Free computer repair software

Just as commercial fleets come in all sizes and types, maintenance software applications for trucking are available for the simplest chores on a shop PC or for fully integrated systems that employ wireless data communications, handheld PCs and all the latest IT technology, or anywhere in between those two extremes.

The following guide offers examples from that entire range of possible IT maintenance solutions. It includes information for each on platforms, intended fleet applications, noteworthy features and what each developer considers to be the strengths of their offering. For more detailed information, telephone and Internet contact information is also provided.

FLEET MAINTENANCE SOFTWARE

All About Computers

APPLICATION: FleetWise VB

PLATFORM: Windows, PC stand-alone or network

FLEET MARKET: for-hire, private, utility, municipal and service fleet operations with 25 to 4,000 vehicles

MAIN FEATURES: PM scheduling, flexible reporting, data exportable to Excel or Access for use with other applications, parts inventory, warranty tracking for repair parts, integrates with outside fuel vendor/automatic pump systems

STRENGTHS: report flexibility, ease of use, strong PM scheduling abilities.

MISC: Finalizing development of ASP version

URL: www.fleetwisevb.com

PHONE: 800-296-2609

Arsenault Assocs.

APPLICATION: Dossier

PLATFORM: Windows, PC stand-alone network

FLEET MARKET: for-hire, private, waste management, construction, DOT, municipal and any other fleet operating 10 or more vehicles

MAIN FEATURES: full range of reports including repair history and costs as well as daily reminder for due and overdue PMs; PM scheduling; parts inventory tracking and ordering; driver information management; exports to 27 file formats for use with other applications

STRENGTHS: quality of reporting; ease of use; robust environment; provides just the information a manager needs

URL: truckfleet.com

PHONE: 800-525-5256

APPLICATION: 24/7 Fleet Online ASP

PLATFORM: Internet-based hosted application (ASP)

FLEET MARKET: small to mid-sized fleets looking to outsource IT implementation and support

MAIN FEATURES: same as Dossier, but lower initial cost and no software installation, maintenance or updating responsibilities; monthly subscription fee instead of upfront purchase expense

STRENGTHS: same as Dossier but with lower initial costs: no need to purchase/upgrade computer hardware or install a dedicated phone line; avoids obsolescence of network software or systems; data backed up off-site and protected by disaster recovery services at high-security, professionally maintained facility

URL: truckfleet.com

PHONE: 800-525-5256

Bender Engineering

APPLICATION: MaintStar V 8

PLATFORM: Windows, PC stand-alone or network

FLEET MARKET: all types and sizes of commercial fleets

MAIN FEATURES: PM tracking and scheduling; mileage and fuel-use tracking; generates repair work orders; maintain cost and repair histories; supports bar coding; interfaces with most accounting systems; handles asset management

STRENGTHS: user friendly; basic package can be expanded as necessary with add on modules; familiar Windows environment, yearly support contract includes free upgrades; exports files in standard data formats

MISC: currently working on development of ASP version

URL: www.maintstar.com

Phone: 800-255-5675

Cetaris

APPLICATION: Fleet Assistant

PLATFORM: Windows client/server and ASP thin client; MS Pocket PC with wireless 802.11b and GPRS communications for technicians

FLEET MARKET: for-hire, private, vocational, service, municipal and any other fleet operations with 60 to 60,000 vehicles

MAIN FEATURES: captures shop-floor repair data from wireless, handheld terminals; provides repair orders indicating both in-house and outsourced work; creates warranty claims with direct integration to OEM warranty systems; identifies and analyzes chronic repairs; provides reports ranging from high-level life-cycle fleet costs down to individual vehicle analysis; offers XML interfaces for accounting, fuel and dispatch applications; can capture engine controller readings remotely over Qualcomm OmniTRACS wireless communication system

STRENGTHS: complex system that can handle largest fleets with multiple locations, but is still easy to use; deeply functional and powerful system that mechanics can learn how to use in three days; direct integration from Fleet Assistant to two OEM warranty systems; true paperless shop system with data moving right from shop floor to executive boardroom

URL: www.cetaris.com

PHONE: 416-679-9555

CFA Software

APPLICATION: CFAWin, CFA.Win.ASP

PLATFORMS: Windows, PC stand-alone or network; Internet hosted application (ASP).

