Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for maintaining security and data gathering for a number of vehicles. The systems include a vehicle activity module for each of the vehicles. The vehicle activity module has a wireless transmitter, a storage device, at least one sensor for receiving event information from identification devices, such as RFID cards, keypads, magnetic ID cards, and the like, a releasable key container, and a processor for accessing and analyzing information. The VAMs are wirelessly connected to a computer system. The VAMs control access to the keys, monitor information relating to access, and store and transmit information relating to sales events, non-sales events, and intrusion events. The VAMs are capable of autonomous operation, without the need to access the computer system to verify event information. The VAMs further include signal attenuating mechanisms to facilitate use of “smart keys.

Abstract: A system (10) is disclosed for maintaining security and data gathering for a number of vehicles. The system (10) includes a vehicle activity module (12) for each of the vehicles (2), the vehicle activity module (12) including a wireless transmitter (18), at least one ID reader (50), and activity sensors (50,62,70), and a central computer (22) having a database (24) for data storage, the central computer (22) being in wireless communication with each of the vehicle activity modules (12). The system (10) also includes key ID tags (74), which are attached to vehicle keys (16), and personal ID cards (60) which are issued to sales, maintenance and service personnel. Information is read from personal ID cards (60) and key ID tags (74) by the activity sensors (50,62,70) and is transmitted to the central computer (22) for authorization of access and recording of access activity, and for storage and analysis.