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TMW Systems Reveals Plans for Blockchain System

This graphic shows how a blockchain logistics chain develops as new conditions and terms of the contract are added during a shipment. Graphic: TMW Systems

Trucking technology innovator TMW Systems announced that it is developing its own blockchain software system with an eye toward launching it next year.

The announcement came last week during an online presentation featuring Timothy Leonard, executive vice president of TMW Systems, outlining blockchain technology for trucking journalists and explaining the potential for this new technology to create completely transparent logistics agreements based on real-time data and encrypted, two-party agreements.

Other logistic companies today, UPS and Walmart, to name a couple, use proprietary blockchain systems to power their logistics networks. Leonard says TMW's system, which has been in development for about 9 months now, will feature both private, encrypted, systems designed to connect shippers and carriers that subscribe to the new service. But in addition, Leonard says, the TWM system will be designed to connect with outside blockchain and vehicle communications and telematics systems, in order to create a virtual matrix of logistics agreements and information – much of which will be accessible to nonsubscribers, as a means of exponentially empowering connected programs and networks to facilitate and expedite logistics worldwide.

Leonard noted during the presentation that considerable confusion surrounds the blockchain concept, which is often associated with online, electronic currency systems such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. But, in reality, he explained, blockchain is a modern, internet-based ledger system – similar to a transaction-focused database, that connects interested parties and enables secure transactions in an open system that is not owned or controlled by any single party.

Leonard says he views TMW as more of a “host,” of the blockchain system currently under development and would only track the progress of the contract as a new logistics transaction is created and takes ...Read the rest of this story

Detroit Connect Virtual Technician Adds Support for DT12 Transmission

Detroit DT12 automated manual transmission. Photo: Detroit

The Detroit Connect Virtual Technician remote diagnostic system can now deliver remote event diagnostics for Detroit DT12 automated manual transmissions, Daimler Trucks North America announced at the ATA Management Conference & Exhibition in Orlando.

The enhancement expands on the diagnostic service for Freightliner and Western Star trucks powered by Detroit engines. It is designed to inform decisions on when and how to repair issues causing fault events to avoid unnecessary downtime.

The Virtual Technician diagnostic process for the DT12 is similar to the process for Detroit engine and after-treatment systems. When a fault event occurs, Virtual Technician relays details to the customer within minutes. That notification will include the severity of the fault, as well as when, where, and how to best fix the issue.

DT12 fault events are categorized based on how severe vehicle drivability is affected.

“The addition of transmission diagnostics is one more way we're providing critical information to fleets and owner-operators, helping them make smart business decisions within minutes of noticing an issue,” said Jason Krajewski, director, connectivity, Daimler Trucks North America. “Whether it's helping make the decision to keep the truck on the road, or having that quick initial diagnosis to get the issue resolved as quickly as possible, all of these scenarios help improve uptime for our customers.”

Customers can access all fault event details using either the Detroit Connect portal or the new Detroit Connect mobile app.

For the DT12, Virtual Technician will monitor 150 faults, including:

ATA MC&E In Photos, Day 2

The American Trucking Associations' 2017 Management Conference & Exhibition continued on Monday in Orlando, Florida. Here's a look at some of what happened on the exhibit hall floor as well as during the general sessions and special presentations.

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