A new paperless Workshop Information Online innovation is helping to speed up servicing and repairs, increasing convergence in the workshop.
Scania is rolling out an iPad-based technology across its company-owned branches Australia-wide, providing technicians with real-time information about the vehicle they are working on, a complete work order list, as well as the ability to attach photos of damaged or broken components, which can be sent to the customer in order to gain approval to proceed with repairs.
The service and repair information is then saved as part of the vehicle’s electronic history held on file by the truck maker, which can be reviewed the next time the vehicle returns to the workshop.
From the moment a vehicle arrives at a branch for repair or service work, the service advisor and service technician can monitor its progress through the workshop. The system uses the Workshop Communication Unit, a black-box installed in the workshop, technicians can wirelessly connect to vehicles using an app on the tablet, to identify real time information on errors or failures, drawing attention to what needs to be fixed prior to releasing the vehicle back to work.
“Workshop Information Online is integrated with our Dealer Management System. It is completely online, always up to date and available anywhere with internet for users with credentials,’ says Jason Grech, Scania Australia’s Technical Support Manager.
“Not only does the system guide the technician through a workflow, but the iPads also contain the full factory workshop manual for the exact model of truck being worked on, showing the technician which parts need to be replaced, plus showing how to remove and refit them.
“The iPads also prompt the technician to check that software updates and technical service bulletins have been completed. They can also undertake training courses and refreshers using the tablet to ensure they are fully up-to-date with the latest processes and procedures.”
Mobile Technician is another app on the tablet which allows technicians to clock on and off to jobs, write their stories and use pre-defined checklists to make their task more efficient.
The tablet is managed centrally using a data management tool. This means new apps can be sent out automatically from Scania HQ. Further useful apps include mapping, to assist mobile service crews locate vehicles in unfamiliar terrain.
The tablets feature a wide selection of Scania technical apps and access to databases, so that the technician does not need to leave their workstation to research information or identify a part or find a part number. The tablets also offer assistance for diagnosis of problems, to help speed up their resolution.
“We will be able to improve our productivity in the workshop at every stage of the process,” says Lloyd Carter, Branch Manager at Scania Campbellfield in Victoria. “Each job has a set time assigned to it, so we can see how long the job takes in real time, because the technician will sign off the work as they complete it, and the system will prompt the user if a step is missed. This reduces the possibility of some work being overlooked. Plus, with all the stages and steps and the photo reporting, customers can understand better the time taken to complete various tasks.”
