Photo courtesy of Penske
In addition to ruggedized computers used in the shop, Penske also manages tablets used in customer kiosks. These tablets are used to check in customer service requests.

Real-world use of mobile devices in the shop

May 7, 2019
The Penske team utilizes ruggedized tablets in the shop for a number of tasks.

Technicians and other maintenance personnel at Penske utilize ruggedized Windows-based Dell tablets in the shop for a number of tasks. “With the introduction of the tablets to the shop floor, we see less and less need for techs to utilize a smart phone to look for information,” say experts at Penske.

Specific examples for how these devices are used at Penske locations include:

Shop supervisor tasks

  • Verify jobs at the time of completion with the technician
  • Ability to take pictures and attach them to a job
  • Ability to scan parts to a job
  • View job-related information when aiding technicians to diagnose problems

Technician tasks

  • View work orders
  • Input job information
  • Take pictures related to the job they are working on
  • Scan parts to the job
  • Search for job-related content including items like bulletins and work instructions
  • Utilize diagnostic-related programs and reference materials
  • Connect with the vehicle to gather fault codes and vehicle health reports
  • Validate repairs or conduct tests on a unit while it is not in the shop

“The items noted [above] are all being performed at the unit while the repairs are taking place. Eliminating the need to walk over to a centralized computer station,” advise experts at Penske.  

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Fleet Maintenance staff

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