| Guest Editorial By Kristy LaPage, Business Manager, Commercial Vehicle Group, Mitchell 1 The impact of technology on truck repair effi ciency How online repair programs are assisting technicians According to the 2016 Fleet Maintenance Readership Survey, top concerns of fl eets include: • Keeping fl eets operating with minimal downtime. • Training technicians on increasingly complex vehicles. • Gaining access to vehicle repair information. Th e fi rst concern is no surprise. Ever since there have been fl eets of commercial vehicles, keeping them running has been a top priority in order to stay profi table. But the other major concerns identifi ed in the survey are relatively new developments. It wasn’t that long ago that the go-to source for truck repair information was a printed manual, and it was probably brand specifi c. Technicians most likely thumbed through a large library of books onsite to fi nd information. If a fl eet had multiple nameplates, they probably spent a lot of time on the phone or searching websites for repair information they were missing. From Print to the Web Times have certainly changed. Today, that system would not work because complex technology changes are coming faster than ever and many fl eets have multiple nameplates. Fleets need to maximize uptime with newer technicians taking over from veteran wrench turners. Now, online repair programs from multiple sources are continuously updated and deliver the latest information at the click of a mouse, making it faster and easier for technicians to fi nd the information they need to repair advanced vehicles. Th is not only helps increase effi ciency and productivity by speeding up diagnostics and repairs, but also reduces the likelihood of do-overs and the downtime associated with a breakdown. Beginning on the automotive side of the repair industry, Mitchell 1 was at the forefront of this evolution to computer-based diagnostic and repair soft ware. Th e industry-standard Mitchell Manuals transitioned from printed books to CDs and DVDs, and then to the Internet in 2002 with Mitchell 1’s fi rst web-based resource, OnDemand5.com. In 2006, Mitchell 1 adapted its automotive technology platform for the commercial vehicle industry and introduced Tractor-Trailer.net, one of the aft ermarket’s fi rst online resources for heavy truck repair information. Truck technicians could work more effi ciently with access to repair data for multiple brands and confi gurations of Class 7 to 8 vehicles in a single application. In the ensuing 10 years, the soft ware has continued to progress, right along with vehicle complexity. As an example, TruckSeries is the latest version of the Mitchell 1 truck soft ware, combining labor estimating, diagnostic trouble WEB-BASED REPAIR INFORMATION helps get trucks back on the road quickly. code procedures and repair information for all makes of medium and heavy duty trucks, all on one consolidated online platform. A New Generation of Technicians In addition to the latest repair information, fl eets also need technicians who are computer savvy and able to learn the new technologies quickly. In fact, the technician shortage is one of the most oft encited challenges in the trucking segment today. Th e good news is that the next generation of technicians has been brought up with technology. Th ey are completely comfortable using computers and Internet-based products and applications. For them, the shortage of technicians is an opportunity not only to apply their technical skills in a career as a truck technician, but also to take a leadership role in the industry. Programs like the TMCSuperTech, TMC’s National Technician Skills Competition, help encourage truck technicians to embrace the new technologies. Mitchell 1 runs the service information skills station each year at the TMCSuperTech, testing their ability to use its web-based soft ware programs to diagnose and fi x vehicles properly. As more truck technicians become familiar with online service information, the impact on operational effi ciency will be felt in many ways. One oft en-overlooked benefi t is how the soft ware can be used to help shops assign technicians and equipment more effi ciently. Before the work is started, the technician can pull the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) on a scan tool and then, using either Mitchell 1’s allmakes soft ware or brand-specifi c programs available from OEMs, can see the repair procedures associated with the diagnosis. Th is information makes it easy to determine the skill set, tools and/ or equipment required and schedule resources accordingly – or send out any jobs the shop is not equipped to undertake. Uptime While online service information is clearly important to fl eets, it is also essential to outside vendors that take in maintenance and repair work on commercial vehicles – whether that’s a dealer or an independent shop. For these operations, completing the work correctly the fi rst time, and in a timely manner, is critical to retaining business and staying profi table. Every segment of the commercial trucking industry is dealing with increasingly complex vehicles and the need to stay current with technology. Web-based repair information is just one of many solutions that can help them get trucks back on the road quickly when those advanced vehicles break down or need maintenance. Kristy LaPage is the business manager of Mitchell 1’s Commercial Vehicle Group. Mitchell 1 (www.mitchell1.com) is a provider of quality repair information and shop management solutions to the automotive and trucking industries. Online service information enables vehicle maintenance and repair technicians to complete their work correctly the fi rst time, and in a timely manner. In addition to increasing effi ciency and productivity by speeding up diagnostics and repairs, this also reduces the likelihood of do-overs and the downtime associated with a breakdown. Photo courtesy of DTNA 54 FLEET MAINTENANCE ❚ OCTOBER 2016 ❚ VehicleServicePros.com
FleetMaintenance_October_2016
To see the actual publication please follow the link above