T R U C K I N G
T E C H N O L O G Y
THE
DIGITAL
SHOP
Increasing complexity is
met with new technologies
and training techniques
T
he growing complexity of modern trucks is driving
changes at maintenance shops and for the workers who
have to navigate this increasingly digital world.
Technicians are turning to new tools and technologies
to overcome these challenges and reaping dividends
through predictive maintenance and less vehicle downtime.
“Electronics allow vehicles to have a better conversation
with technicians than ever before,” said Kristy LaPage, business
manager of the commercial vehicle group at Mitchell 1. “In the
transition from mechanical to electronic control systems, there
has also been a shift from technicians to diagnosticians. Vehicle electronics are the source of information that can become
actionable, so shop solutions are evolving with this change.”
“The digital shop is not only changing
inspection and maintenance practices,”
said Jeff Sweet, solutions engineer at
Decisiv, a provider of a service relationship management (SRM) platform.
“Advancements in sensors and monitoring continue to improve fault condition filtering and help prioritize work
based on fault severity.”
Also constantly under development are the tools technicians
40 FLEETOWNER / MARCH 2019
Photo: Decisiv
need to service advanced electronic systems.
“A solution that simultaneously diagnoses all components is
now essential as an intake tool,” stated Tim Bigwood, CEO at
Noregon Systems, a provider of JPRO commercial vehicle diagnostic and monitoring solutions. “And those tools have evolved
because while previously there were limited fault trees to consider based on symptoms, today’s vehicles are more complex,
so the aid of a diagnostic and repair solution is a necessity.”
The increase in electronics on vehicles is allowing for realtime access to the equipment’s operating conditions and
fault data, noted Renaldo Adler, industrial principal, asset
maintenance, at Trimble Transportation Enterprise.
“Fleets now have access to a vast amount of diagnostic
data needed to repair assets faster,” he
said. “Inspections can also be improved
with the use of electronic diagnostic
tools, which analyze the equipment’s
condition and any active faults, so
maintenance departments are able to
be proactive.”
REMOTE DIAGNOSTICS
Photo: Detroit
All of the original equipment manufacturers offer systems on their
VISIT FLEETOWNER.COM
new trucks that provide diagnostic data. these sensor-based
and telematics-driven solutions can improve maintenance effciency and vehicle uptime.
Kenworth dealers, for example, use diagnostic data from
trucktech+ remote Diagnostics.
“we have found it can cut the time a unit is in our shop by
30%,” said Josh Hayes, branch manager at norCal Kenworth –
san leandro. “we’ve also found that among trucks with trucktech+ remote Diagnostics, we’re seeing about a 15% reduction
in the number of trucks that must be towed because remote
diagnostics allow us to monitor fault codes and diagnose issues
to determine if a truck can be driven into the shop.”
sanjiv Khurana, general manager of digital vehicle solutions
at Daimler trucks north America, said with the Detroit “virtual
technician” system, maintenance managers get real-time alerts
and a plan for critical faults. when the truck arrives at the service location, the diagnostic information and fault history allow
the technician to get a jump-start on the repair process.
At Peterbilt, smartlinq remote diagnostics have been integrated with reasoning engine technology to enable more precise diagnostic information, fault code collection, and enhanced
analysis by linking cascading faults.
“
Advancements in sensors
and monitoring improve
fault condition fltering and
help prioritize work based
on fault severity.
—Jeff Sweet, Decisiv
”
volvo, Mack, and navistar also offer their own systems, aimed
at reducing downtime and allowing for over-the-air software
updates.
“with the increase in electronics on commercial vehicles,
fleets have a better understanding of vehicle health,” said
Brian Mulshine, director of customer experience for navistar’s
onCommand Connection.
in short, the value in all of these remote diagnostics systems
is that the vehicle is effectively reporting its own status to a
A solution that simultaneously diagnoses all components is
now essential as an intake tool for technicians. Photo: Noregon
Kenworth dealers have found that diagnostic data can cut
the time a unit is in the shop by 30%. Photo: Kenworth
For OEMs, part of the value of remote diagnostics systems
is that the vehicle is efectively reporting its own status.
