According to the 2016 Fleet Maintenance Readership Survey, top concerns of fleets include:
- Keeping fleets operating with minimal downtime.
- Training technicians on increasingly complex vehicles.
- Gaining access to vehicle repair information.
The first concern is no surprise. Ever since there have been fleets of commercial vehicles, keeping them running has been a top priority in order to stay profitable. But the other major concerns identified 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 specific. Technicians most likely thumbed through a large library of books onsite to find information. If a fleet 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 fleets 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 find the information they need to repair advanced vehicles. This not only helps increase efficiency 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 software. The industry-standard Mitchell Manuals transitioned from printed books to CDs and DVDs, and then to the Internet in 2002 with Mitchell 1’s first 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 aftermarket’s first online resources for heavy truck repair information. Truck technicians could work more efficiently with access to repair data for multiple brands and configurations of Class 7 to 8 vehicles in a single application.
In the ensuing 10 years, the software has continued to progress, right along with vehicle complexity. As an example, TruckSeries is the latest version of the Mitchell 1 truck software, combining labor estimating, diagnostic trouble 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, fleets 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 often-cited challenges in the trucking segment today.
The good news is that the next generation of technicians has been brought up with technology. They 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 software programs to diagnose and fix vehicles properly.
As more truck technicians become familiar with online service information, the impact on operational efficiency will be felt in many ways. One often-overlooked benefit is how the software can be used to help shops assign technicians and equipment more efficiently.
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 all-makes software or brand-specific programs available from OEMs, can see the repair procedures associated with the diagnosis. This 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 fleets, 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 first time, and in a timely manner, is critical to retaining business and staying profitable.
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.
