Replacing paper and keyboard with a speech-based system for vehicle inspections can transform workshop efficiency and accuracy of compliance records, says Truckfile.
The latest innovation from Truckfile aims to boost vehicle maintenance to the next level of speed and efficiency by replacing paper and/or keyboard to record all updates with spoken words. Truckfile Voice is believed to be the first speech-controlled workshop recording system available for operators of bus truck and van workshops in the UK.
It’s not, however, untried technology – it is already in wide use in sectors such as the aviation industry for aircraft maintenance and in warehouse management for order picking.
“Voice represents a major step forward in the quest to help commercial vehicle workshops operate as efficiently and profitably as possible,” says Paul Clarke, Managing Director of Truckfile. “It’s such a simple piece of equipment to use but the potential for speeding up the throughput of vehicles is profound. Voice is set to become the most useful tool in the workshop.”
He continues: “It’s extremely intuitive and easy to use, for new or experienced staff. As well as speeding up the inspection process very significantly, it also offers highly accurate and consistent recording, ensuring strict adherence to compliance standards and supported by real-time analytics and dashboards.”
How does it work?
Technicians wear a light, comfortable headset incorporating a microphone. To complete an inspection, a technician simply follows a series of audible prompts, delivered through their headphones, to check off each item. They tell the system as each one is either passed or failed and can also use a smartphone-sized, hand-held device to snap and attach photographs instantly, if any defects need to be captured.
The responses are logged by the workshop management system. Details are saved and records updated automatically, with no extra time required for inputting after the job is complete.
Improved productivity
Truckfile calculates that, by removing the need for technicians to read or input data manually, the process of recording maintenance work done is speeded up by an average of 20%. So, for instance, a technician who previously completed four inspections per shift could potentially manage five in the same time using this system. A pilot scheme to test the system in a real-life setting is about to get underway.
Magic Internet Technologies
Truckfile was developed by Magic Internet Technologies to create an innovative and user-friendly fleet and workshop management system including an electronic storage system for vehicle records.
The company is now responsible for over 200,000 individual vehicle records stored for more than 24,000 users, customers can access the system from any internet-connected device, with no need for additional investment in servers or extra hardware.
