Frequently Asked Questions
How it Works
How can I use IRONwatch to locate my equipment?
IRONwatch is a no monthly fee device that remains dormant to provide limited data transfer over the cellular network. Once you have activated your device, you’ll receive location reports approximately every 8 hours. You can review your last 50 reports at any time on your NER account.
If you need to locate your asset before your next report, ‘PING’ your machine online to request for an off-interval report.
How do I assign my device to a specific machine?
NER will insert your machine’s unique information into your account. Enter the NER database and assign the appropriate equipment details (make, model, serial number) to its designated IRONwatch device. If you need help, an NER analyst can walk you through these steps.
What cellular networks does IRONwatch work with?
AT&T and Sprint.
What steps does NER take to locate my stolen machinery?
NER is a data resource conduit; we do not physically locate stolen machines. We provide free assistance to law enforcement and their support agents through access to our data, support from our expert equipment analysts, and management of the IRONwatch portal for stolen equipment.
Costs & Insurance
How much does IRONwatch cost?
[List price for the XT-4570, and XT-4760 is $398. List price for the XT-4860 is $498]
Does IRONwatch come with specific insurance incentives?
When you purchase an IRONwatch device, we enter your equipment details on our HELPtech database. This makes you eligible for the same insurance incentives available to all HELPtech users.
Logistics
What happens if IRONwatch disconnects from its power source?
You’ll receive a warning email if your power source disconnects. If you aren’t in possession of your machine when this occurs, contact NER immediately.
All IRONwatch devices are equipped with back up batteries that allow them to function while disconnected for a period of time—sometimes several weeks. Notify immediately NER to maximize your back up battery’s usage.
What do I do if my equipment has not been reported in 24-48 hours?
If your equipment has not reported a location in over eight hours, don’t panic. There could be an issue with your power source; your machine could be outside the range of your cellular network; or your tracking device might not have a clear signal.
To determine the issue, make sure that your device lights are on. If not, you probably have a faulty connection to your power source or provider. When your device is connected, you’ll see a steadily flashing green light, and a blue light flickering every two to three seconds.
Does my IRONwatch device allow for custom features?
Yes. Please contact an NER analyst at <a href=”mailto:info@ner.net”>info@ner.net</a> to learn about battery optimization and other custom options.
Where should I install my IRONwatch device?
Install your device in a covert location with constant access to a power source and a clear signal. Contact us directly for more detailed suggestions. However, we prefer not to get too specific with location suggestions—we don’t want to give potential thieves any ideas.
Can I switch my IRONwatch device to another machine?
Yes. During the life of you contract, you can switch the IRONwatch device from one machine to another as many times as you’d like. If you do so, you must associate the tracking device to the correct piece of equipment inside the NER database. This way, in the event of theft, NER can provide law enforcement with the most up-to-date information.
Is IRONwatch made specifically for construction equipment?
IRONwatch devices are ruggedized for use in harsh construction environments. They can also be applied to other vehicle classes, such as agriculture machines, trailers, cars, trucks, utility or golf carts, lawn mowers, and static powerless assets like job boxes, towers, or storage sheds.
Registration
How do I set up my HELPtech account?
Log in to NER on the upper right hand corner of the home page. Follow the link to register. Provide your email (your user ID), unique business or personal details, and contact information.
How do I register my equipment on HELPtech?
After you’ve created your account, provide us with your business or personal details, as well as the make, model, year, and PIN for each piece of equipment in your fleet. You can choose to provide information such as your owner applied numbers (OAN), machine color, and serial numbers for valuable components or attachments on your machines.
If you’d like us to register your equipment for you, complete and send this template to info@ner.net.
What is a “PIN”?
“PIN” stands for Product Identification Number. It identifies an off-road machine, and can vary in format between manufacturers. It can’t be decoded by standard auto VIN edits on police or insurance systems.
At NER, we often use the term “PIN” to refer to the equipment’s identification number, whether that’s a Product Identification Number, serial number, Tractor ID number, etc.
Can I pay for HELPtech registration online?
Yes, you can pay for your registration through PayPal or our shopping cart with your credit card.
Can I use the PIN number on my invoice, or do I have to get it directly from my machine?
Provide the equipment details that appear directly on your machine’s plate. Often, the information recorded on your invoice is incomplete.
Which equipment should I register on HELPtech?
Our annual theft report can give you some insight on what kind of machinery thieves tend to target. Generally, we advise you to register any machinery from single axel compressors or generators to larger rolling stock like backhoes and wheel loaders.
Can I change my registered fleet schedule?
Yes, you can add or remove any equipment from your fleet at any time during your annual membership. To do so, locate your item in the equipment tab and check the corresponding box on the left. Click on the red ‘X’ on the right of the screen to confirm you’ve deleted your item.
Does my equipment have to meet a minimum value to register with HELPtech?
No. As long as your machinery has a unique serial number or PIN, you can register.
Can I register off-road mobile equipment like golf carts, ATVs, or mowers?
