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Remote Diagnostics and Programming As we enter this new decade, and with it an era of expanded use of telematics and connected vehicles, the ability to remotely diagnose and program a vehicle will have a significant impact on vehicle uptime. A school bus operation will be able to be notified of a potential vehicle issue—sometimes before the driver is even aware of that issue—and create an alert to the maintenance department that describes the needed repair and lists the necessary parts to fix that issue.


Improved Parts Inventory Management School bus data collection and connectivity will pro-


vide for more improved management of purchasing and stocking replacement parts. Because of online purchas- ing and expedited shipping, overnight and same-day parts deliveries will become the norm. As ecommerce platforms become more functional,


online parts ordering will continue to grow, providing real-time inventory updates and integration to school bus operations and maintenance systems. Changes that are caused by connectivity will lead to a shift, where predictive parts ordering will allow a fleet to automatically receive parts as needed for the anticipated service of school buses. This ordering will become both


predictive and preventive, which will inevitably lead to dramatic improvements in uptime.


What’s Next? Many publications and industry experts have covered


the topics in this column. Yet I haven’t even mentioned items that can additionally impact uptime. Those in- clude shortages of school bus technicians, staff uptime training, improvements to diesel engine efficiency, hybrid and electric power systems, and the impact of ever-stringent federal emissions regulations. In future articles, we will do our best to provide an


overview of how to meet those challenges. In the mean- time, as you approach vehicle replacement strategy and parts purchasing agreements, use the leverage you have during those dealer negotiations to gain access to the OEM subsidiaries that are selling the connected vehicles hardware, software services and back-office support. ●


Pudlewski is the retired vice president of fleet operations, procurement and maintenance for Laidlaw. He is also a member of the National School Transportation Association Hall of Fame.


Buck’s Since 1951


Buck’s Wheel & Equipment “We are the school bus parts specialists”


Buck’s Wheel & Equipment is your #1 source for School Bus Parts. Buck’s Wheel supplies all your major bus parts including Switches, Lights, Seats, Seat Covers, Bluebird, Tomas and also International parts. Please contact your sales representative for any further details and shipping.


Service Dept. • Collision Center • Parts Dept. • Spring Shop Serving the Industry for Over 65 Years.


5101 North Main Street Fort Worth, TX 76179 www.buckswheel.com


Bucks_0718_HH.indd 1


Phone: 817-332-1228 Toll Free: 800-792-1011


www.stnonline.com 25 6/6/18 11:08 AM


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