Partner Guide and FAQ

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Introduction

The Geotab and Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services (MBCON) Integrated Solution seamlessly transmits key vehicle data points and relevant fleet indicators from Mercedes-Benz vehicles to MyGeotab, Geotab’s open and expandable fleet management platform. This document contains all the essential information that you, the Partner, need to use the Geotab and Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services Integrated Solution.

Which vehicles are eligible for this solution?

The Geotab and Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services Integrated Solution is available for the vehicles in the following table.

Region

Only European Mercedes-Benz vehicles are eligible for this solution. For more details, please refer to the list of countries where this solution is available to order.

Getting Started

Before you can use the solution, you must obtain a valid VIN, register the devices in MyAdmin, and add the devices to the MyGeotab database. To get started, follow the steps outlined in the following sections.

Step 1 — Validate VINs

To validate vehicles using the MyAdmin Vehicle/VIN Lookup page:

If the OEM is providing an API to check the eligibility of their vehicles, the result will appear immediately.

If one or more VINs require a manual check, a pop-up will prompt you to begin the process by clicking Request OEM eligibility check. You will automatically receive a confirmation email, and once we have the results from the OEM, you will receive them per email. For ease of reference, the VIN eligibility results can be downloaded in a file.

After confirming which vehicles are supported and activated, proceed to the Register third-party devices on MyAdmin section to order the solution with your MyAdmin account.

! IMPORTANT: Geotab may reach out to you to provide the Customer’s proof of ownership* of the vehicles which are activated as part of this solution. This is required to fulfill audit requirements from Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services.

* One of the following documents is acceptable as proof of ownership:

1. Picture of a vehicle ownership document, including the VIN
2. Full screenshot of the leasing and fleet management system, including the VIN

✱ NOTE: Geotab could ask the partner for this document as a part of Geotab’s responsibility towards the OEM to responsibly activate vehicles.

A valid telematics device serial number is required to use the Geotab and Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services Integrated Solution with MyGeotab. Geotab has established a process on MyAdmin that allows Partners to register third-party devices and obtain a valid serial number.

To register third-party devices, follow these steps:

1	Log in to MyAdmin.
2	From the main menu, navigate to Devices > Device Admin.
3	Select Register Third-Party Devices.
4	On the Register Third-Party Devices popup window, enter the required information in the Account and Number of Devices fields (for example, the number of vehicles you want to register).
5	Enter the following code in the Product Code field: 10228.
6	From the Subscription Plan dropdown menu, select the appropriate plan. For more information on subscription plans, please refer to Data Set.
7	Select Submit to download a CSV file with allocated serial numbers (starting with “JJ”)

The MyAdmin order process is complete. After you receive third-party serial numbers, complete the next step in MyGeotab to start using the solution.

Step 3 — Add device(s) in MyGeotab

! IMPORTANT: You must provide the VIN when adding device(s) to MyGeotab.

Adding a single device

To add a single device to your MyGeotab database, follow these steps:

1	​Log in to MyGeotab.
2	From the main menu, select Vehicles & Assets.
3	On the Vehicles & Assets page, select Add a new asset.
4	On the Add a New Asset page, enter the Asset name (such as [Make][Model][Year] or the driver’s name), the serial number that you received from Geotab in the Serial number field, and select an Asset type group.
5	Select Save new asset.
6	On the Asset Edit page, enter the Vehicle ID number (VIN), then select Save.
7	Once complete, turn on the vehicle ignition to complete the process.

Adding multiple devices

To add multiple devices to your MyGeotab database, follow these steps:

! IMPORTANT: Only add the device to a single database, and provide VINs you are authorized to view.

✱ NOTE: It may take up to 24 hours for the vehicle data to become available in MyGeotab after you add the devices to the database.

Using the Solution

To learn more about the built-in reports, rules and exceptions, refer to the MyGeotab Product Guide. For more information on subscription plans, please refer to Data Set - Geotab and Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services Integrated Solution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Billing

Will I be billed by Geotab or MBCON?

While the solution uses the Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services (MBCON) embedded telematics device, you will be billed by Geotab.

How do I choose a Rate Plan for the device?

Use the Subscription Plan dropdown menu to select a Rate Plan when registering third-party devices on the Device Admin page in MyAdmin. For more information on subscription plans, refer to the Data Set document. To view pricing options, navigate to Billing > Rate Plans in MyAdmin.

When does billing begin?

Billing begins when the device is added to MyGeotab and starts receiving data from MBCON. The solution will be billed at the end of every month (prorated).

Managing MBCON devices

How do I identify MBCON devices in MyAdmin?

View MBCON devices in MyAdmin under Devices > Device Admin > Look up Devices.

All MBCON device serial numbers start with “JJ”.

Can I use the “Replace with new device” function in MyGeotab?

GO devices can be replaced by OEM devices by using the Replace with new device option in MyGeotab. The Replace with new device option can only be used when moving from a GO device to an OEM device, it cannot be used to replace an OEM or third party device with a new OEM device.

! IMPORTANT: To update an OEM or third party serial number, the older OEM device must be terminated in MyAdmin, and unplugged in MyGeotab using the Unplug device > Keep Active option. Once unplugged, the new OEM serial number can be added on the asset page using Add device > Save new asset option.

How do I terminate an MBCON device?

MBCON devices can be terminated in MyAdmin by following the standard device termination process.

1. Identify your devices under Devices > Device Admin > Look up Devices.
2. Select the devices to terminate and select Change Plan.
3. Select Terminate Mode. The devices will be terminated on MyAdmin.

✱ NOTE: After this step is complete, we recommend that you remove or archive the devices from MyGeotab as well.

What happens if I terminate an MBCON device in MyAdmin?

Billing stops as soon as a device is terminated. To complete the termination process, remove the device from the MyGeotab database or make it historic using the Archive Asset feature.

I terminated the MBCON device, can I use the solution again for the same vehicle?

Terminated OEM serial numbers cannot be used again. To reactivate a device, repeat the steps in the Register third-party devices in MyAdmin and Add device(s) in MyGeotab section to register and add a new device.

Can I change the MBCON Device Plan or VIN after it has been registered?

The Device Plan for the same VIN can be changed under the Device Admin menu on MyAdmin.

For new VINs, repeat the steps in the Register third-party devices in MyAdmin and Add device(s) in My Geotab section to register and add a new device.

Does standard Geotab Warranty or RMA Policy apply to MBCON devices?

The Geotab Warranty and RMA Policy do not apply to MBCON devices. The hardware on the MBCON devices belongs to Mercedes-Benz, so the Mercedes-Benz policy for hardware warranty and repairs will be applicable.

Where is the solution available to order?

This solution is available for Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the following countries:

Getting help

I cannot see device data on MyGeotab. What are some initial troubleshooting steps I can perform?

As a Geotab Partner, follow these preliminary steps: