In the modern era of transportation, optimizing fleets’ operational safety and efficiency are more important than ever. As customers look for ways to enhance the performance and lifespan of their engines, embracing connected vehicle technology is vital. 

Cummins Inc.’s Connected Solutions not only streamline maintenance and optimize performance but also prioritize the safety of every journey. This article examines the multifaceted safety benefits that connected vehicles bring to your fleet.

Keep your powertrain up to date with the latest software updates

Cummins Over-the-Air (OTA) Software Updates calibrate and optimize engine control modules (ECM) remotely. Customers can adjust specific settings on a single vehicle or their entire fleet without the need to physically link a vehicle to a service tool. This updating process reduces the need for manual intervention and the potential fault codes that can arise from outdated software.

Using the latest software is not just about keeping up with technological advancements. It directly relates to the safety of both the driver and the vehicle. When an engine operates on the most recent software, it performs optimally. This means fewer unexpected issues on the road, leading to safer driving conditions. An engine that runs smoothly and efficiently reduces the risk of downtime or other hazards, ensuring that drivers can focus on their primary responsibility: safe driving.

If you’re interested in learning more about over-the-air technology, don’t forget to check out some of the key benefits of over-the-air updates.  

Adjust engine parameters to optimize for current routes, terrain and conditions

Changing conditions are common in fleet operations. A truck on a flat highway in the morning might face mountains in the afternoon. 

With over-the-air parameter updates, vehicles don't need to stop for manual recalibrations. Instead, customers can change a selection of engine parameters over-the-air to optimize a vehicle for things like different routes, terrain and weather conditions, traffic, and duty cycles. These updates can occur for a single vehicle or an entire fleet. 

The ability to make changes from a distance for key conditions like speed governance, torque for on-ramp boosts, or geo-location mapping ensures that drivers are equipped with the right parameters to safely continue on their route. Drivers can focus on the road ahead, knowing they're driving an optimized vehicle. 

Identify critical faults to prioritize driver safety through remote monitoring and Predictive Service Insights

Remote monitoring

It's critical that customers can identify faults immediately, allowing them to prioritize the safety of their drivers. Such immediacy in fault detection means that potential safety issues can be pinpointed and dealt with before they escalate, ensuring the safety of drivers is always a top priority.

The on-road environment is dynamic, and unforeseen issues can arise at any moment. With Cummins' remote monitoring capabilities, customers have a proactive tool at their disposal. Remote monitoring keeps customers informed on the maintenance status of vehicles. 

If an issue arises, customers receive timely alerts on critical faults, allowing them to take immediate action, whether it's directing a driver to the nearest service station or advising them on safety protocols until help arrives. Such actions can prevent minor issues from becoming major hazards, ensuring that drivers aren't left to face potentially dangerous situations alone. 

Predictive Service Insights

Another element that customers can use to optimize their repair plans based on real-time asset-level data is Predictive Service Insights. Using proprietary data collected by Cummins service tools, Cummins Acumen® device, and select Original Equipment Manufacturers’ (OEM) devices, Predictive Service Insights can predict potential failures for certain components, giving an asset-based recommendation to the customer on when to replace them. 

With this knowledge, customers can proactively schedule maintenance to prevent a major problem, improving efficiency and reducing downtime. It gives customers access to key insights that enable a proactive intervention as a planned event.

The peace of mind that comes with Cummins' remote monitoring and Predictive Service Insights solution is invaluable for customers. Knowing that a robust system is constantly overseeing the health of each vehicle boosts confidence in fleet operations. For drivers, this means less stress about potential breakdowns or mechanical issues while on the road where drivers could be exposed to unsafe situations. 

Cummins Connected Solutions for you

Cummins Connected Solutions offer a robust preventative maintenance strategy that keeps drivers and their vehicles safe. By staying ahead of potential issues, customers can enjoy smoother operations while having the assurance that their vehicles are always in optimal condition.

Explore Cummins’ full suite of digital service tools, from software and mobile applications to digital hardware geared to optimize the performance and reliability of your Cummins-powered equipment.