Maximizing productivity and vehicle uptime is critical in the transportation industry, especially since vehicle downtime is not an option as the industry grows towards $30 billion in value by 2030.
Labor gaps have created a greater need to use technological solutions to maximize the skill set of technicians and create more efficient workflows. At the same time, diagnostics and maintenance are more complex as commercial vehicles become software integrated.
In an industry where productivity and vehicle uptime is critical, technicians need hardware that will not falter in harsh conditions. Rugged mobile solutions that combine computing power with field reliability allow technicians to stay connected with fleet managers in any environment, leaving no breaks in communication and no wasted time.
Maximizing productivity with computing power
Every fleet manager and repair worker needs to be prepared for each job, which starts with having the right information and tools to access that information. For instance, access to information ensures technicians can be proactive with their repairs, arrive prepared to the site, and have what they need to get the job done effectively. With the right computing tools, technicians can view background and vehicle information to ensure they have the necessary parts before arriving at a site, or if they’re a fleet manager, they can use this information to ensure that they dispatch an appropriate team member as required.
But technicians also need to have access to this data on-site, so that they can utilize real-time diagnostic information at the point of service. Real-time diagnostics allow technicians to proactively and correctly diagnose problems before they compound, so fleet managers and repair teams can stay ahead of any issues and prevent lengthy vehicle downtime.
Finally, this kind of data can also be leveraged after the technician leaves the site. Strong computing solutions can allow techs access to IoT and telematics tools, all of which provide enhanced visibility to a vehicle’s health. With this accessibility, shops can establish predictive maintenance programs, which Deloitte found increases productivity by 25% and reduces breakdowns by 70%. This accurate reporting data also gives context to past repairs, so different technicians can assist with any issues on the same machine.
Read more: Technology helps mobile maintenance speed ahead
Optimize scheduling and communication between teams
But reliable computing solutions don’t just provide technicians and fleets with data about the vehicles they work on. Mobile solutions are also vital to preventing breaks in communication between fleet managers and repair workers. They can complete reporting faster and more accurately on site and give fleet managers greater visibility into information that can support scheduling and other workflow optimizations. Not only does this save individual workers time, but it allows teams to run more effectively.
Further, mobile digital solutions help technicians work with each other. Amidst labor shortages, these devices keep technicians connected, whether at job sites or at an office. This allows them to share updates, ask questions, and keep project statuses updated in real time. Whether they’re in the field or the shop, digital solutions empower technicians to correctly diagnose issues anywhere, minimizing delays.
Preparing digital tools for the road
Leveraging these various capabilities for mobile repair work, whether for technician data access or communication, often requires harnessing computing power from the most remote and rural locations that present weather or environmental challenges. Unfortunately, consumer-grade computing devices are not equipped to provide this level of accessibility and reliability.
However, rugged solutions feature durability-focused designs that ensure these software tools run uninterrupted in any environment. Rugged tablets are engineered to better disperse heat, are dust and dirt resistant, and even have hot-swappable batteries for locations that lack the power to charge critical computing tools.
As vehicles become more complex and more is demanded of workers and teams, fleet repair teams must equip technicians with powerful online solutions to boost efficiency and maximize vehicle uptime. Rugged mobile solutions persist through tough conditions and stay connected in hard-to-reach places, serving as a reliable productivity tool for today’s diagnostics and repair worker.