Yes. If your mobile off-road equipment has a serial number or PIN, you can register it on HELPtech. Any self-powered equipment found on or around a construction site, farm, or timber operation can benefit from being registered on HELPtech.
Where should I place my HELPtech decals?
Place your HELPtech decals in an easily visible spot on your machine, such as near its PIN plate or driver’s seat. Seeing your decal will cause thieves to pause and consider their increased likelihood of being discovered by the police before stealing your machine.
Account Help
How do I reset my HELPtech password?
If your account has not been locked, log on to our website and locate the User Details tab. Enter your new password twice, and then hit save.
If your account has locked out, we’ll reset your password for you. Contact an NER analyst at 866-663-7872 or send an email request to info@ner.net.
How do I correct a mistake in a record or serial number?
We can fix any errors on your record or serial number for you. Call an NER analyst directly at 866-663-7872 or email info@ner.net with both numbers.
Insurance
How do I qualify for the HELPtech registration discount?
If you’re insured by one of our member companies or brokers, you’re eligible to receive a 20% discount when you register for HELPtech. Your insurance company determines any additional incentives, such as deductible waivers or premium discounts.
How can I tell my insurance company that I’m registered with HELPtech?
We won’t share your information with your insurance company unless you specifically ask us to do so. If your equipment is stolen and you file a claim, be sure to notify your claims representative that the equipment is registered with us, and you therefore qualify for the associated incentive. They will contact us directly to confirm your registration.
What insurance discounts am I eligible for with a HELPtech registration?
That’s up to your insurer. This list details insurance companies and brokers that offer incentives to HELPtech users. Check with your individual carrier to determine which incentives you qualify for.
The most commonly offered incentive is a theft deductible waiver of up to $10,000.
Can I register my equipment if I’m self-insured?
Yes—and we encourage you to do so! Lack of data is one of the greatest barriers to equipment recovery. Registering on HELPtech is the best way to protect your equipment.
Do all NER member insurance companies offer additional incentives for HELPtech registration?
No. Dozens of insurance companies participate in and support NER’s initiative without offering additional incentives. Ask your insurance broker or company directly about incentives they may offer.
How it Works
How does NER’s relationship with law enforcement help identify and recover stolen equipment?
NER’s HELPtech database enables law enforcement to verify the location of your equipment prior to theft through our extensive equipment record database and high working knowledge of equipment serial numbers.
What steps should I take if my equipment is stolen?
In the event of a theft, notify your local law enforcement agency as soon as possible to report the stolen item. (You can cancel the police report if it’s later determined an error.)
Then report the loss to NER. Use the “Report a Theft” link on our website, or call us at 866-663-7872. Your equipment does not have to be registered with us in order to report a theft. You can report a theft to us before law enforcement issues a report number. If no police report has been filed or a civil filing is being processed, report your equipment as “missing”.
Who can access my HELPtech account information?
Once you register your equipment, law enforcement, their investigative agents, and NER analysts can immediately access its information.
NER will not share your account information with your insurer without your authorization. If you wish to receive insurance deductibles and premiums you can opt to share your details with your insurer.
Refer to our privacy document for further details.
Is my specific account information used in industry reports?
No, NER only uses aggregate information in industry reports.
What information is on my IRONcheck report?
With an IRONcheck report, you gain access to over 20 million heavy equipment theft and ownership records. These can be used to establish PIN accuracy and history. Your report will identify any inaccuracies found by our analysts, as well as an insurance claim history search for each machine you review. This includes: damage history, prior theft recovery, and any other known claim that compromises the equipment’s safety or integrity.
You’ll also receive support from trained NER analysts with over 90 years of combined experience in construction and agriculture. They’re experts at spotting inconsistencies in PIN plates and model numbers, and performing detailed visual inspections.
How soon will I receive my report?
You’ll receive you IRONcheck report within 24 business hours of your request.
How much does an IRONcheck search cost?
An individual IRONcheck search is $79.95, or contact our analysts for information on subscriptions or bulk discounts.
What happens if my equipment was previously stolen?
In the event that we confirm your equipment was stolen, NER asks that you cooperate in our efforts to restore the designated equipment to its rightful owner.
Does my IRONcheck report come with a guarantee?
No. NER cannot accept responsibility for, and makes no representation or warranty to an IRONcheck buyer or any other person with respect to any loss, claim, damage or expense arising from or in relation to: the failure to “match” Equipment with Equipment on the Register; the accuracy of any report recorded on the Register; Equipment not listed on the Register; failure of recovery for an equipment owner listed on the Register; failure of the owner’s agent or insurer or law enforcement to notify NER of the recovery.
Is there a cost to submit a theft report?
No, there is no cost to you to submit a theft report
If my equipment is recovered by police, and the information in the NER was used by police is there a cost to me?
No, there is no cost to you to submit a report, nor will you be charged a “recover fee”, if the equipment is recovered and returned to you.
Do I need a police report number to submit a theft report?
A police report number is required for this report to be considered a “theft”; otherwise, the item will be considered “missing.”