A Basic Guide for Users of the Caterpillar Machine Security System (MSS){7631} Caterpillar

Caterpillar Products:Equipped with the Machine Security System (MSS) All

Introduction

Users of Caterpillar machines are accustomed to the convenience of one key that will start any machine. Caterpillar developed the Machine Security System (MSS) in response to the need of many users to better control access to their machines.

The purpose of this guide is to provide some recommendations for the setup and the management of the Machine Security System (MSS).

1. A simple overview of the system and an explanation of the system functions.

2. Recommendations on practices to effectively set up and use the system.

   1. For customers machines

   2. For machines in a rental fleet.

3. Recommendations on managing keys

Detailed information is available in the operation and service literature for the Machine Security System. The following is a list of literature available for the Machine Security System:

• Service Manual, RENR2462, "Machine Security System (MSS)"

• Special Instruction, REHS1239, "Setup of the Machine Security System"

The Caterpillar Machine Security System (MSS)

Operation of the MSS:

• Uses special keys with electronic chips

• Insert the key into the keyswitch and turn the key to the ON position.

• The onboard system reads the key.

• If the key is stored in the onboard system, the system disarms and the machine is allowed to start.

There are four components of the Machine Security System. A simplified explanation of the function of each component is listed below:

MSS keys - An electronic chip is imbedded in the head of these keys. Each chip contains a unique identification number. Therefore, no two keys have the same identification number. These keys are available in two colors: yellow and gray. The two colors are offered only for identification purposes.

Exciter Coil - This is an antenna that is contained in a plastic ring, usually located around the machine's keyswitch. The antenna reads the identification number on the MSS key.

MSS Electronic Control Module - This module receives the key identification from the antenna and compares the identity to the list of authorized keys stored in the module. If the key in the keyswitch is on that list, the module allows the machine to be started.

Note: The MSS will remain disarmed for 30 seconds after an authorized key has been switched from the ON position to OFF position.

Status Indicator - This is a bi-colored LED status light that is located near the keyswitch. This LED will illuminate green if the key in the keyswitch is authorized to start the machine. The LED will illuminate red if the key is not authorized to start the machine.

Important Concepts to Understand:

1. The MSS key only contains an electronic chip with a unique identification number. Nothing can be programmed on the key. All programming is done to the MSS electronic control module.

2. If a MSS key is lost the key cannot be replaced with an identical key. A new key that has a unique identification number must be programmed into the MSS electronic control module.

3. There is no "master key" that fits all machines. A dealer may program keys into all machines serviced, in effect creating "master keys" for those machines.

4. The MSS keys have the same key cut as the standard Caterpillar keys and will fit all Caterpillar machines.

Programming of the MSS is done using the Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET). Either dealer or customer versions of the Cat ET can be used.

Additional Information Which Can Be Programmed into the MSS Electronic Control Module

The MSS electronic control module can be programmed to include additional information related to each MSS key as well as some information on the system in general.

Description - The name of a user for each MSS key can be entered.

Expiration - A date and time after which a key will no longer permit the machine to start. (Refer to the ""Using the Programmable Key Expiration Feature" " for additional information.)

Bypass Schedule - times at which the system will automatically disarm and allow any Caterpillar key to start the machine and times at which the system will rearm and MSS keys are required. (Refer to the ""Using the Programmable Disarm/Rearm Periods (Bypass Schedule)" " section for additional information.)

Access Level - Keys must be given one of two access levels.

1. Standard Access Level

   Keys programmed for this level of access permit operation of the machine.

2. Master Access Level

   Keys programmed for this level of access permit operation of the machine and also allow the user to add new MSS keys, delete keys already in the system and/or modify the settings of MSS keys already programmed into MSS electronic control module of that machine.

Note: Caterpillar offers the two key colors in order to allow using one color for keys with Standard Access Level and the other color for keys with Master Access Level. Suggestion: Use gray keys for the Standard Access Level and yellow keys for a Master Access Level.

Identifying Keys: There is no way to visually distinguish between MSS keys of the same color. The key cut is the same. Caterpillar offers a 219-6314 Tag . The tag is made of a soft metal so it can be scribed with identification or a label can be attached.

Setting Up the Machine Security System at a Dealership

The objective should be to provide the dealer and the user(s), whether customer or dealer personnel, with the system set up properly and with keys to maintain the security while minimizing the inconvenience of the system. Keep in mind that lost or stolen keys pose not only a threat but also an expense.

