Abstract: In a method for managing a vehicle fleet using operational and maintenance data, wherein the improvement comprises the steps of also using financial, environmental, and industry data.

Abstract: A user is provided with a portable performance support device that allows the user to be connected with all relevant information required for a task; determines the relevance and priority of a task; assesses an event or condition and provides knowledge to the user by collecting information from actions taken, learning from said actions and making knowledge gained therefrom available to the user.

Abstract: For fleet maintenance a point of performance pre-operations condition capture system includes the use of RFID tags and associated sensors positioned at various vehicle locations to sense operating conditions at the vehicle, with the pre-operations condition provided by a scanner that scans the RFID tags for ascertaining the identity of a sensor and the sensed operational state, such that pre-operations condition can be ascertained and verified due to the RFID tag scanning.

Abstract: A method for managing a commercial process comprising the steps of capturing and understanding current as-is processes; comparing before and after performance; developing a transition strategy; evaluating performance using flow charts; redesigning using creative thinking; obtaining real-time data about the process; performing predictive performance actions based on remaining useful life; and performing aggregation, analysis and information fusion to enable process and users to optimize the commercial process.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of vending machines communicating wirelessly with a centralized consolidation unit. The consolidation unit communicates via a pre-established communications network, such as a wired or wireless telephone network with a data collection center. A method of polling a vending machine having a wireless transceiver includes sending a first wireless signal to the wireless transceiver of the vending machine, the first signal soliciting a status response from the vending machine, and receiving a second wireless signal from the transceiver of the vending machine, the second signal including the status response which includes information pertaining to a status of the vending machine. The status information may pertain to an inventory level, money deposits, maintenance status or security status of the vending machine.

Abstract: The invention is a system for detecting and reporting the presence and/or weight of inventory items. The system includes a storage unit having a surface for storing inventory items, one or more sensors positioned on the surface, and a reporting unit for receiving and transmitting the first signal. The sensors may detect and send one or more signals to the reporting unit indicative of the presence and/or weight of inventor items on the surface. The reporting unit then transmits this signal to a controller which uses the presence and/or weight data to determine the presence of items on the surface, the weight of items on the surface and/or the pattern of items on the surface. By knowing presence, weight, and/or pattern of items, the controller is better able to determine the identity and quantity of items in the storage unit.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for monitoring inventory in an inventory control framework. In accordance with one embodiment, information relating to a load supported by a storage unit may be input into the storage unit. The storage unit may have a weight sensor for sensing the weight of the load supported by the storage unit. Information may then be obtained from the storage unit about the load supported by the storage unit as well as information identifying the storage unit. Inventory information relating to the load my be updated based on the information obtained from the storage unit.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of vending machines communicating wirelessly with a centralized consolidation unit. The consolidation unit communicates via a pre-established communications network, such as a wired or wireless telephone network with a data collection center. A method of polling a vending machine having a wireless transceiver includes sending a first wireless signal to the wireless transceiver of the vending machine, the first signal soliciting a status response from the vending machine, and receiving a second wireless signal from the transceiver of the vending machine, the second signal including the status response which includes information pertaining to a status of the vending machine. The status information may pertain to an inventory level, money deposits, maintenance status or security status of the vending machine.