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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1. Do we have to have a black-box mounted in our equipment to use the FleetEdge service?
2. How secure is my information in the FleetEdge data base?
3. Which is better, satellite or cellular service for a black-box?
4. How many of my people can use the FleetEdge service at the same time?
5. How do you get our cost data?
6. If I need location information on my machines, that means GPS. Do I then have to have a satellite box?

1. Do we have to have a black-box mounted in our equipment to use the FleetEdge service?

   No, we can extract utilization data from your system just as we do with your cost accounting data. But, remember, the accuracy and timeliness will only be as good as your current way of data input. There will be some machines in some applications where the investment in a box and the associated on-going air time will not be worth it. Generally, machines that stay in a fixed location and the utilization information flows accurately and regularly to your existing system may not warrant a box. Also, if you're confident in your operators ability to remedy an "alert" situation, such as an overheating engine or sudden loss of oil pressure, the "alert" feature of the black box is irrelevant. FleetEdge works with you to help determine if a black box has enough value for each machine; some will, some won't.

2. How secure is my information in the FleetEdge data base?

We obviously keep your data completely separate and secure from anyone else's. Your information will never be shared without your written permission. FleetEdge does offer an optional "benchmarking" service to you included in the regular fee, but you must agree to allow us to aggregate your results in with like machines in like applications. Again, your individual information is never revealed.

3. Which is better, satellite or cellular service for a black-box?

There are pros & cons with each. FleetEdge can analyze your fleet make-up and most importantly, the wireless service available in your geographies, to mix and match the most cost effective combination. Generally, a cellular enabled box is less expensive than a satellite enabled box (sometimes 65% cheaper). The trade-off is coverage. In a developed area, cellular may work fine. In more remote regions, satellite may have to be the way to go. A simple test is, if your cell phone works (any type - analog, digital, etc.) or receives a signal in all your locations, then a cellular box will work there as well.

4. How many of my people can use the FleetEdge service at the same time?

Because FleetEdge's reports and daily interface are completely "web-enabled", there is no limit as to how many of your people can see the information. Everything is simply a user name and a password. You set both. We help control both. All you need is an Internet connection and the your assigned authority to access the fleet information. This also eliminates all "software upgrades". All the software improvements we continually make automatically appear the next time you log-on. Information can be shared across any groups you decide.

5. How do you get our cost data?

We use your own accounting system. No matter what accounting software you are running, we are able to create a simple export routine to extract the specific pieces of data we need. Most integrated cost accounting systems can track costs to a machine. For example, when a part is purchased for a repair, you receive an invoice from that vendor. That cost is then entered into your system by your accounts payable staff. The charge is then assigned to that machine within your accounting system. FleetEdge simply uses a report writer (either your system's built-in report writer or a generic one we provide) to create an "electronic" file. That file is then sent to us automatically via the Internet after you close your books for the month. FleetEdge experts know specifically what data to export and how to handle it.

6. If I need location information on my machines, that means GPS. Do I then have to have a satellite box?

No, not necessarily. GPS refers to global position satellite. This is a group of satellites launched originally by the military to aid their navigation. It is now available commercially. These GPS satellites "bathe" the planet with extremely accurate time signals. The GPS receivers (in a black box, for instance) receive these signals from several satellites simultaneously and can then determine their precise position through triangulation. The term "satellite black-box" refers to the method of communication the box uses to transmit its data from the machine to our computers, not receiving the GPS signals. Therefore, you can have a "cellular black-box" that is capable of telling you location. It simply has a GPS receiver and then uses cellular technology to transmit its data to our computers.

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