If all MSS keys with Master Access Level for a specific machine are lost the dealer must use the Caterpillar Factory Password System (FPS) to obtain a password to access MSS on that machine. There is a charge for this.

Note: Machines are shipped from the factory programmed with two MSS keys. These keys are shipped with the machine. The keys are programmed with Master Access Level for that machine. The system has been disarmed.

Note: MSS kits for dealer installation are shipped with two MSS keys programmed into the MSS module. These keys are programmed with Master Access Level. The MSS module is shipped in the armed state.

Setting up the system and managing MSS keys is better understood if the difference between Standard Access Level and Master Access Level is kept in mind. Master Access Level gives that user the additional ability to program the system. If the user does not need to do this, a key with Standard Access Level is adequate.

1. The first step is to ensure that a key with Master Access Level is kept in a secure location. If machine history folders are kept, place one of the keys that came with the machine or kit in the machine history folder for that machine. An alternative is to set up a key file that includes one key from each machine with MSS. This key is the backup in the case a key is lost. Remember: if there is no key with Master Access Level available for a machine, it is necessary to obtain a factory password to program the system for that machine.

2. The recommended approach is to develop three lists of users of MSS keys. These lists can then be programmed onto each machine with MSS. The Key Management Software program is available to do this effectively. (Refer to the ""Managing MSS Electronic Keys: Using the Key Management Software Program" " section for additional information) The three user groups are listed below:

   Group 1 - A core group that require keys with the Master Access Level.

   Group 2 - Dealership personnel that require keys with Standard Access Level for normal servicing of the machine.

   Group 3 - Customer personnel

3. Group 1 - Core Group: Each person of this group would have a key with Master Access Level for all machines in the dealer's territory. This reduces the risk that unauthorized keys are added or changes made to MSS on a machine. A suggested list of Master Access Level key holders at the dealership might be:

   1. Service Manager

   2. Technical Communicator

   3. Shop Supervisor

   4. Field Service Supervisor

   5. Field Service Technicians: Whether to include these in the core group depends on how independently they function from dealer branches.

      Note: Repeat the above for each branch so that if a machine is moved to the area of another branch, MSS can be serviced there.

4. Group 2 - Dealer personnel that require keys for normal servicing of machines: Unless these personnel will be programming the MSS system on a machine they will need only keys with Standard Access Level. Consider making keys with Master Access Level available on a check-out basis for this group when these personnel need to program the system. It may be appropriate to provide a key with Standard Access Level to your truck driver(s) or to your hauler if they will pick up machines with MSS.

5. Group 3 - Customer: the keys provided to a customer depend on how the customer arranges for MSS to be used. If the customer has the customer version of ET and will program MSS, the customer will need key(s) with Master Access Level. And the recommendations to the customer on keys should be the same as above for a dealer. Customer operators will need keys with only Standard Access Level. The number of keys required by the customer can be minimized if they set up the automatic disarm/rearm feature. During the normal work shift, any Caterpillar key could be used to start the machine. MSS keys would only be required in the off-shift hours. The customer should be provided at least one key with Master Access Level regardless.

6. If a MSS key is lost or stolen, all machines programmed with that key should be updated to remove that key.

7. Maintain a complete list of the keys assigned to each machine. This can be done most effectively with the MSS Key Management Program, a separate software program available from Caterpillar that will be discussed later in this guide.

   Note: If the customer has the Customer version of Cat ET and programs the system, there is no way to ensure that the keys programmed for dealer personnel are maintained on the system. Advise the customer that the dealer keys are programmed on the machine in order to provide the service that the customer would expect and that changes may affect this.

8. Stock a number of MSS keys in parts to provide rapid response should a customer need replacement key(s) or want additional keys.

Setting Up Rental Machines

The following applies to short term rentals and/or Rental Services. For long term rentals and leases, set up the system as recommended for customers in ""Setting Up the Machine Security System at a Dealership" ".

1. Set up the system as recommended in ""Setting Up the Machine Security System at a Dealership" ", excluding the recommendations on customers.

2. Program the keys that are to be used by customers for Standard Access Level.

3. Program each machine so the keys that are to be used by customers are unique to each machine. That way, if a customer "loses" a key, the lost key cannot be used on any other machine.

4. Always maintain a number of keys programmed on each machine.

5. Program these keys with different expiration dates and times. See section ""Using The Programmable Expiration Feature" " for additional information.

