Using RFID to Improve Truck Electrical System Diagnostics and Warranty Management. Chris Page, Midtronics Adam Warmack, Mitsubishi Electric

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2 Using RFID to Improve Truck Electrical System Diagnostics and Warranty Management Chris Page, Midtronics Adam Warmack, Mitsubishi Electric 2

3 Partners Midtronics is a worldwide leader and provider of battery testing and management products. Founded in 1984, Midtronics remains singularly focused on advancing battery management by developing complete system solutions to help customers better manage their battery and electrical component service and warranty programs. Mitsubishi Electric (MELCO) is world leader in the manufacture and sales of electric and electronic equipment. Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America (MEAA) is the North American subsidiary responsible for automotive powertrain, body and chassis, and invehicle entertainment systems. 3

4 RFID for Electrical Testing in the Trucking Industry RFID holds significant potential to create efficiencies in electrical system testing for the trucking industry Combining RFID technology with battery system testing allows better maintenance of a vehicle s electrical system RFID tags can be used to store warranty information, which simplifies warranty processing

5 MELCO s and Midtronic s Use of RFID RFID tags placed on battery and electrical system components Truck information, diagnostic parameters, and test results are written to the tag Read/Write performed at diagnostic events with Midtronics Equipment Stored Data available for analysis, reporting, and warranty processing

6 Diagnostic Process Wireless Communication Battery, starter, and alternator information will be stored on RFID tags placed on vehicles During testing, component information would be read from RFID tags Information would be used to automate testing Test results would be written back to RFID tag Results can also be pulled into database, analysis, and reporting system Failed Test results would be written and used for warranty processing

7 Customer Benefits Improved Warranty Programs Improved Preventative Maintenance Improved Diagnostics Improved Inventory Management / Green initiatives

8 Improved Warranty Programs Record of warranty test stored on component or with vehicle Reduce unnecessary part replacements Maintain record of warranty on component, no more free extensions Improved tracking of components for recycling (lead in batteries, starter and alternator cores)

9 Improved Preventative Maintenance Regular testing enforcement Improved end of life recognition using historical trending Record of entire electrical system performance at time of component test stored on RFID tag on battery Component Lifecycle Tracking w/context of other electrical system components

10 Improved Diagnostics Quick and accurate diagnostics of the battery every time Test parameters are read from the RFID Tag - Reduces chances for errors - Faster testing - Easier process for technicians

11 Improved Inventory Management / Green Initiatives Improved value of cores from defective components Using RFID to track inventory level on shelf Using Midtronics chargers for stock rotation of batteries Confirms sales of good component through PDI process and reports sale of component

12 Life of the truck Better Data to Design PM Programs With Most PM and warranty systems: VIN In-Service Date In-Service Mileage PM Date With Information Management System: VIN OEM Build Date Component Part Numbers Diagnostic Test Parameters In-Service Date & Mileage Customer Tracking Number Diagnostic Test Results At OEM Truck Sold Date of PM Mileage at PM Test Results Electrical System Interaction Date & Mileage of Service Test Results of Diagnostics Replacement Part Number At Preventative Maintenance At Service Event

13 RFID Value RFID solutions provide value for different stakeholders Value Area Warranty Management Diagnostic Testing Quality Preventative Maintenance Tracking of Cores from Reclaimed Batteries Inventory Management Component Manufacturers OEMs Dealers Retailers Vehicle Service Centers X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

14 RFID Program - Lifecycle RFID tags placed on components Store test record of good component at vehicle installation / component delivery Track maintenance of batteries until sale to customer Paperless warranty processing Track cores for defective components Diagnostic history of failed components Record component test results to RFID tag through lifecycle

15 Tag Selection Tag requirements for solution Must hold up in vehicle environment Extreme temperatures Exposure to vehicle fluids Larger memory size needed to store diagnostic history Must be low cost Analyzed HF and UHF tags EPC Gen2 UHF 512 bits not enough for diagnostic history Higher memory, lower cost HF tags are available and will meet the application needs Currently performing validation of tags in vehicle environment 15

16 RFID Reader Requirements Limited range in HF tags means RFID reader/writer must be in close proximity to tag Tags may be in confined spaces within vehicle environment Must ensure writing to the proper tag in multiple tag vehicle installation Solution is a handheld reader No requirement for extended read range for tag, therefore antenna does not need to be excessively large 16

17 RFID Integration with BMIS RFID Integration into BMIS (Battery Management Information System) Midtronics BMIS server tester Communication network Charger

18 RFID Web Based Reporting Component Lifecycle Provides a diagnostic history of a component - shows all test records for a specific component Data can be retrieved by entering component serial number which will yield all test history for that component Data can be retrieved by Entering Location # and Date, which will pull all components tested on that date Component Lifecycle Data will be available in graphical format as well as table format

19 RFID Web Based Reporting Warranty Lookup Supports more efficient warranty processing - allows the user to search for specific test records on RFID tags on components from warranty claims Report can include warranty period remaining that was written to replacement component Records can be queried by component serial number

20 Thank You For more information about Midtronics and Mitsubishi Electric, please visit