Home » Vehicle Management System FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the best applications of I.D. Systems Vehicle Management Systems?
• How does I.D. Systems differ from other RFID Vehicle Management Systems?
• What functionality does I.D. Systems have that other systems do not?
• Can I.D. Systems' technology be used in areas with heavy RF activity (like airports), metal, strong electromagnetic fields (like metal smelters), and steel (like shipyards, automotive factories and distribution centers)?
• When used for industrial vehicle management, can the system ensure compliance with government safety regulations?
• Why wireless?
• What does your system do for rental cars?
• What should I look for in a vehicle management system?
• What makes I.D. Systems’ vehicle management system different from the fleet management system I have from the manufacturer of my vehicles?

What is the best application of I.D. Systems Vehicle Management System technology?

I.D. Systems pioneered the use of intelligent RFID (radio frequency identification) technology to secure, control, track and manage high-value assets—such as material handling equipment, airport vehicles, and rental cars—through:

• Effective vehicle access control and total accountability for operators
  
• Sophisticated electronic pre-trip checklists, impact sensing, speed sensing, and other safety management tools
  
• Motion/idle detection, load sensing, travel distance monitoring, peak utilization analysis, and other productivity measurement tools
  
• Real-time location tracking, automated text dispatching, electronic kanban task management, and other directed-work, productivity-enhancement tools
  
• Vehicle health data collection, automated lock-out/tag-out, vehicle battery management, and other vehicle maintenance tools
  
• Geo-fencing, automated on-vehicle and system-wide alerts, remote vehicle lock-out, and other security management tools

To learn how our technology benefits different industries, visit Industry Solutions.

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How does I.D. Systems differ from other RFID technologies?

First, we make our Vehicle Asset Communicators (VACs) "smarter" than conventional tags -- they add significant asset management functionality, and they don't need to be in constant communication with and use significant network bandwidth to perform their mission-critical functions. Second, we have patented a unique architecture that gives our system unmatched accuracy and reliability. Third, our system components are “intelligent” so there is no need for a central controlling computer and expensive real-time communication links - which significantly reduces the overall cost of our system compared to others.

Learn more about why leading companies choose I.D. Systems.

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What functionality does I.D. Systems have that other systems do not?

We provide management tools for understanding and controlling vehicle utilization, such as real-time location and status, remote vehicle deactivation, and reports showing number of assets in use simultaneously during any given time period. With these unique tools, customers can make informed business decisions on asset allocation in ways they never could before. This increased level of vehicle visibility and control leads to greater productivity that makes an immediate and significant contribution to a company's bottom line profitability.

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Can I.D. Systems technology be used around airports and areas with heavy RF activity, large amounts of metal, and strong electromagnetic fields?

Yes. Our system is specifically designed to not be sensitive to RF interference, electromagnetic interference, attenuation from metal objects, and other potential sources of signal disruption. We use the latest in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and RFIC technology to ensure reliable communications. In addition, the "intelligence" of our system makes it safe to operate around aircraft, which is an issue with some other RF-based systems. Our system is even safe to use in close proximity to munitions in military applications.

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When used for industrial vehicle management, can the system help ensure compliance with government safety regulations?

Yes. In fact, our system may be the easiest, most cost-effective way for a company to show compliance with government safety regulations on vehicle operation and maintenance, such as those mandated in the United States by OSHA. Our system prevents uncertified drivers from operating vehicles and creates an automated, paperless record of the necessary vehicle safety inspections.

Learn more about Safety.

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Why wireless?

With a wireless solution for fleet management, you do not have to physically go to each vehicle to update it or collect data, which creates labor and time costs, as well as data freshness and accuracy issues. With I.D. Systems’ wireless vehicle management system technology you can update operators and vehicle information, assign tasks and have real-time visibility of your fleet using our software management console.

Learn more about our systems.

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What does your system do for rental cars?

I.D. Systems can help automate the rental and return process and increase rental revenue. You will gain real-time visibility of your car inventory, on-lot location tracking, flexible query tools to instantly display car/group/fleet status, real-time, automatic capture of accurate fuel level and mileage—at both car exit and return, and unique controls for lot process optimization. 

Learn more about our Rental Car technology.

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What should I look for in a vehicle management system?

• If your network goes down temporarily, can your system still function effectively and capture all data as if there was no technology problem? Can one failure in the system halt your entire operation?
  
• Are there communication costs that you incur every time you send a message or data transmission?
  
• Can the system work both indoors and outside?
  
• Do you work in a “harsh” operating environment where you need technology that is proven to be effective in those conditions?
  
• How do you update or collect information from each vehicle? How labor intensive will that process be? Can it be done wirelessly (managed through the software only)?
  
• What technology platform will serve your needs and not conflict with your existing operating environment?
  
• Can the system work on your ENTIRE fleet of vehicles, regardless of type, make or model, both today and in the future?
  
• What are your goals for continuous improvement, you may need one feature today, but will your selected system be able to meet your future needs?
  
• If you require maintenance information, will a system reflecting the actual vehicle wear and tear or only tracking calendar time or hours be most effective?
  
• Would you benefit from additional safety features, including speed sensing and impact sensing?
  
• Will this system impact or improve your OSHA checklist compliance and reporting?
  
• Can the system give you real-time information about each vehicle’s current health?
  
• Can you track not only if there was an impact with a vehicle, but who was operating the vehicle and in what specific location?
  

To learn how our technology benefits your industry, visit Industry Solutions.

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What makes I.D. Systems’ fleet management system different from the fleet management system I have from the manufacturer of my vehicles?

Traditional fleet management programs are designed to optimize only the maintenance aspect of vehicles.  Typical services include tracking of vehicle hour meters or calendar preventative maintenance, as well as repairs of damaged equipment.  With I.D. Systems’ industrial vehicle management systems, your vehicle maintenance is managed based on a more scientific needs analysis based on the actual vehicle use.  In addition, the system goes far beyond maintenance management and allows for total vehicle management of regulatory compliance, operator productivity and certification management, work flow optimization, fleet right-sizing, route planning, best-practice safety enforcement, and real-time location tracking.

To learn more about the benefits of our technology, visit Industry Solutions.

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If you still have questions, please contact us at: info@id-systems.com