Telematics Expert Detroit Connect Brings Updates to Its Truck Diagnostic System

Detroit Connect, a leading Telematics solutions company, has brought about developments to the area of truck safety. The agency has unveiled updates to its 'Virtual Technician' remote diagnostic system. This is a project that is designed to deliver assistance to truck drivers in case of engine failures or other faults, thereby increasing uptime and reducing maintenance costs. The corporation has introduced a new portal that gives a deeper insight into the data. In addition to this, it is working on a platform for models in 2017, which would “flash” software updates to trucks over the air. “Intelligent connectivity is at the core of what we are offering to drivers and fleet managers,” said Matt Pfaffenbach, an expert in Telematics solutions, who works at Daimler Trucks. “By adding new technologies that provide more meaningful insights and visibility, we are further contributing to increased uptime, safety and efficiency.”

Information regarding the fleet's overall health will be delivered through the new portal. Also, it will also provide truckers with specific fault events, thereby enhancing maintenance and security. Users will be able to view and archive reports from Detroit Diesel Engine Control, which conducts an in-depth analysis of the vehicle to detect anomalies. Detroit Connect is currently testing the portal with selected customers. By the dawn of the next year, it is expected to release the portal, covering its entire customer base by spring, 2016. “Every customer has different concerns and ways of analyzing and acting on fault information, so we developed the portal to specifically make the fault information as manageable and consumable for every priority,” said Pfaffenbach.

A little further down the road in 2017, the company will be releasing a new Telematics platform. This is expected to have a unique communication system that would enable integration with third party applications. This new system, which uses cellular service connectivity, will flash over the air updates to fleets. This includes remote vehicle parameter settings, and downloading of reports from Detroit Connect. “To me this is overdue,” said Martin Daum, the CEO of Detroit Connect. “You don’t go to the Apple Store every time you update an app, so why expect it from the truck?”