Software updates have become a routine part of operating modern commercial vehicles, but finding time to complete them can still be a challenge for fleets. Mack Trucks is looking to simplify that process with a new Lock & Leave feature that allows eligible over-the-air (OTA) software updates to finish automatically after a driver parks the truck and leaves for the day.
The feature is the latest enhancement to the company's connected vehicle platform and is designed to help fleets keep vehicles updated without taking drivers or technicians away from other tasks.
As trucks continue to incorporate more software-controlled systems, manufacturers are using remote updates to introduce new features, improve performance, address reliability concerns, and complete certain service campaigns. While OTA updates eliminate the need for many dealership visits, the installation process can still require drivers or technicians to remain with the vehicle until the update is complete.
Lock & Leave is intended to remove that step.
Using the truck's Driver Display Activation system, a driver can initiate an eligible update, exit the vehicle, lock the doors, and leave. The truck remains powered only as long as necessary to complete the installation before shutting itself down automatically. When the driver returns, the update has been completed and the vehicle is ready for operation.
The capability could be particularly valuable for fleets operating on tight schedules where every minute of uptime matters. Rather than dedicating driver time to update installations, fleets can schedule updates during overnight parking periods, meal breaks, or at the end of a shift.
The feature may also provide efficiencies for maintenance departments.
In a shop environment, technicians often manage software updates across multiple vehicles. With unattended installation capability, technicians can initiate updates on one truck and move on to the next instead of waiting for each process to finish. For larger operations, that could translate into reduced labour demands and more efficient use of shop time.
"Mack customers measure success by how much time their trucks spend on the road," explained Jonathan Randall, President, Mack Trucks North America. "Lock & Leave removes another barrier to remote software updates. Drivers can start the update, finish their day, and let the truck take care of the rest."
The new technology highlights the growing importance of software management within the trucking industry. Today's commercial vehicles contain a wide range of electronically controlled systems governing powertrain operation, emissions performance, safety technologies, telematics functions, and driver assistance features. Keeping those systems current has become an increasingly important part of fleet maintenance strategies.
According to Mack, its OTA platform has completed more than 50,000 remote updates during the past 12 months while achieving a 99.99 per cent success rate. The company said its AutoSend functionality already allows updates to be delivered proactively so customers can install them during planned downtime.
Lock & Leave builds on those capabilities by further reducing the amount of human involvement required to complete the process.
The Mack OTA platform currently supports remote software and parameter updates delivered directly to connected vehicles. The system also eliminates the need for laptops, cables, external devices, or dealership visits for many update procedures. Fleet managers can deploy updates across large numbers of connected trucks while receiving support from Mack's connected vehicle specialists when needed.
The new feature is expected to become available this fall following final validation testing. Mack says the initial rollout will focus on its newest truck platforms, including Mack’ Pioneer, Anthem, Granite, and Keystone vehicles.
As software continues to play a larger role in truck performance and fleet operations, tools that reduce maintenance interruptions and simplify update management are likely to become increasingly important. For fleet operators focused on maximizing uptime, unattended software updates represent another step toward a more connected and efficient service model.
Mack Trucks have been providing purpose-built transportation solutions for 125 years. They are sold and serviced through an extensive distribution network in more than 45 countries. Its trucks, diesel engines, and transmissions sold in North America are assembled in the United States.
Mack Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, which offers such transport and infrastructure solutions as trucks, buses, construction equipment, power solutions for marine and industrial applications, financing and services that increase customer uptime and productivity. Founded in 1927, the Volvo Group is committed to shaping the future landscape of sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions. Volvo Cars manufactures automobiles, but is under a different segment.
The Volvo Group is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, employs about 100,000 people and serves customers in almost 180 markets. For more information, visit www.volvogroup.com.
For more information about Mack Trucks, visit www.macktrucks.com.