Abstract: A method for operating a machine and/or a component of the machine includes collecting machine data from the machine and/or machine component over a communications network. The machine data includes data reflecting at least one operational parameter associated with the machine and/or machine component. The method also includes determining that the machine and/or machine component is in an abnormal condition based on the collected machine data, and derating the machine and/or machine component based on determining that the machine and/or machine component is in the abnormal condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a machine. In one implementation, a system for monitoring the machine includes a monitoring server in communication with a machine. The monitoring server receives data from the machine, estimates, based on the received data, an operating condition of the machine, and estimates a depreciation value of the machine based on the operating condition.

Abstract: A method for locating a machine includes collecting machine data from a first machine over a communications network. The machine data for the first machine includes data reflecting at least one operational parameter associated with the first machine. The method also includes determining that the first machine is missing based on the collected machine data and receiving, from the first machine, over the communications network, a location message including location data reflecting a geographic location of the first machine. The method further includes sending a notification message to a first entity including data reflecting a status of the first machine and the location data, and sending a command to the first machine to control at least one operation of the first machine based on determining that the first machine is missing.

Abstract: A method for identifying a machine and/or machine component includes storing an algorithm for generating a machine signature value associated with the machine and/or machine component. The method also includes receiving a first set of machine data from the machine and/or machine component. The machine data reflects at least one operational characteristic of the machine and/or machine component. The method also includes generating, using the algorithm, a first machine signature value based on the first set of machine data, storing the first machine signature value, and accessing the stored first machine signature value to verify the identity of the machine and/or machine component.

Abstract: A method for operating a machine and/or a component of the machine includes collecting machine data from the machine and/or machine component over a communications network. The machine data includes data reflecting at least one operational parameter associated with the machine and/or machine component. The method also includes determining that the machine and/or machine component is in an abnormal condition based on the collected machine data, and derating the machine and/or machine component based on determining that the machine and/or machine component is in the abnormal condition.

Abstract: A system for repossessing a machine may include a transmitter configured to transmit a signal to the machine. The system may also include a receiver configured to receive a signal from the machine. The system may further include a controller in communication with the receiver and the transmitter. The controller may be configured to determine a location of the machine based on the signal received by the receiver, and to negotiate a repossession service rate from a repossession agent based on at least information associated with the machine or an ability to take an action with respect to the machine.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying machine attachments. In one implementation, a system is provided for identifying attachments connected to a machine. The system includes a server in communication with the machine over a network. Further, the server receives data from the machine identifying an attachment connected to the machine and determines whether the attachment was included in a lease for the machine.

Abstract: A method for assessing taxes for a machine includes collecting machine data from a machine configured to send the machine data to a remote location and determining a first geographic location of the machine based on the machine data. The method also includes determining a first tax due for the machine based on the first geographic location and a first set of tax rules associated with the first geographic location. Before the first tax is due, an analysis may be performed to evaluate whether the first tax can be reduced by moving the machine to a different tax jurisdiction. Based on the results of the analysis, a determination regarding whether to move the machine to the different tax jurisdiction may be made. Information reflecting the determination whether to move the machine to the different geographic location may be provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a machine. In one implementation, a system for monitoring the machine includes a monitoring server in communication with a machine. The monitoring server receives data from the machine, estimates, based on the received data, an operating condition of the machine, and estimates a depreciation value of the machine based on the operating condition.

Abstract: A data communication system for a component of a machine includes a control module configured to monitor at least one type of machine data associated with the machine component configured to be mounted on the machine. The data communication system also includes a processor device configured to receive and process the machine data from the control module, and a transceiver device configured to communicate with the processor device and at least one off-board system. The processor device, the transceiver device, and the control module are formed integral with the machine component such that the data communication system communicates the machine data to the at least one off-board system when the machine component is not mounted on the machine.

Abstract: A method for identifying a machine and/or machine component includes storing an algorithm for generating a machine signature value associated with the machine and/or machine component. The method also includes receiving a first set of machine data from the machine and/or machine component. The machine data reflects at least one operational characteristic of the machine and/or machine component. The method also includes generating, using the algorithm, a first machine signature value based on the first set of machine data, storing the first machine signature value, and accessing the stored first machine signature value to verify the identity of the machine and/or machine component.

Abstract: A method for locating a machine includes collecting machine data from a first machine over a communications network. The machine data for the first machine includes data reflecting at least one operational parameter associated with the first machine. The method also includes determining that the first machine is missing based on the collected machine data and receiving, from the first machine, over the communications network, a location message including location data reflecting a geographic location of the first machine. The method further includes sending a notification message to a first entity including data reflecting a status of the first machine and the location data, and sending a command to the first machine to control at least one operation of the first machine based on determining that the first machine is missing.