Cummins and Omnitracs on Wednesday announced a technology collaboration and will offer a new solution that uses existing hardware to remotely update Cummins engine calibrations.
Cummins over-the-air programming (OTAP) solution, Connected Software Updates, will allow drivers to receive engine control unit (ECU) software updates remotely, leveraging their existing Omnitracs hardware.
“Our industry is undergoing a fundamental shift, and we need to work together to deliver technologies that aide fleets through this new digital era,” said Scott Sparr, Product Manager at Omnitracs. “Cummins Connected Software Updates combined with Omnitracs fleet management platform will deliver notable improvements on vehicle downtime, increase productivity, and drive down costs.”
With the new offering, customers of Omnitracs and Cummins should note improved maintenance logistics as all drivers across an entire fleet can receive critical ECU software updates over the air instead of having to bring trucks in for updates; a reduction in vehicle downtime since the companies say customers can avoid approximately 2.3 days of vehicle downtime at an average cost-plus loss of revenue of $1,000 per day; increased compliance since the system makes critical updates that ensure vehicles are healthy and running at peak performance; and higher optimization with the ability to optimize the fleet for specific driving conditions than can boost fuel efficiency, vehicle performance and vehicle health.
Omnitracs will provide over-the-air software updates on model year 2017 and newer Cummins engines. This turn-key solution is available immediately and will be included for customers through the remainder of 2019. To be eligible for this program, customers must be utilizing the Omnitracs Enterprise Services (ES) platform with an installed Intelligent Vehicle Gateway (IVG) and an Extended Fault Monitoring subscription.
The two companies plan to expand the service over the next few years, with a focus on tailored environmental and route updates.