Physical keys as a security issue
Many companies in the commercial vehicle industry still rely on analog key management: physical keys are issued, distributed and withdrawn. This process is not only time-consuming but also poses significant security risks. If keys are lost or stolen, the company is left with a security problem and an organizational headache. No one can check who has access to the vehicles. Then there are day-to-day organizational challenges, such as short-term driver absences or shift changes. The larger the fleet, the more complex the administration. Fleet management with physical keys is inflexible and risky, but there is a better solution: digital keys.
The Car Connectivity Consortium’s digital key
Modern digital access systems offer an alternative to traditional key management. One example is the digital key from the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC). The Car Connectivity Consortium is an organization that focuses on developing and promoting standards for connecting vehicles to mobile devices. The CCC brings together automotive and technology companies to work on new standards. The CCC digital key can be used via a smartphone. This allows fleet operators to assign digital keys to their employees and flexibly adjust or withdraw them as required. This reduces administration, simplifies commercial vehicle management and minimizes security risks. By assigning individual authorizations, fleet operators can ensure that only authorized persons have access to specific vehicles.
Server-based owner device as an additional component
A major technological advance is the Server Based Owner Device (SBOD) as an additional system component. Digital keys are managed centrally on a server, rather than on individual devices. This makes it possible to distribute access authorizations within a commercial vehicle fleet efficiently and securely. For example, a bus driver would only be allowed to operate the relevant vehicle for their assigned route; a commercial truck driver can be given access to the cab and cargo area, while a mechanic can only be given access to the vehicle’s maintenance areas. In addition, storing the digital keys in the secure element of a smartphone increases security as it acts as an encrypted safe. Access is also guaranteed in difficult conditions, such as areas with limited network coverage, thanks to offline functionality.
Integration of digital keys into the vehicle’s hardware
Before digital keys can be used in the field, vehicles need to be digitally key-enabled. This requires a back-end solution that can seamlessly integrate into the OEM’s vehicle hardware. As with doubleSlash’s Digital Key, this is done via standardized interfaces that enable direct communication with the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). This creates a harmonized interaction between the vehicle and the back end. The solution is based on a modular and flexible design and is CCC compliant. The hardware and cloud agnostic architecture enables easy integration into a wide range of system environments. The Server-Based Owner Device (SBOD) enables the connection of fleet management systems via standardized interfaces, so that vehicle fleets can be managed efficiently and securely.
A major economic advantage of this technology is the reduction in administrative effort and the loss of keys. Initial case studies show that companies can significantly shorten handover times and eliminate the costs of lost keys by using digital keys. A detailed cost-benefit analysis can help companies to realistically assess the potential savings and efficiency gains.
Conclusion: Digital key management as the standard of the future
The commercial vehicle industry faces the challenge of making operational processes more efficient while minimizing security risks. Digital key technologies offer a forward-looking solution by enabling flexible authorization, reducing administration and increasing operational security. Companies that embrace digital access solutions early on will not only optimize their internal processes cost-effectively but will also secure long-term competitive advantages.
Author: Manuel Teufel, Product Manager doubleSlash Digital Key. He is a qualified software product manager with over 10 years of experience in software projects and products in the mobility industry. Manuel is responsible for doubleSlash Digital Key and is driving the change from physical to digital keys.
