com/lotvision, or use the my Manheim lot vision app, available on iOS and Android, for on-the-go access.
• Search for Vehicles: Next, look for vehicles using a VIN or work order number discovered on a Gate Pass or Purchase Invoice. For bulk searches, paste up to 300 VINs from an Excel file or utilize the Workbook function on Manheim.com to pre-load lists, supporting operations at sites such as Lot Vision Dallas.
• Enable Location Services: Use the “Show My Position” function, which shows the user’s distance to the vehicle on a map for direction help, by activating location services on the device.
• View Diagnostic Data: Click the VIN or look at the “DTC Codes” column in the search results to view diagnostic information, such as timestamps and code explanations, to help you make better decisions.
• Navigate to the Vehicle: Follow the map provided by the app or portal to locate the vehicle within 10 feet, streamlining preview and pickup processes.

Best Practices:

• Use Google Chrome for top performance; other supported browsers include Firefox and Safari.
• To avoid technical problems, confirm that location services are active and your device is current.
• Refer to the LOT Vision User Guide for thorough directions.

Benefits of LOT Vision

LOT delivers several practical benefits that address key pain points in the auction process:

• Time-Saving: By eliminating manual searches, LOT reduces vehicle location time from hours to minutes, as reported by dealers at locations like Manheim Dallas and Manheim Atlanta.
• Improved Efficiency: Faster location tracking simplifies auction processes from car previewing to post-purchase transportation, therefore raising general productivity.
• Enhanced Transparency: Real-time DTC information enables customers to evaluate car conditions remotely, therefore enabling well-informed purchases and presale maintenance.
• Cost-Effective: Offered at no additional cost, my LOT Vision provides significant value to Manheim clients, making it accessible to all registered users.
• Operational Optimisation: For Manheim, real-time vehicle location information improves lot administration, reduces car misplacement, and maximises space utilisation.

Comparison of Traditional Methods and LOT Vision

The following table compares traditional vehicle location methods with LOT Vision, highlighting its advantages:

Aspect	Traditional Method	LOT Vision
Time to Locate Vehicle	Hours	Minutes
User Convenience	Requires physical search, can be frustrating	Accessible via app, easy to use
Accuracy	Approximate, based on manual search	Within 10 feet
Additional Features	None	Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) information
Scalability	Limited by human resources	Can handle large numbers of vehicles

Compared to traditional methods, LOT Vision drastically reduces vehicle search time from hours to minutes and offers pinpoint accuracy within 10 feet. Moreover, it improves convenience via app-based access, provides diagnostic insights, and scales effectively to handle high vehicle volumes.

LOT Vision Impact on the Industry

Vision LOT represents a significant advancement in the digitization of automotive auctions, with broader implications for the industry:

• Digitization of Auctions: Integrating IoT technology, Manheim is turning conventional auction methods into data-driven operations. Consequently, this fits the market’s move toward digital tools like virtual inspections and online auctions.
• Setting New Standards: The accuracy and capabilities of this system have established a standard in vehicle tracking for auctions. Furthermore, its success could motivate other auction houses to embrace comparable solutions.
• Enhanced Trust and Transparency: The DTC capability provides customers with valuable vehicle details that strengthen trust and diminish unforeseen issues after the sale.
• Scalability and Future Potential: Its success at Manheim suggests potential for broader adoption in dealerships, rental fleets, or logistics. Moreover, pilot programs with retailers like Sonic Automotive and U.S. Auto Sales indicate its versatility beyond auctions.

Experiences and Testimonials

Users report significant time savings, with dealers at sites like Manheim St. Pete noting that LOT Vision cuts vehicle location time to minutes. Blue Water Importers, handling 10,000 vehicles annually, praised its efficiency and ability to identify process gaps. He said, “LOT Vision not only saved us time finding cars, but they helped us recognize and repair failures in our systems.” 

Moreover, HGreg.com highlighted improved operations through data integration. However, some users faced technical issues, such as location services failing after phone updates. Approximately 95% of users access Lot via mobile devices, reflecting its convenience. Overall, feedback underscores its value in enhancing efficiency and transparency, though technical reliability needs improvement.

LOT Vision Limitations and Considerations

While vision lot offers significant benefits, there are some considerations:

• Coverage: As of the latest updates, the LOT is not yet available at all Manheim locations, though expansion is underway. For example, Manheim Dallas, lot vision Manheim Atlanta, and Manheim Orlando are all actively using the system, but full national coverage has not yet occurred.
• Technology Dependence: The system relies on GPS and wireless connectivity. Technical glitches, the car environment, etc, could compromise both of these components. But these securities are typical of digital solutions and, with proper maintenance, that risk could be minimized.
• Cost: While free for users, the infrastructure costs are borne by Manheim. For other auction houses, implementing similar technology could require significant investment.

Future Outlook 

Looking ahead, Manheim continues to elevate LOT Vision, with the integration of the 2022 DTC being a pivotal moment in the progress of the product. Further updates could include predictive maintenance alerts or integration with inventory management systems. Also, it’s promising to think that it might be used at dealership lots or fleet management applications, as was explored in the testing of Sonic Automotive and U.S. Auto Sales.

As the automotive industry increasingly embraces digital solutions, this technology could inspire broader adoption of IoT-based tracking. Furthermore, it may eventually integrate with autonomous vehicle technologies or advanced analytics to achieve even greater efficiency.

Conclusion

Overall, LOT Vision by Manheim is an impactful product that ultimately solves crucial problems related to the automotive auction process. The live location tracking and diagnostic capabilities create improved time savings, transparency, and efficiencies for dealers, transporters, and auction staff. Moreover, its implementation at key locations such as Manheim Dallas, Lot Vision Manheim Atlanta, and Manheim Orlando demonstrates its practical value. In addition, its potential for broader adoption suggests a lasting impact on the automotive industry.

While direct user feedback is limited, the available evidence from Manheim and industry partners indicates that this technology is well-regarded for its effectiveness. As Manheim continues to expand its reach, LOT Vision is setting a new standard for vehicle tracking in auctions and is becoming an indispensable tool. Ultimately, LOT Vision is a game-changer, offering a powerful blend of innovation and practicality that could shape the future of automotive technology.

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