Asset management system utilizing a mobile application

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.

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 application configured to be executed on a mobile device and 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 application, 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 providing a message to the authorized user 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.

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 application configured to be executed on a mobile device and 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 application, 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 providing a message to the authorized user 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.