Okoban

Okoban
Founded 2009
Headquarters Geneva, Switzerland
Website okoban.com

Okoban[1] is a system that allows individuals to register property assigned unique identification codes to their property and register these online, so that in the event these are lost and found that these can be returned to their owners.

Okoban logo

Okoban manages its tracking system on behalf of the companies and agencies who use it, including luggage manufacturers, airlines and TSA. It neither makes nor sells products directly and is provided to end users at no cost.

History

Okoban first emerged as a spin-off of Travel Sentry, a company that sets standards for luggage locks.

The first products based on the Okoban standard were first produced in 2009 by Sunco Luggage of Japan. These included luggage and travel accessories with Okoban codes.

The name Okoban is based on the Japanese concept of Kōban, or small local police stations, which in Japan are the central place for reporting lost items or turning in found items. In the Japanese language the letter "O" preceding a word is a sign of respect; synonymous to "honorable".[2]

Okoban UID

Standard and Use

The Okoban standard includes three elements:

  1. the diamond mark
  2. the Unique identifier (UID) code, composed of twelve alpha-numeric characters;
  3. a notice to the finder, directing the finder to Okoban's website.

Okoban issues Unique identifier (UID) codes to manufacturers of luggage and other products used in travel such as personal electronics. These codes are added to products at the time of production or can be added by the user to personal items using adhesive labels.[3]

Okoban UID engraved on luggage

If an item is misplaced or lost, and then found, the finder can enter its UID into the Okoban system. The owner then receives an alert message, either via e-mail or SMS.[4] The user then contacts the finder to arrange recovery.

The Okoban system is also integrated into WorldTracer,[5] which is the central lost and found system used by airlines. It is used by over 400 airlines, airport companies and baggage handlers.[6]


Global Airline Standard

References

  1. ↑ http://www.okoban.com
  2. ↑ Yoshikawa, Tadayuki. "交番のように遺失物見つける「OKOBAN」 TSAロックの米社CEOインタビュー". Aviation Wire. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
  3. ↑ Steele, Jason. "Luggage Tracking Devices: LugLoc, TrakDot, Okoban & More". The Points Guy. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
  4. ↑ Hirn, Mike. "Travel tips: the best way to travel - Okoban tags". stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
  5. ↑ http://www.sita.aero/product/worldtracer
  6. ↑ http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/passenger/passenger_baggage/Pages/index.aspx
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