Every private fleet and for-hire carrier with Class 8 heavy-duty trucks is familiar with the Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Standards (VMRS), and the codes that were developed as a way for technicians to communicate maintenance issues and repair measures, all as a uniform language for everyone involved in the service and performance of a truck.
The codes themselves are recognized for their brilliance in unifying the ability to communicate service issues. While their importance will only grow as trucks become more technically advanced, this information can be misleading if the codes aren’t entered in a systematic manner, or if the output data is not being audited successfully so fleets can appropriately utilize the nature of their insight to make the right decisions for their fleets. However, advanced software with maintenance analytics can help organize the entries and interpret the data for better decision-making.
Tech-savvy trucks rely on VMRS
Research firm FTR forecasts that North American Class 8 truck builds in 2019 will come in at 342,000 units, up almost 6% from 2018. These newer model trucks with advanced technology will continue to come online in the near term, further elevating the importance of VMRS codes in the future.
While new equipment boasts better quality, efficiency, and more durability, the vehicle’s technology-intensive makeup will also make them more challenging to service and repair. As such, technicians will need to rely even more on the proper input of VMRS codes. If this input is not done correctly, it makes it even more difficult to scrutinize and audit the data on the back end to make smarter decisions for fleet operations, cost controls and predictive measures for future truck specifying. The technician shortage that the industry is experiencing creates an environment in which proper VMRS training can slip through the cracks. Maintenance management should do their due diligence training entry-level techs in all areas including VMRS coding input.
Entering VMRS codes in a unified way
In order to get the most benefit from the VMRS coding, technicians must enter the coding in the most accurate fashion. Often, multiple technicians may enter the codes and input a different code for similar work orders. Some technicians may use one code for any and all repairs where they can’t find the proper code. For example, a technician may be trying to locate the code for an airline fitting on a valve and simply use a “body” code in its place.
This method of inconsistent code entry makes it virtually impossible to analyze data after the fact. This growing amount of data is rendered meaningless without the right software to help fleets properly interpret for decision making.
Today’s software can interpret VMRS data
Advanced software with maintenance and repair (M&R) data analytics enables private fleets and for-hire carriers to leverage intuitive dashboards instead of complicated spreadsheets while allowing users to create their own custom view with the information that interests them most: vehicle performance for fleet managers, M&R data for repair personnel with VMRS coded entries and even custom financial models for the C-level.
Innovations in software now allow fleets to manage their entire operations, with views on everything from operational costs, M&R data from VMRS results, replacement vehicle savings, to vehicle servicing and histories; and these software platforms are now mobile-responsive for on-the-go fleet management.
Today’s software platforms can track expenses for a fleet in every aspect of the truck’s requirements, such as expenditures that include tires, tubes, liners and valves; preventative maintenance measures; brakes; expendable items; exhaust systems; fuel systems; and more.
Travis Wynes, CTP, is director of fleet services for Fleet Advantage.