6. Offer customers the feature of Programmable Disarm/Rearm Periods (See section ""Using the Programmable Disarm/Rearm Periods (Bypass Schedule)" " for additional information). This permits the customer to use the regular Caterpillar key during the normal workday and prevents use of the machine in the off-hours.

7. Require a deposit on the MSS key(s). These are more costly than the regular Caterpillar keys.

8. If a MSS key is lost or stolen, all machines programmed with that key should be updated to remove that key.

Using the Programmable Disarm/Rearm Periods (Bypass Schedule)

The system can be set up to automatically disarm and then the system rearms at times of the day the user selects. The times can be set independently for each day of the week. The advantage of the feature is that it permits the standard Caterpillar key to be used during the period when the system is disarmed. This minimizes the number of MSS keys required.

An example of how to use this feature would be to set the system up so it is disarmed during the normal work day and rearmed at the end of the normal workday. Suggestion: set the system to disarm early enough to allow daily maintenance that might be scheduled before start of shift or to allow start-up of the machines before start of shift. Likewise, allow enough time after the end of the scheduled work time for maintenance, if scheduled then, or to allow for the occasional run over of work. Do not set the disarm/rearm times so close to the normal work period as to cause a problem.

Note: If the machine is operating at the rearm time, the machine will continue to operate until the keyswitch has been turned to the OFF position and 30 seconds has expired. After that a MSS key programmed for that machine is required.

An advantage of the above, especially with rental machines is that it prevents unauthorized persons from using the machine and increasing the cost to the renter. For the customer, it minimizes the management of the keys.

Note: MSS will automatically adjust for the change to and from Daylight Savings time using the US standard. If your particular location does not support this standard, time changes may be accomplished using service tool (Cat ET).

Using the Programmable Key Expiration Feature

The MSS can be programmed so that any given MSS key has an expiration date and time. After the expiration date and time has occurred, the user will no longer be able to use that key to start the machine. Note: If the machine is operating and the expiration date and time occur, the machine will continue to operate until the keyswitch has been turned to the OFF position and 30 seconds has expired. This can be used as a rental management tool. The key provided to the renter can be programmed for the period of the rental or perhaps to a date that allows some grace period.

Suggestion: set up rental machines with a number of keys with expiration dates at weekly intervals. If the customer wants to continue renting the machine longer than the original date, he can be provided with a new key already programmed for the later date and time.

Suggestion: always keep a number of keys already programmed on the rental machine for various expiration dates and times. If the renter should lose the key given at the time of rental, another key can be provided quickly.

Note: MSS keys are significantly more costly that the standard Caterpillar key. An appropriate key deposit may reduce the number of key losses.

Managing MSS keys: Using the MSS Key Management Software Program

To assist in managing the MSS keys, Caterpillar developed the MSS Key Management Software program. This is a PC based, user-friendly software program. The user enters the information of MSS keys into the program. The user can then create and maintain lists of these MSS keys, as well as the additional information associated with each key. This is done off-board, reducing the time required at the machine. Each list is a file that can then be uploaded onto machines using the service tool ET.

You can use the recommendations from the ""Setting Up the Machine Security System at a Dealership" " section to illustrate the uses of this software program. The recommendation was to create three groups of users: A core group of dealer personnel that should have Master Access Level, the group of dealer personnel that should have Standard Access Level and the customer group Use the MSS Key Management System to create these three groups.

1. Dealer-Master Keys

2. Dealer-Standard Keys

3. Customer-Name (or account number, etc.). Create a separate group for each customer.

Within MSS Key Management Software program each of these groups becomes a file. These files are then programmed onto the customer's machine(s) using ET.

Recommendation: keep an inventory of spare MSS keys. Create a file of "New Keys" in the program. If you need to replace a lost or stolen key, take the key from this file. Add that key to the appropriate dealer or customer group and use ET to program onto the machine(s).

Rental Machines: One approach to using MSS Key Management Software program for rental machines is to create a group for each rental machine. An option would be to set the expiration date of each key at a different date.

A MSS Key Reader is available with the MSS Key Management Software program. This is a handheld device that reads the MSS key identification number and enters this number directly into the program. The alternative is to "read" the key ID using ET with the MSS key inserted into the keyswitch of a machine.

More detailed information on the software program and the key reader is contained in the manual with the program.