The transition from mechanical to electronic control systems has led to a shif from technicians to diagnosticians.
Photo: Mack
Photo:Mitchell 1
visit fleetowner.com
march 2019 / fleetowner 41
T R U C K I N G
T E C H N O L O G Y
maintenance operation.
“The key for truck fleets is to apply electronics to
enable a proactive system that adds value and not
cost,” said Wally Stegall, technical fellow, director at
Morey Corp.
Robert Braswell, executive director of the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), noted that greater
vehicle complexity makes preventive maintenance
more of a challenge. “Until enough fleet data in the
field is gathered, it makes it more difficult to optimize
service and inspection schedules for new electronic
systems,” he explained. “But increasing complexity
can bring with it sensor-based maintenance strategies that can help with self-diagnostics.”
INCREASED TRAINING
With electronic diagnostic tools to analyze equipment condition and
active faults, inspections are improved and maintenance departments are proactive. Photo: TMW
All of this technology, on vehicles and in shops, has
also increased the need for technician training.
“We need more sophisticated technicians,” said Troy Jergens, vice president of maintenance at Western Flyer Express,
an Oklahoma City-based truckload carrier. “We’ve been training our technicians to diagnose faults and handle software
upgrades, and we’re hiring computer-savvy people who are
better able to take care of electronics systems.”
Jergens is also working to address electronics issues with the
TMC On-Board Vehicle Electronics Study Group.
“The increasing use of electronic systems on vehicles can be
overwhelming for technicians, especially because there are
multiple systems for each manufacturer so they have to be fluent in all diagnostic software,” he said.
Jack Werner, director of the automotive, heavy truck and CDL
division at Western Technical College, noted that in a survey of
180 fleets, “the most important skills identified for entry-level
technicians were for [preventative maintenance] and electronics.” He said the TMC Educator Committee is trying to connect
fleets with educators “so schools can change their curriculum to
develop technicians with the skill sets they need.”
The increase in electronics on vehicles allows for real time
access to diagnostic and fault data, reducing downtime for
repairs. Photo: TMW
42 FLEETOWNER / MARCH 2019
“The increase in electronic technology changes a fleet’s technician and training needs very quickly and is among the largest
challenges we face,” said Winston Minchew, maintenance training manager at Old Dominion Freight Line and head of the TMC
Professional Technician Development Committee.
Peter Savage Jr., director of fleet solutions at Clarke Power
Services, said electronics are impacting maintenance practices
for service providers as well.
“With every new technology, there is software and more sen-
“
The key for truck fleets is to
apply electronics to enable
a proactive system that
adds value and not cost.
—Wally Stegall, Morey Corp.
”
sors. Successful companies will be the ones that can keep their
technicians prepared and on the cutting edge,” he said.
As trucks change, dealers are investing in their facilities,
tooling, and training, noted Ray Grapsy, a dealer management
consultant with American Truck Dealers.
“To the extent that truck dealers can improve their strength
in these areas will be a key indicator of the industry’s ability to
fully support advanced vehicle electronics,” he said.
“Technicians and training are already a top issue, with or
without digital considerations,” Grapsy continued. “The advent
of the digital shop will require identifying aptitude and behaviors in existing and upcoming technicians that support the digital environment. Training considerations include programs for
comprehensive systems knowledge, in-depth use of computer
diagnostics and digital support systems, and perhaps something
just short of an electrical engineering degree.”
Part of the challenge of providing technicians with updated
training is the time that it takes.
VISIT FLEETOWNER.COM
T R U C K I N G
T E C H N O L O G Y
With the increase in electronics on commercial vehicles,
integrated systems enable more precise diagnostic information and enhanced analyses. Photo: Volvo
For OEMs, sensor-based and telematics-driven solutions
can improve the understanding of vehicle health and maintenance eficiency. Photo: Volvo
“The industry has used video- and computer-based training
and virtual reality to train technicians,” said Matt Johnston,
director of commercial experience for Design Interactive.
