Assignment

A few years ago, this is how one imagined the workshop of the future would be. No-one expected it to become reality in such a short time. Regardless of one's opinions about the Microsoft company, their vision of information being accessible anywhere, and at any time, at the push of a button, has almost become reality, at least this is the case in the modern workshop.

Function

At this point, we don't want to discuss connectability with vehicle control devices, error- and measurement value readouts, OBD functions and actuator diagnostics. It becomes more interesting if we go further than just the input of data, e.g., for the (de-) activation of the airbags. E.g., installing new software in the vehicle. Where can we get it from?, Of course, from the in-house online network or from a password protected web-site on the internet. Mind you, all this is done directly from the vehicle, where the mechanic is working.

Of course we're also connected with the ( larger) rest of the workshop. This gives us access to all available data. When, e.g., were the spark plugs last changed and what steps have already been taken to correct the error. This means of course, that the mechanic also adds data her/himself. In fact, when all's done and dusted, the account could also be written from here. Soon one won't even have to ask the storeman whether a certain spare part is in store or not. If there are still colleagues at all, then (only) to manage the warehouse.

Naturally, the newest and most advanced training documents and repair instructions are also saved on the computer. The data is regularly updated, online of course. Indeed, there's even more, one can call up the most important tips concerning the current repair. Should one be stumped as how to carry on, one can work on the problem with a team. This works the other way around as well, if the others are stuck, they can be helped, e.g., with test results and repair data, to develop a repair method. Have you noticed anything? The advanced training is moving to where the problems appear, in the workshop, the learning is done either in self-study or as a team.

So, what is still missing? Of course the special handling of the PC in the workshop. Apart from the already known, dirt protected keyboards, there is the touch-sensitive flat screen monitor. One does not need to be a Windows work surface expert. There are only a few, well chosen and limited input possibilities. What is new, is that the monitor can be uncoupled from the rest of the equipment like a type of laptop and can for a certain time, e.g., be used in the vehicle when on the road. When reconnected, it charges itself very quickly and can, at the same time, transmit the data which has been gained.

Guided troubleshooting

From the point of view of the manufacturer, the guided troubleshooting means progress, certainly economically, however, as far as the advanced training of the technician is concerned, it's probably not the best idea. Actually, it is no more than a stronger linearised program flow, not allowing the tester to skip any test steps at all. It's difficult to call up short sequences. And the consequence, with which the manufacturers insist on the exact application of the error analysis, brings with it the fear of robots doing the work in the workshop. 07/10