Podcast: The evolution of truck maintenance software
John Hitch hosts Kristy Coffman, director of Mitchell 1’s commercial vehicle group, about the 20-year evolution of multi-brand truck repair software like TruckSeries.
John and Kristy explore how modern diagnostic tools and interactive wiring diagrams help bridge the technician training gap, the responsible integration of emerging AI and wearable tech in repair shops, and what Mitchell 1’s acquisition of Diesel Laptops means for the future of commercial maintenance.
Timestamps:
- 0:28 — Mitchell 1's 1946 origin and 20 years of TruckSeries
- 5:08 — Dave Costantino’s nationwide road trip
- 6:06 — Challenges in solving multi-brand repair data
- 9:59 — The evolution of wiring diagrams
- 15:14 — Turning TMC Recommended Practices directly into repair software
- 17:39 — The impact of AI on shop management
- 24:32 — Technician training gaps and how diagnostic tools help bridge the gap
- 27:18 — Wearable technology, smart glasses, and hands-free AI in the shop
- 34:15 — Updates on Mitchell 1's acquisition of Diesel Laptops
Never miss an episode of The Fleet Lead. Use the embedded player at the top of this page or find our Endeavor B2B Commercial Vehicle Group podcast on your favorite platform:
- Spotify
- Apple Podcasts
- Podbean
- Or search “The Fleet Lead” wherever you listen.
About the Author
John Hitch
Editor-in-chief, Fleet Maintenance
John Hitch is the award-winning editor-in-chief of Fleet Maintenance, where his mission is to provide maintenance leaders and technicians with the the latest information on tools, strategies, and best practices to keep their fleets' commercial vehicles moving.
He is based out of Cleveland, Ohio, and has worked in the B2B journalism space for more than a decade. Hitch was previously senior editor for FleetOwner and before that was technology editor for IndustryWeek, and managing editor of New Equipment Digest.
Hitch graduated from Kent State University and was editor of the student magazine The Burr in 2009.
The former sonar technician served honorably aboard the fast-attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN-723), where he participated in counter-drug ops, an under-ice expedition, and other missions he's not allowed to talk about for several more decades.