With Advances in truck equipment and technology continuing at a rapid pace, the ever-changing conditions in which trucks operate, and the steadily increasing cost of doing business, the more successful fleets are focusing on efficiencies with their maintenance management and programs. They realize that new innovations, new tools, and evolving practices can be employed to enable them to better operate and maintain their vehicles.
One technology that has been available for some time can help fleets identify which vehicles or vehicle systems need attention, set benchmarks, improve warranty collections, prepare more accurate budget forecasts, and more. It is the Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Standards (VMRS).
Often mistakenly referred to as ATA (American Trucking Associations) Codes, VMRS is the use of coding in vehicle fleet management. Standard codes have been established to identify, record, analyze the performance and reliability, and report on virtually every activity associated with maintaining vehicles and equipment.
By consistently applying these VMRS codes, fleets have the ability to more effectively monitor equipment and operational costs.
“VMRS is a structured coding system, providing the discipline necessary to operate in today's computer-based information age,” says Jack Poster, VMRS service manager at the ATA's Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC). “It also can be used as a completely manual system for those fleets not using computerized software.”
The TMC is considered to be North America's premier technical society for truck equipment, information technology, and logistics professionals.
Designed for use at the shop level, Poster says VMRS can be used at any level, from total operating systems, down to the individual part level. “The level of coding is entirely up to the user.”
System evolution
Development of VMRS began in 1969 by several trucking industry organizations. A year later, the ATA became the official custodian of VMRS. In 1997, ATA's TMC took over as VMRS custodian and embarked on a thorough review of the VMRS system at the commercial vehicle industry's request.
The entire range of VMRS data sets was overhauled to reflect the number and scope of changes in the marketplace. In 1998, TMC came out with its VMRS 2000.
“TMC has kept the VMRS 2000 system dynamic by constantly updating the system to reflect changing and new emerging technologies,” explains Poster. “We work with many original equipment manufacturers and suppliers to make sure that VMRS 2000 stays up-to-date and evolves to meet the needs of various industries vocations.”
TMC is constantly updating the system, with new codes being added daily. It publishes periodic updates of all the new and modified codes.
Description codes
Sixty-four active VMRS 2000 Code Keys are used to describe different functionalities. For example, Code Key 1 is Equipment Vocation codes, Code Key 14, Reason for Repair codes, and Code Key 18, Technician Failure codes.
The most commonly known codes — Code Keys 31, 32, and 33 — make up “the nine digit descriptor codes to readily and consistently identify the specific systems involved,” notes Poster. “The heart of the ‘common language’ of VMRS 2000, these codes are to be considered universal identifiers or generic terms for a certain part.”
VMRS 2000 allows a fleet to readily access reports on many critical areas of maintenance and helps control costs. With the system, a fleet can easily track warranty claims and control parts inventories.
Poster says many maintenance software firms, including TMW Systems, Cetaris, Innovative Computing, and Arsenault, use VMRS 2000 in their software. Many of these firms can provide custom-made reports to suit the specific needs of the user.
“By using an accepted coding standard, a fleet can benchmark its maintenance trends,” he says. “By incorporating the universal language of VMRS 2000, a fleet saves the time and energy involved in establishing its internal programs.”
VMRS 2000 comes in three electronic variants — single user, enterprise, and developer versions, each designed for different types of applications. In addition, many other VMRS 2000 products are available.
TMC is working to expand VMRS 2000 to include hybrid technologies, off-road and construction equipment, and utility and government vehicles.
