Welcome! Join me, Lori Leavitt Evans, as I and others share with you what is working and what is not in the world of Machine Communication.

Let’s start with a quick glossary of terms, as used in this blog:

M2M refers to Machine To Machine. We will try not to over use this acronym because those searching also for M2M are looking for mobile-to-mobile (ringtones) and a musical group. We prefer to write the words Machine Communication, because that is what we are about.

Machine refers to any fixed or mobile asset with intelligence on board or accessible (e.g., GPS satellite data) that can be captured and sent via the cellular network to another machine, usually a server.

Machine Communication refers to messages from one machine to another, and often back again (2-way communication). In most cases, a machine will communicate from its controller and sensors to a server.

2-way Communication refers to the ability for one machine, usually a server, to instantly respond to a message from the machine which is a fixed or mobile asset. 2-way communication provides significant advantages in remote management and security.

Machine Control refers to an ability to send messages, in the form of a command, from a server that changes some function or attribute of that machine. An example would be to shut down operations.

Machine Intelligence refers to transforming the data, in the form of messages, from machines into useful information for executives, owners, operators and service professionals.

Cashless Systems include any payment systems that allow a machine, such as a vending machine, to accept payment in a form other than coins or bills. In the larger spectrum this includes prepaid cards, like phone cards, reusable RFID smart cards and credit or debit cards. This blog focuses on Prepaid and RFID cards as they are user-friendly and offer a low total cost of ownership.

This short list should get us started! Again, welcome.