Insights - May/June 2018 - 15
Identifying the Missing Link
in Chassis Maintenance
Editor's note - this article represents the opinion and conclusions of the author, and is not a statement of IANA policy.
By Bob Blair, Founder and President, LITE-CHECK Fleet Solutions, Inc.
T
he introduction of new chassis electronics, especially smart tracking using cloud
services, was the big news topic at IANA's Operations & Maintenance Business Meeting
in early May. This important development sets the stage for improved chassis maintenance.
The typical vendor makes do
with the historic homemade tools
and methods for checking lights and
brakes. Lost efficiency, wasted components and roadside issues are the
results of not having the appropriate
diagnostic tools and methods.
A key principle is that electronic
tools with analytical software are
needed to diagnose increasingly
complex chassis lights, brakes, antiBlair
lock braking systems and electronics.
These functions can be performed with the right tools, producing
consistent results without relying solely on the technician's judgment to provide valuable repair information.
With the increasing emphasis on management systems addressing the needs of logistics, finance and equipment control,
the missing link is the maintenance yard. Any maintenance data
currently being entered in the standard fleet program is generally
the result of the technician's judgment and manual data entry.
Technology is now available to power, measure and collect
chassis system data, improving repair efficiency and predictive
planning. With the power of creative software applications, the
inspection reports can be repeatable and reliable.
There are three distinct needs for improved maintenance
management:
1. The technician's role requires direction to make the
necessary repairs. What is the problem and what is needed
to correct the problem? With the growing complexity and
the shortage of technicians, maintaining safe chassis is
increasingly important and costly.
2. The vendor needs to know how well the technician is
performing, materials on hand, and scheduling the work. The
vendor needs accurate information direct from the yard to be
effective. This includes being able to manage the efficiency
and progress. With the chassis inspection reports able to
outline specific issues that are accurate, the vendor role is
enhanced with powerful information.
3. The intermodal equipment provider requires fleet status
with accountability while reducing costs. With accruing
inspection reports and DOT reports, the IEP has instant data
from the cloud to improve the operation. Custom reports
devised by management can make predictive analytics.
The overriding emphasis and value is reducing the
maintenance cost while at the same time improving safety.
May/June 2018 | Intermodal Insights
15
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Insights - May/June 2018
IANA News
Operations & Maintenance Business Meeting 2018 Recap: Creating the Future of Intermodal
Intermodal Is on a Positive Path in 2018
Chassis Market’s Evolution Blends Promise, Challenges
Identifying the Missing Link in Chassis Maintenance
ELD Mandate Lessons: Opportunity, Compliance, Tech Issues
ELD Mandate Effect: Opportunity Beckons for Intermodal
Ocean Carrier Realignments Trigger Significant Change for Intermodal
Freight Report
Build Awareness of Intermodal to Attract Job Candidates
3PLs Adopt Technology to Enhance Customer Relationships
As Technology Changes Business Relationships, Personalization Still Matters
Voice of the Shipper
Government News
New Members
People News
Intermodal Calendar
Insights - May/June 2018 - Cover1
Insights - May/June 2018 - 2
Insights - May/June 2018 - 3
Insights - May/June 2018 - IANA News
Insights - May/June 2018 - Operations & Maintenance Business Meeting 2018 Recap: Creating the Future of Intermodal
Insights - May/June 2018 - 6
Insights - May/June 2018 - 7
Insights - May/June 2018 - 8
Insights - May/June 2018 - Intermodal Is on a Positive Path in 2018
Insights - May/June 2018 - 10
Insights - May/June 2018 - Chassis Market’s Evolution Blends Promise, Challenges
Insights - May/June 2018 - 12
Insights - May/June 2018 - 13
Insights - May/June 2018 - 14
Insights - May/June 2018 - Identifying the Missing Link in Chassis Maintenance
Insights - May/June 2018 - ELD Mandate Lessons: Opportunity, Compliance, Tech Issues
Insights - May/June 2018 - 17
Insights - May/June 2018 - ELD Mandate Effect: Opportunity Beckons for Intermodal
Insights - May/June 2018 - Ocean Carrier Realignments Trigger Significant Change for Intermodal
Insights - May/June 2018 - 20
Insights - May/June 2018 - 21
Insights - May/June 2018 - 22
Insights - May/June 2018 - Freight Report
Insights - May/June 2018 - Build Awareness of Intermodal to Attract Job Candidates
Insights - May/June 2018 - 25
Insights - May/June 2018 - 26
Insights - May/June 2018 - 27
Insights - May/June 2018 - 3PLs Adopt Technology to Enhance Customer Relationships
Insights - May/June 2018 - 29
Insights - May/June 2018 - 30
Insights - May/June 2018 - As Technology Changes Business Relationships, Personalization Still Matters
Insights - May/June 2018 - 32
Insights - May/June 2018 - 33
Insights - May/June 2018 - 34
Insights - May/June 2018 - Government News
Insights - May/June 2018 - 36
Insights - May/June 2018 - New Members
Insights - May/June 2018 - 38
Insights - May/June 2018 - 39
Insights - May/June 2018 - 40
Insights - May/June 2018 - 41
Insights - May/June 2018 - 42
Insights - May/June 2018 - Intermodal Calendar
Insights - May/June 2018 - Cover4
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