“Now, augmented reality (AR) brings the best of these training
solutions to the shop floor.”
Design Interactive’s Augmentor system allows suppliers to
send the most recent training programs to fleets so technicians
can access the content on the shop floor. Instead of being in
front of a computer or viewing a video, these systems allow the
technician to see exactly how an expert would have performed
a particular procedure.
With training for new electronics such a focus, certifying
that technicians have achieved the level of proficiency needed
is also a consideration. For that reason, Automotive Service
Excellence (ASE) is working with training curriculum developers
and schools, as well as trainers and manufacturers, to update its
certification exams, said Robert Cornwell, director of medium
and heavy vehicle test development.
“A large percentage of the new content has to do with electronic technology, including sensors and controls for diesel
engines and transmissions,” Cornwell said. “We’re updating
the tests as often as we can, but we also have to consider that
technicians taking these tests do not all get new training right
away. It’s difficult to test them too soon on new material if they
haven’t had the opportunity to work on those systems.”
Ruggedized wireless tablets provide access to service information, maintenance histories and bulletins, and real-time
links to diagnostic assistance teams. Photo: Penske
Voice-directed systems can instruct technicians verbally to
concentrate on failure points while a wireless infrastructure keeps them connected at all times. Photo: Penske
INSIDE THE SHOP
At Penske Truck Leasing, investments are being made so
shops can keep pace with the electronics on trucks,said Tony
Popple, senior director-maintenance vision.
“In 2012, we started using a voice-directed system for PMs
and finished rolling it out in 2017,” he said. “The system, which
uses Honeywell hardware and an in-house program, directs
technicians verbally to concentrate on failure points.”
(continued on page 46)
44 FLEETOWNER / MARCH 2019
VISIT FLEETOWNER.COM
Virtual
engine a
Visual hit
for techs,
students
By christopher Jossart,
manager of media relations,
fox Valley technical college
The first full-scale virtual reality diesel engine at FVTC in Wisconsin.
Photo: Fox Valley Technical College
fox valley technical College (fvtC) in Appleton, wi, is
tackling the trucking industry demand for new skilled diesel pros head on. without techs tending to a transportation sector that operates 24/7/365 in a thriving economy,
consumers would suffer the most.
Because of an innovative partnership with a local
employer, the college’s J. J. Keller transportation Center in
the Midwest is second to none. J. J. Keller’s commitment to
specialized training for the transportation industry is realized by fvtC naming its state-of-the-art center after the
company. it houses the college’s diesel, truck driving, collision repair/refnishing, and automotive training programs.
in 2014, more than 25,000 sq. ft. were added as part of a
successful public referendum to accommodate growing
demands from the industry.
the latest innovation to complement the facility is a
one-of-a-kind gem that fts Wisconsin’s rich manufacturing climate and also represents a frst in the nation: a virtual
reality diesel engine. students in fvtC’s diesel technology
programs can now troubleshoot an engine anywhere from
any angle while getting a closer look at its inner workings
like never before.
The “foating” engine that can exist in places ranging
from hallways to classrooms to kitchen tables responds to
voice commands and includes a number of advanced vantage points to optimize a training experience. for example,
the shell of the engine is removable by voice command,
so learners can gain a personal view of integral operating
parts like a crankshaft, pistons, valves, connecting rods,
and more.
thanks to the cutting-edge design work of tou Xiong
and Josh Janikowski on fvtC’s learning innovations team,
the engine is now part of the college’s diesel technology
program curriculum. Microsoft Hololens mixed reality
technology makes it possible to personalize the learning
visit fleetowner.com
experience for students and faculty together.
virtual visualization of the 6-cyl. Cummins isX model
engine gives instructors a better augmentation of classroom theory. students can now apply troubleshooting
skills in a visual learning capacity that serves as a bridge
between lecture and under-the-hood instruction. the
virtual engine puts a student inside the motor to live and
breathe its functionality. that level of detail is unprecedented in the industry.
the technology might just be the ticket to both make
a dent in the industry for more techs and rejuvenate the
feld’s brand.
fvtC Diesel tech instructor Jay Duca originated the
idea for the engine. He believes the technology will also get
people excited about choosing this feld as a career path.
