Mack Trucks, SAS Announce Enhanced GuardDog Connect Analytics to Cut Repair Times
AUSTIN, Texas — Mack Trucks announced a deal with analytics company SAS that will help the truck manufacturer more effectively analyze data being collected by its GuardDog Connect telematics system.
Mack made the announcement at a news conference during American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition here Oct. 29.
“With SAS solutions, we’re able to see patterns in our data that we were not seeing previously, allowing us to even more efficiently and effectively maximize uptime for our customers.” Mack Vice President of Connected Vehicles David Pardue said in a statement.
“The system uses analytical techniques including visualization, machine learning and artificial intelligence to interpret the data and decide what course of action should be taken to repair the truck,” SAS Director of IoT Bill Roberts added.
Mack said when GuardDog Connect detects an issue on a truck it will notify technicians at one of its 24-hour maintenance help call centers. Staff there can analyze the problem and determine a course of action. Should a repair be needed, the truck can be scheduled for service and the parts ordered before the truck arrives at the facility.
Mack said it has more than 70,000 connected vehicles on the road each day.
Separately, Mack announced that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding with transportation software provider Trimble Transportation Enterprise to explore ways to enhance data analytics for its customers. Trimble develops systems for routing and dispatch, asset maintenance solutions, business intelligence, transportation management and fleet visibility.
“Applying Trimble Transportation Enterprise’s approach to analyzing data will provide customers a clearer view of asset performance and help boost productivity,” Pardue said in a statement.
“We recognize there are numerous opportunities to improve service and repair inefficiencies, and collectively we can better solve them,” said Scott Vanselous, executive vice president and general manager of asset maintenance solutions for Trimble Transportation Enterprise. “We look forward to working with Mack Trucks to continue to provide innovative solutions to our customers.”
Mack’s corporate partner, Volvo Trucks North America, announced a similar deal with Trimble. Both original equipment manufacturers are owned by Gothenburg, Sweden-based Volvo Group.