FLEET MARKET: private and public fleets with 50 or more vehicles; tracks assets as well as vehicles

MAIN FEATURES: complete repair history tracking; PM scheduling; automated component warranty tracking; interfaces with fueling systems and onboard computers; over 200 reports available to users; familiar Windows environment

STRENGTHS: easy to use; developed specifically for vehicle maintenance managers with level of detail and trend-tracking required for shop management; includes Crystal Reports application for access to over 200 reports; ASP version provides WAN for multiple fleet locations without investment in network hardware/software

MISC: new version available later this year will add ability to cross-reference JPG files with pictures of equipment and parts, expanded ability for on-screen look up of equipment repair histories, and optional export to HTML for sharing information via email with other departments without direct access to application

URL: www.cfasoftware.com

PHONE: 800-437-6001

Chevin Fleet Solutions

APPLICATION: RoadBASE

PLATFORMS: Windows, client/server

FLEET MARKET: with up to 1,500 vehicles

MAIN FEATURES: comprehensive maintenance shop management and tracking functions; asset management with life-cycle analysis; fully customizable forms; full range of customizable reports; integration with financial, dispatch, inventory and other applications; modules available for wireless bar coding, contract and accident management; inventory and other fleet-management functions; supports contract maintenance operations

STRENGTHS: flexibility; easily configured to work in wide variety of fleet operations; scales easily to accommodate fleet growth; competitive pricing for full-function system

URL: chevinfleet.com

PHONE: 781-793-0788

APPLICATION: FleetWave

PLATFORMS: Windows, PC network; Internet hosted application (ASP)

FLEET MARKET: for-hire, private, vocational, bus, taxi, leasing, contract maintenance and other commercial fleet operations with multiple locations

MAIN FEATURES: same as RoadBASE; supports hand-held Windows CE devices; remote users can access or input data through portals

STRENGTHS: same as RoadBASE; easy to deploy over Internet or intranet for multiple locations; allows controlled access for remote users

URL: chevinfleet.com

PHONE: 781-793-0788

Fleet Maintenance Management Solutions

APPLICATION: EZ Maintenance

PLATFORMS: Windows, PC stand-alone or network

FLEET MARKET: for-hire, private, vocational, leasing, municipal, other types of fleets with 20 to 100 vehicles; also tracks warehouse equipment

MAIN FEATURES: full-featured PM tracking; work orders include parts and procedure information; tracks tire mileage and positions; records total cost and downtime by maintenance event; produces over 80 reports including cost by fleet, vehicle type, individual vehicle or component; network ready at no extra charge; supports bar coding; tracks driver information

STRENGTHS: low-cost, complete maintenance management package;user friendly with familiar Windows environment; tech support for setup is free

URL: www.ez-maintenance.com/FMMS

PHONE: 904-287-8085

Modern Business Computing

APPLICATION: Truck Tracker 5.0

PLATFORMS: Windows, PC stand-alone or network

FLEET MARKET: for-hire, private, vocational, municipal, school bus, service or any type of commercial fleet with 10 to 2,000 vehicles

MAIN FEATURES: automates work order processing; maintains parts inventory; tracks PM schedules and warnings; processes fuel delivery and fuel tax reporting information; tracks tire use and costs; maintains license/certification files for drivers and mechanics Strengths: easy to use, easy to install and manage but has full maintenance management features

URL: www.trucktracker.com

PHONE: 800-980-2555

TLC Software

APPLICATION: TLC-2000 V8.0

PLATFORMS: Windows, PC stand-alone or network

FLEET MARKET: small- to medium-size commercial fleets,up to 500 vehicles

MAIN FEATURES: maintains records for repairs, fuel, PM schedule, parts inventory; uses standard Windows menus and functions to create and manage reports; projects equipment replacement cycles; exports files in Access format

STRENGTHS: ease of use, stability, depth of cost records

URL: www.tlcsoftware.com