RoadEfficiency: high vehicle usage with Mercedes-Benz Uptime

Sascha Schmieder, head of the fleet, said about Mercedes-Benz Uptime:
"It's a bit like Formula One racing: the pits know there's something wrong with the truck before the driver does – intelligent evaluation of the diagnostic data is often the key to success. That applies to Mercedes-Benz Uptime too. The service informs me about the technical health of our tractor vehicles. Just a few minutes after the malfunction has come up in the truck, I receive information about what has happened. Also, I'm given information about the anticipated vehicle reactions, for example a loss of performance or a reduction in speed, and also a recommendation for solution-oriented action. This early information gives me the time normally needed to prevent a truck from breaking down, so the freight can be delivered on time and unnecessary expenses avoided."

This is how it works.

All maintenance and repair work which does not need to be carried out immediately can be done more efficiently thanks to Mercedes-Benz Uptime. This includes recurring maintenance tasks such as replacing brake linings, lubricants or filters, and also malfunctions in the luxury functions such as the air-conditioning system.

Mercedes-Benz Uptime sends relevant information automatically to the Mercedes-Benz service partner chosen by the customer. The service partner combines the upcoming repair and maintenance work, based on all the data, actively contacts the customer and arranges in good time an appointment which best fits in with the planned trip and the required maintenance work. This reduces the number of trips to the workshop and thus keeps downtime to a minimum, thus increasing the availability of the vehicle.

Also, Mercedes-Benz Uptime clusters information on the parameters which neither affect the function of the vehicle nor make subsequent repairs necessary. This includes information about the times when a vehicle is not being used effectively by a driver. This can optimise the fleet manager's options to give a driver precise feedback and if necessary to ensure improvements.

The fleet manager said:
"With Mercedes-Benz Uptime we receive precise information and the time to find a solution before anything goes wrong with the freight job. I remember a case where one of our trucks displayed a malfunction. But the spare part was not available at the nearest workshop. As we had loaded goods subject to a deadline, the spare part was sent to the workshop in Frechen. The truck was able to continue the journey there. When it arrived in Frechen, the spare part was already there. The repair only took two hours, and the goods reached the customer on time. Another time I got a call from the CAC about a malfunctioning boost pressure and temperature sensor. The lady from the emergency service was highly competent and suggested a variety of solutions. In the end, we were able to replace the sensor at our local workshop close by without any delays."

This is how it works.

The diagnostic software of the trucks reports a problem, which the driver can solve quickly if he knows exactly what the problem is and what he has to do to remedy the situation. For example, a manual regeneration of the diesel particulate filter might be necessary, or an underinflated tyre might need more air.

The events and the driver's reactions are collated by Mercedes-Benz Uptime and passed on to the people responsible for the fleet via the online customer portal and by e-mail. The Mercedes-Benz Uptime online portal brings hidden problems to light and shows potential breakdown risks in good time.

Using more potential – FleetBoard transport management.

Efficient communication with the driver now means more than just a simple phone call. Transport management solutions from FleetBoard help to simplify processes and minimise the need for coordination. Fleet managers who monitor their trucks via FleetBoard can plan their orders directly on the computer, put together the best tours and send them to the drivers' DispoPilots with the press of a button, together with all the relevant additional information. Status messages can be configured flexibly and individually depending on the transport task and help the driver to enter information specifically for an order, trip or package.

The complete transport process is effectively managed through the smooth exchange of information. The FleetBoard WebServices also allow FleetBoard Transport Management to be seamlessly integrated into the internal company software. The data entered by the driver can then be further processed directly where it is needed. This all prevents unnecessary waiting and minimises errors, so that truck and driver can spend as much time as possible driving and transporting.

This is how it works.

All maintenance and repair work which does not need to be carried out immediately can be done more efficiently thanks to Mercedes-Benz Uptime. This includes recurring maintenance tasks such as replacing brake linings, lubricants or filters, and also malfunctions in the luxury functions such as the air-conditioning system.

Mercedes-Benz Uptime sends relevant information automatically to the Mercedes-Benz service partner chosen by the customer. The service partner combines the upcoming repair and maintenance work, based on all the data, actively contacts the customer and arranges in good time an appointment which best fits in with the planned trip and the required maintenance work. This reduces the number of trips to the workshop and thus keeps downtime to a minimum, thus increasing the availability of the vehicle.

Also, Mercedes-Benz Uptime clusters information on the parameters which neither affect the function of the vehicle nor make subsequent repairs necessary. This includes information about the times when a vehicle is not being used effectively by a driver. This can optimise the fleet manager's options to give a driver precise feedback and if necessary to ensure improvements.