| Cover Story telematics selection to fl eets, waiting for them to realize the value on their own. As the importance of data increases, OEMs are beginning to see the value in off ering telematics as standard, or at the very least including embedded hardware in the vehicles. With this comes expanded capabilities. Th ese include industry benchmarking and OEM specifi c data points, such as diesel exhaust fl uid monitoring and manual regeneration monitoring, which contribute to vehicle maintenance. With so much data available, the challenge facing fl eets is what should they be looking at and how do they leverage hundreds of data points. Th is is where having a consistent user experience and understanding a fl eets’ objectives play a role. Seeing this as a concern, OEMs standardizing their solutions allows easy execution of fl eet goals. DTCS As an extension of telematics, the industry is seeing an increase in remote diagnostics, which is included in the INSIGHT platform. Remote diagnostics means monitoring any diagnostics trouble codes (DTCs) on the vehicle and alerting the fl eet to the severity and suggested action for the truck. Historically, DTCs have not been shared with fl eets, but doing so is opening transparency between the OEM and fl eets. Providing actionable data such as this allows prevention of catastrophic failures and improves uptime for fl eets. Knowing that an engine light is a low priority and the driver can continue the route for the day saves time and stress. Also knowing that a fault could begin to de-rate the engine allows the driver to get to safety. Th e OEM goal is to keep trucks on the road and maximize the vehicle’s uptime. CONNECTED DEALERS Th e connected vehicle can expand beyond just monitoring vehicle health and driver behavior. With OEMs standardizing the connected vehicle, it off ers the opportunity for a connected dealer. INSIGHT Case Management, for example, is a program that completes the circle between telematics and remote diagnostics, providing clear communication and transparency between all parties, creating the ultimate ownership experience. When a fault code is triggered by remote diagnostics, a case is opened with the INSIGHT Diagnostic Center. Th en, the case can be sent to the dealer – along with the diagnostic data, parts lists and repair operations – before the truck has even arrived at the dealership, allowing for proper preparation of service. Also, quick actions and easy communication tracking allows all records to be in one location for the fl eet. With all of this technology, now, not only are fl eets able to monitor driver behavior and vehicle health, but also their service experience. OVER-THE-AIR Growth in acceptance of telematics, remote diagnostics and case management, allows future functionality to be built over the next few years. A recent major enhancement is over-the-air engine reprogramming. While some OEMs have made announcements regarding their over-the-air intention, it is not practiced or available to the majority of fl eets at this time. Similar to how one might receive streaming updates on their phone, customers can update the computer module(s) within the truck. Th is is an enhancement that has a real impact on how fl eets operate. Unlike phones, updates to trucks are far and few between, but the opportunity for fl eets to complete updates in house has a huge impact on uptime. Currently in its infancy in the industry, but fl eets will see more headlines and fi rst-hand experience over the next fi ve years regarding over-the-air updates. Th inking of connected vehicles, it’s easy to get swept up in the prospects of autonomous features and self-driving trucks. While exciting, don’t overlook all of the connected vehicle basics now available to improve fl eet effi ciency and contribute to a well-maintained vehicle. Telematics, remote diagnostics and case management are an expanding base that off er value for fl eets now. “Smart” tires are helping with maintenance effi ciencies By Charles R Timmerman Director, Service Services & Solutions Marketing Michelin Americas Truck Tires – a division of Michelin North America (www.michelin-us.com) – designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy duty trucks and motorcycles. The trends in maintenance technology emerging and maturing over the next five years will be focused on actionable information, such as the “smart tire” and vehicle maintenance efficiencies. Currently, most existing technology revolves around real-time alerts for reactivity to vehicle events, such as low tire pressure, hot brakes, fault codes, recalls and scheduled preventative maintenance. It is clear that tire manufacturers, as well as telematics providers and new entrants to the market, are beginning the process of leveraging existing and forthcoming data sets for analytics and business intelligence. Fleets are also interested in collecting tire pressure, temperature and tread depth/wear for trend analysis and possibly some elementary predictive analytics. Some Fleet Asset Management Systems have tire modules included which provide basic features for tracking tire lifecycle data, but true analytics requires systems that are far more robust. Michelin has one such initiative as part of its digitalization effort to deliver predictive and prescriptive solutions for fl eets. RFID TAGS Michelin is beginning to leverage RFID tags in every tire to enable complete tire lifecycle monitoring and reporting for the fl eets. The tags will be embedded in commercial truck tires and can be applied to the sidewall of any tire in the aftermarket. Also, QR codes can be applied to the vehicle for accurate identifi cation. Air pressure, tread depth and inspection data are collected by a handheld device and entered into the database against the RFID. An internal management system tracks the mileage, tire position and lifecycle events from which reporting and analysis may be performed. While the technology has been around for decades, miniaturization will increase capabilities for storing additional information within the tag. RFID readers will continue to improve their reading distance and the ability to distinguish between multiple tags. We anticipate that the future will see fl eet customers enjoying benefi ts such as the ability to track the complete lifecycle of each tire they purchase from Michelin. We will also be able to provide savings to the customer by pinpointing and even predicting when a tire needs to be retreaded or replaced. Timmerman The evolution of RFID tags is enabling tire companies to do complete tire lifecycle monitoring and reporting for fl eets. Photo courtesy of Michelin. 14 FLEET MAINTENANCE ❚ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 ❚ VehicleServicePros.com
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