802.11. A family of specifications for wireless area networking (WAN) developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The 802.11b standard is also known as “Wi-Fi” (wireless fidelity).

A

Application programming interface (API). The specific method prescribed by a computer operating system or by an application program by which a programmer writing an application program can make requests of the operating system or another application.

Application service provider (ASP). A company that offers access over the Internet to applications and related services that would otherwise have to be located on a business' own personal or enterprise computers.  

Automatic vehicle locator (AVL). A device that uses GPS to enable remote tracking of a vehicle's location over the Internet.

C

Controller area network (CAN). A serial bus network of microcontrollers that connects devices, sensors and actuators in a system or sub-system for real-time control applications .

Customer relationship management (CRM). A combination of methodologies, software, and often Web-based services that help an enterprise manage customer relationships in an organized way.

D

Diagnostic trouble code (DTC). A code, issued by a vehicle's ECU, which identifies a particular problem occurring in the engine.

Diagnostics. The investigation or analysis of the cause or nature of a condition, situation, or problem, such as vehicle diagnostics, which address engines.

E

Engine control unit (ECU). The main onboard computer, now manufactured into vehicles, that controls emissions and engine operation and makes various engine diagnostics and data available to other devices.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP). A broad set of activities supported by software that helps a business manage important functions such as product planning, parts purchasing, maintaining inventories, interacting with suppliers, providing customer service, and tracking orders.

Environmental protection agency (EPA). A United States federal agency, of which the Office of Mobile Sources branch is concerned with auto emissions.

G

Global positioning system (GPS). A "constellation" of 24 satellites that orbit the Earth and make it possible for people with ground receivers to pinpoint their geographic location. The GPS is owned and operated by the U.S. Department of Defense but is available for general use around the world.

H

Hotspot/ wireless hotspot. A corporate-owned area – indoors or outdoors – in which wireless Internet access can be gained by individuals with wireless devices that use the 802.11x protocol.

I

ISO-9141. International Standards Organization OBDII communication mode, used by Chrysler and most foreign cars. It is one of three hardware layers defined by OBDII.

K

Keyword protocol 2000 (KWP2000). An OBDII communication standard used by some import cars. It is one of five hardware layers defined by OBDII.

M

Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). The "Check Engine Light" on a vehicle's dash which warns of a problem with the engine.

O

On-board diagnostics (OBD). A system of vehicle component and condition monitors controlled by a central, onboard computer designed and programmed, among other things, to signal the driver when conditions exist which could lead to (or which have already produced) a component or system failure.

OBD2 or OBDII (on-board diagnostic port). The updated On-Board Diagnostics standard that is effective in cars sold in the US after 01-01-96.

P

Predictive service/maintenance. Refers to the ability to use vehicle data to anticipate and prevent pending vehicle problems. See also prognostics .

Prognostics. Literally, the ability to predict or foretell a future event. In the context of vehicle management, prognostics is still being defined, but generally refers to using vehicle data to predict likely future faults, to predict the remaining useful life of a product, or to predict continuous vehicle life-cycle variables.

Pulse width modulation (PWM). An OBDII communication standard used by Ford domestic cars and light trucks. It is one of three hardware layers defined by OBDII.

S

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). A professional organization that set the standards that the EPA adopted for OBD and OBDII.

Scan Tool. A computer based read-out device that displays OBDII parameters collected from a vehicle.

T

Telematics. Originally used to describe the combining of computers and wireless telecommunications technologies to improve business functions with data. More recently, the term has evolved to refer to automobile systems that combine global positioning satellite (GPS) tracking and other wireless communications for automatic roadside assistance and remote diagnostics.

V

Variable pulse width modulation (VPWM). OBDII communication standard used by GM cars and light trucks. It is one of three hardware layers defined by OBDII.

Vehicle control module (VCM). The on-board computer that oversees engine management, transmission operation, anti-lock brakes and other functions not directly related to emissions control.

Vehicle identification number (VIN). A unique number assigned to each vehicle manufactured world wide.

Vehicle interface unit (VIU). A hardware device designed to connect to and collect data from a vehicle's OBDII port.

Vehicle relationship management (VRM). Taken from customer relationship management (CRM), this is the ability to manage vehicles through all stages of their life cycles, including vehicle market planning, vehicle sales and distribution management, vehicle financials, and after-sales management.

W

Web services. Refers to business services and applications that are made available from a provider's Web server to others via the Internet. Providers of Web services are generally known as application service providers.