Why fleets should digitize their maintenance management system

As if today’s more sophisticated trucks weren’t reason enough to move to a computerized maintenance management system, the fact that fleets are operating assets outside their normal trade cycles makes an even stronger case for digitalization.

Reasons fleets should use digitized maintenance systems

• Saves time: Because computerized systems tie all aspects of the maintenance process together, they eliminate the need for having to enter data more than once, thus saving time and ensuring accuracy. Also, there are no reams of paper to track down, everything can be accessed from a laptop and in some cases a smartphone.
• Provides real-time access to repair status: Fleets know on a real-time basis exactly how the repair is progressing. They can see when the initial diagnosis occurred, the parts needed, the repair status, etc. They can also respond quickly when authorization is needed for additional repairs. Having repair information in real-time gives the fleet a better understanding of when the asset will be back in service, allowing them to make decisions about getting the load delivered.
• Standardizes repair description: Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Standards (VMRS) often is a part of a computerized maintenance system. VMRS is a universal communication language that helps the fleet and the service provider know exactly what the problem is, what caused it, and how it was corrected. This information is valuable in helping understand exactly what is going wrong with the trucks in the fleet. Is a certain brand not performing well? Is there a need to retrain a specific technician? Is the behavior of certain drivers causing extra wear and tear on the truck?
• Consolidates data in one place: The entire maintenance and repair history of an asset is housed in the computerized system. This makes it easy to spot recurring problems and spot wear or failure trends. It allows the fleet to make decisions about proactively replacing a part at certain mileage intervals rather than risking an on-road breakdown.

Today’s sophisticated trucks call for a sophisticated approach to maintenance. Computerized systems will keep your trucks on the road and your deliveries on schedule.

Gino Fontana, CTP, is COO and EVP at Transervice Logistics Inc. Prior to this, he was VP of operations at Berkeley Division and Puerto Rico. He has more than 35 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry with both operational and sales experience.