In fact, asset-management systems using satellites and the Internet are available now to do all these things and more, and they currently are monitoring thousands of pieces of construction equipment, as well as other kinds of fixed assets.
Sensors monitor engine operating hours, operating temperatures and other functions.
The communicator can be programmed to transmit an alert when recommended maintenance procedures are due, and to send an alarm if the equipment breaks down. The subscriber communicator also sends signals that target the physical location of the machine and can transmit an alarm if the machine moves outside a defined geographic area. Equipment owners access secure information via the Internet with a Web browser or office application software. The system can provide periodic reports presented in a variety of formats, and the equipment owner can query a machine at any time for real-time status and location updates. The limited range of cellular signals makes such systems impractical for most large equipment operations.