I write control software for low-volume off-highway machinery, and I have never seen sensor serial numbers used in this manner. Calibration yes, serial numbers

I write control software for low-volume off-highway machinery, and I have never seen sensor serial numbers used in this manner. Calibration yes, serial numbers no. And lack of calibration just puts things off a bit, but doesn't prevent operation. I suppose if they use CAN communications for their sensors instead of analog then a sensor might need the address set up and possibly the calibration values loaded, but off-the-shelf replacement parts are usually factory-set to the correct address & internal calibration. And I can see how the manufacturer could disable the machine until certain latched fault codes are cleared by a factory tech. I would love to see an analysis of modern machine downtime versus equivalent machines from 10 and 20 years ago. Just imagine if the likes of JD puts all tractor operating parameters in a cloud system, and requires not just Internet access but a login to operate the machine. Not unlike a certain startup from a couple years ago that sold hardware (was it home security?) that required constant cloud access to operate. I have friends with skid-steers who beg me to replace the keyless electronic start & monitoring console with a simple electro-mechanical key and analog gauges.