The initiative at Saia represents the largest deployment of QR codes at a commercial fleet using MVASIST, the Service Relationship Management (SRM) platform developed by Decisiv for Volvo Trucks North America.
Decisiv’s QR code-based software works to eliminate downtime and improve service department functionality. The software allows a technician or service writer to snap a QR code on any vehicle and immediately be provided an electronic copy of that vehicle’s service history. The software quickly and efficiently catalogs every step of a vehicle inspection, provides diagnosis information and prompts technicians with the steps necessary for a repair, Decisiv says. Any information input into the platform saves automatically, and be accessed by a fleet or service provider at any time.
Decisiv says information can easily pass from a dealer to fleet customer through the system, and service providers without the software can still be provided links during repairs to the information. This minimizes communication problems and works to eliminate downtime, the company says.
Saia, based in Johns Creek, Ga., has been using MVASIST internally and to manage breakdowns. The company operates 147 terminals in 34 states. Decisiv says Saia technicians are now applying QR Codes to all tractors regardless of OEM, all makes of trailers in the fleet, and all converter dollies and forklifts. Decisiv supplies the codes, unique to each unit. Plans call for the application of QR Codes on the entire fleet to be completed by the end of the year. Decisiv says the steps required to add QR codes to a vehicle are the same no matter what make and model.
“Our technicians are now using iPad tablet computers to scan QR Codes on vehicles and access and conduct pre-loaded inspections,” says Charles Rozelle, regional maintenance manager at Saia’s shop in Dallas where 175 tractors and 312 trailers are domiciled. “The QR codes take away the possibility of data entry errors, and by automatically transferring inspection results via a Wi-Fi network to the shop we can instantly see if service or repairs are needed. The platform also gives us easy access to inspection histories for DOT and internal use.”
The QR code applicationalso allows service technicians to add odometer readings to trigger and send pending preventive maintenance operations, Decisiv says, and simultaneously send any operations based on inspection results to shop personnel and the parts counter so they can be ready when the truck arrives in a service bay.
“MVASIST provides Saia with the ability to streamline its inspection and maintenance processes by enhancing communications and the management of key service event data in real time,” says Dick Hyatt, president of Decisiv. “By using QR Codes across its operation, Saia is taking the Decisiv-built Service Relationship Management platform to the next level.”
