Omnitracs recently announced a technology collaboration with Cummins on a new solution that leverages existing hardware to perform remote calibration updates on Cummins-powered engines.

The Cummins over-the-air programming solution, Connected Software Updates, allows drivers to receive engine-control-unit (ECU) software updates remotely, leveraging their existing Omnitracs hardware.

“Connected Software Updates enables uptime and reliability, with market-leading download speeds,” said Todd Mysak, Cummins director of digital business development. “We are excited to be working with Omnitracs to provide our joint customers with the latest in over-the-air solutions.”

With the new offering, customers of Omnitracs and Cummins will benefit from the following, according to the companies:

• Improved maintenance logistics: All drivers across an entire fleet can receive critical ECU software updates over the air instead of having to bring trucks in for updates.
• Reduction in vehicle downtime: Customers can avoid approximately 2.3 days of vehicle downtime at an average cost-plus loss of revenue of $1,000 per day, according to the companies.
• Increased compliance: Making critical updates when needed will ensure vehicles are healthy and running at peak performance.
• Optimized vehicles: The ability to optimize fleets for specific driving conditions will boost fuel efficiency, vehicle performance and vehicle health.

“ Cummins Connected Software Updates combined with the Omnitracs fleet-management platform will deliver notable improvements on vehicle downtime, increase productivity and drive down costs,” said Scott Sparr, product manager at Omnitracs.

Omnitracs will provide over-the-air software updates on Cummins engines that were built in 2017 or later. The turnkey solution is available immediately and will be included for customers through the remainder of 2019.

To be eligible for this program, customers must be utilizing the Omnitracs Enterprise Services platform with an installed Intelligent Vehicle Gateway and an Extended Fault-Monitoring subscription.

The two companies say they plan to expand the service over the next few years, with a focus on tailored environmental and route updates.