by Harry Hunter | Wed 26 Aug 2026
Make UK Manufacturing Awards shortlists Datatag RAPID
Datatag ID has been named a regional finalist in the Innovation category of the 2026 Make UK Manufacturing Awards for its RAPID technology platform.
RAPID (Registered Assets Police Information Database) has been shortlisted in the South region following judging by Make UK, which runs the awards to recognise achievements and innovation across the UK manufacturing sector.
Developed to assist police officers when checking stolen or suspect machinery and other registered assets, RAPID provides a secure platform for establishing and verifying the identity of equipment.
The system brings together information from the CEA-owned CESAR database, PNC/LEDS and Datatag’s own databases, allowing officers to check Datatag- and CESAR-marked assets through a single platform.
Searches can be carried out using identifiers including VINs, serial numbers, engine numbers and other identifying marks. This is particularly useful where identification numbers have been damaged, altered or are difficult to read.
RAPID also provides machine identification information and orientation videos, helping officers locate identifying features on different makes and models of equipment.
Datatag ID Managing Director Kevin Howells said: “RAPID was developed around a very practical requirement: giving police officers access to the information they need when checking machinery and other registered assets.
“Plant and equipment can carry numerous identifiers, and in some cases those identifiers may have been altered, damaged or partially removed. RAPID gives officers a valuable resource to help them establish and verify what they are looking at.
“To have RAPID recognised by the Make UK judges and shortlisted in the Innovation category is a fantastic acknowledgement of the work that has gone into developing the platform.”
The winner of the South regional Innovation category will be announced at the Make UK Manufacturing Awards Regional Dinner on 5 November 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon.
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