In July, test equipment and diagnostics solution provider Innova Electronics acquired Aftermarket Telematics Technologies, which added a suite of telematics solutions to Innova’s product portfolio.
What are the key features in a fleet solution that help improve vehicle maintenance? How can fleet solutions help operators extend the life of their vehicles?
Predictive failure information provided by the Innova system gives fleet managers useful insight into the service history of a particular type of vehicle and the potential service issues that may arise with that vehicle in the coming months. This allows the fleet manager to better plan and take into account possible service interruption based on historical vehicle data.
Following a vehicle service schedule goes a long way to reducing downtime and keeping fleet vehicles in service longer. The Innova Fleet maintenance module is a robust maintenance management and reminder system that is customizable to each fleet manager’s preferences. Not only does it alert fleet managers that maintenance intervals are approaching, but it continues to send reminders if the service interval has gone by without action.
Another unique feature of the Innova telematics program is that the parts store can receive email alerts about their fleet customers’ vehicle service needs and the parts that may be required for the repairs. This way the parts store can make sure they have the right parts on hand and, in many cases, deliver the parts to the customer even before the vehicle comes in for service, saving valuable time.
What types of driver behaviors do your customers typically monitor? In addition to improving safety, how does such monitoring improve fleet maintenance/reliability?
The system lets fleet managers know how their vehicles are being driven by monitoring location, speed, idling, hard braking and acceleration. In addition, managers can be notified if the vehicle is being driven during off hours, is involved in an accident or is entering a restricted area. All of these factors impact the safety of the driver and the vehicle, and combined through an algorithm, deliver a driver score.
Can fleet operators share vehicle maintenance data with outside vehicle repair service providers, if they don’t have their own internal shop/mechanics? If so, how does that work in terms of providing alerts or data to those outside repair providers?
Absolutely. In the same way that parts stores can be notified about vehicle service needs, the Innova Fleet Management System allows for outside repair facilities to receive alerts at the same time as the fleet manager, at the discretion of the fleet manager.
How can these solutions benefit smaller fleet operators that may have fewer than 10 vehicles?
The Innova Fleet Management System is especially helpful to smaller fleets where there may not be a dedicated, full time fleet manager or service technician on staff. The information and alerts provided by Innova can help save time and increase productivity by assessing, alerting and reminding them of fleet vehicle needs as they juggle all of their other responsibilities.
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