The updated TVTrack, available through the fleetHQ program and participating Goodyear dealers, is an example of an effective, cloud-based tire performance and management system.
Dealers have surveyed more than 10,000 wheel positions using TVTrack since February 2011. They can use the system to document the results of fleet inspections quickly and efficiently, then can produce reports that help fleets better manage their tire programs by identifying issues and opportunities for improvement.
The program is pre-loaded with specifications for nearly every tire available in the North American market, regardless of manufacturer. Drop-down boxes make it easy to select manufacturer, tire line and size.
TVTrack also interacts with fleet management systems to create new entries for trucks and trailers as they're added to the fleet and automatically update mileage as the tires are serviced.
"Goodyear service technicians can use the 3G cellular network or a Wi-Fi connection – as well as Web-enabled devices such as smartphones, tablet computers and laptops – to enter in new data about tread wear, tire pressure and more on individual trucks and trailers," explains Tim Miller, Goodyear's commercial tire marketing communications manager. "This helps keep the performance data in the customer's profile consistently updated, all in real time."
Once tires are out of service, data collection can continue through scrap tire analysis. "Knowing why tires were removed, plus the age of casings and number of retreads these casings are yielding, can indicate if your tires were properly maintained," Miller notes. "For example, if the tires are full of debris and fail when punctures occur, frequent yard clean-ups or tire inspections – or both – might extend the life of the tires in your fleet.
"What's more, knowing the wear rates of the tires in your fleet and forecasting new vehicle purchase cycles allows you to anticipate 'peaks and valleys' in the replacement tire purchase cycle," he adds. "This could help with budget planning in the months and years ahead."
