Abstract: A vehicle asset monitoring system comprising a plurality of vehicle assets for lifting and carrying loads and a remote monitoring station for monitoring the vehicle assets. The vehicle assets each comprise a motive unit for generating a motive force to move the vehicle asset and a lift unit for generating a force to lift a load. A measurement interface is provided in each vehicle asset that is adapted to obtain a plurality of operational parameters including operational parameters representing a load lifted by the vehicle asset and another operational parameter related to usage of the vehicle asset. The remote monitoring station comprises a processor for analysing the operational parameters, and for initiating an action based on the analysis.

Abstract: An authorization control device for selectively enabling operation of a vehicle on which it is installed is described. The device employs vehicle identity logic for storing or reading a vehicle identifier for the vehicle on which the authorization control device is installed.

Abstract: A maintenance control system monitors maintenance requirements in a plurality of vehicles to enable a processor to determine a maintenance requirement of a first asset and to select a maintenance action for a second asset based on the maintenance requirement of the first asset.

Abstract: A communication system for a materials handing facility obtains operational data from the CANBUS of a vehicle and selectively stores or transmits data based on the availability of a communications link.

Abstract: A vehicle power controller and a control method are described. The vehicle power controller is arranged to receive a remote command to set an inactivity time interval and to shut down a component of a vehicle, such as an engine, if it is inactive for the time interval.

Abstract: A positioning system determines location information based on reading one or more of a set of machine readable markers positioned about a facility, for example using a proximity reader. A memory stores an association between each machine readable marker and location information so that the system can determine location information without needing triangulation or GPS.