Building career passion for the diesel tech sector
requires fresh thinking, too, to go along with such extraordinary technology. A local industry expert revealed that
85% of all diesel trucks with the latest technologies (which
include the latest in electronic advancements and GPs systems) operate beyond a million miles without experiencing
any breakdowns or major repairs if regularly maintained.
‘Prevention’ is another thing that’s hard to get excited
about in general, whether it relates to health care, garage
door maintenance, or engine care.
At the end of the day, however, no news is still good news.
we hear about disabled trucks when they cause accidents
or traffc jams, but nothing is discussed regarding safe, reliable deliveries the other 364 days a year.
the diesel technology students at fvtC can’t get enough
of this augmented reality technology. “it’s one thing to hear
about what goes on inside an engine, but another to take
it apart and then see everything in motion work together,”
said ethan schenkenberger, a student in the college’s diesel
program. “Everything is easier to understand.”
march 2019 / fleetowner 45
T R U C K I N G
T E C H N O L O G Y
With a control tower approach, connected vehicles can provide data
that’s actionable and usable in shops and by technicians. Photo: Ryder
As technologies shape how commercial vehicles are maintained, the speed at which data
can be communicated has advanced.
Photo: Transervice
For sensor-based maintenance strategies, new gateway
technology that provides reliable data communications at
a lower cost is needed as well. Photo: Ryder
has also significantly advanced.”
Being truly connected involves connected vehicles, connected shops and connected technicians, said Bill Dawson, vice
president of maintenance at Ryder.
“What it takes is a control tower approach,” he said. “Connected vehicles that send massive amounts of information from
hundreds of sensors only provide data that’s actionable and
usable in shops and by technicians if it can be more easily communicated. Networks win out in a truly connected world and that’s a
(continued from page 44)
Ruggedized wireless tablets are now in use by supervisors
and technicians, said Dave Kost, director of field systems at
Penske. “That way, they have all the information they need,”
he explained. “Additionally, our ServiceNet system is fully integrated so the maintenance history of vehicles, how-to videos
and service bulletins, and real-time links to on-call diagnostic
assistance teams are readily available.”
“The more electronics on vehicles, the more potential for
failures,” stated Joe Mlachak, Penske’s director of vehicle diagnostic applications. “That’s why we have a proprietary system
for all OEM and aftermarket electronic devices. We have also
improved the wireless infrastructure in our maintenance facilities so technicians can stay connected at all times.”
Gino Fontana, vice president of operations, Berkeley Division/Puerto Rico at Transervice, a full service leasing and contract maintenance provider, said while the overall structure
remains largely unchanged, electronic technologies continue to
play a role in shaping how commercial vehicles are maintained.
“You’ll find a lot more electronic tooling such as laptops,
diagnostic links, handhelds, and instrumentation designed to
interface with onboard technology,” he said. “These devices in
turn interface with maintenance and manufacturers’ systems
so there is an instantaneous connection,” Fontana added. “The
speed at which data can be communicated in this environment
46 FLEETOWNER / MARCH 2019
The increase in electronic technology changes technician and
training needs quickly, and is among the largest challenges
fleets and service providers face. Photo: Old Dominion Freight
powerful incentive for continued [research and development].”
To keep pace, a TMC task force led by Alan Lesesky, president
and CEO of Innovative Global Systems and president of Vehicle
Enhancement Systems, is looking into new gateway technology
for trucks that streamlines maintenance data and communications at a lower cost and with higher reliability. Those can also
include 5G communications, which will increase connectivity
with vehicles tenfold, and enable the use of more sensors that
are connected in real time, he said.
VISIT FLEETOWNER.COM