Asset management system utilizing a mobile application
An asset management system, comprising: a remote storage device coupled to a controller collectively configured to selectively retain an asset and selectively release the asset to an authorized user; and a mobile device configured to execute a mobile application in communication with one or more of the remote storage device and the coupled controller via one or more networks, wherein the mobile application is operable for directing operation of the one or more of the remote storage device and the coupled controller. The mobile device comprises a QR scanner operable for scanning a QR code and subsequently authorizing the authorized user. The mobile device also comprises a barcode scanner operable for scanning a barcode associated with the asset or a related asset.
1. An asset management system, comprising:
a remote storage device coupled to a controller collectively configured to selectively retain an asset and selectively release the asset to an authorized user, wherein the remote storage device is configured to physically retain the asset among a plurality of like assets, wherein the asset is one of a physical key and a physical key fob for a vehicle; and
a mobile device configured to execute a mobile application in communication with the controller via one or more networks, wherein the mobile application is operable for directing operation of the controller and the remote storage device;
wherein the mobile application is operable for indicating the presence or absence of the asset and the plurality of like assets in or from the remote storage device to the authorized user;
wherein the asset is one or more of the physical key and the physical key fob for the vehicle and the mobile application is operable for displaying status and attributes of the vehicle associated with the asset and not physically retained in the remote storage device to the authorized user via the mobile device, wherein the release of the asset to the authorized user is dependent upon the status and attributes of the vehicle; and
wherein the mobile application is operable for messaging the authorized user through the mobile device to inform the authorized user that another authorized user has requested access to the asset from the remote storage device via another mobile device while the authorized user possesses the asset.
2. The asset management system of claim 1 , wherein the mobile application is operable for directing the remote storage device to release the asset to the authorized user.
3. The asset management system of claim 1 , wherein the mobile application is operable for allowing the authorized user to reserve release of the asset to the authorized user at a future time.
4. The asset management system of claim 1 , wherein the mobile application is operable for informing the authorized user of an identity of another authorized user that has already removed the asset from the remote storage device.
5. The asset management system of claim 1 , wherein the mobile device comprises a QR scanner operable for scanning a QR code and subsequently authorizing the authorized user.
6. The asset management system of claim 1 , wherein the mobile device comprises a barcode scanner operable for scanning a barcode associated with the asset or a related asset.
7. An asset management method, comprising:
providing a remote storage device coupled to a controller collectively configured to selectively retain an asset and selectively release the asset to an authorized user, wherein the remote storage device is configured to physically retain the asset among a plurality of like assets, wherein the asset is one of a physical key and a physical key fob for a vehicle; and
providing a mobile device configured to execute a mobile application in communication with the controller via one or more networks, wherein the mobile application is operable for directing operation of the controller and the remote storage device;
wherein the mobile application is operable for indicating the presence or absence of the asset and the plurality of like assets in or from the remote storage device to the authorized user
wherein the asset is one or more of the physical key and the physical key fob for the vehicle and the mobile application is operable for displaying status and attributes of the vehicle associated with the asset and not physically retained in the remote storage device to the authorized user via the mobile device, wherein the release of the asset to the authorized user is dependent upon the status and attributes of the vehicle; and
wherein the mobile application is operable for messaging the authorized user through the mobile device to inform the authorized user that another authorized user has requested access to the asset from the remote storage device via another mobile device while the authorized user possesses the asset.
8. The asset management method of claim 7 , wherein the mobile application is operable for directing the remote storage device to release the asset to the authorized user.
9. The asset management method of claim 7 , wherein the mobile application is operable for allowing the authorized user to reserve release of the asset to the authorized user at a future time.
10. The asset management method of claim 7 , wherein the mobile application is operable for informing the authorized user of an identity of another authorized user that has already removed the asset from the remote storage device.
11. The asset management method of claim 7 , wherein the mobile device comprises a QR scanner operable for scanning a QR code and subsequently authorizing the authorized user.
12. The asset management method of claim 7 , wherein the mobile device comprises a barcode scanner operable for scanning a barcode associated with the asset or a related asset.