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Connected Workshop - the Bosch vision; The workshop of the future is connected
[September 17, 2014]

Connected Workshop - the Bosch vision; The workshop of the future is connected


(ENP Newswire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ENP Newswire - 17 September 2014 Release date- 16092014 - Solutions for the connection of diagnostic and test devices with, for example, the customer service area have been available for quite a while.



The aim is to avoid having to collect customer and vehicle data again and again, and thus being able to optimize the throughput of the vehicle in the workshop. Bosch had provided important stimuli with its workshop network, which were then realized in the open asanetwork.

The Internet of Things, fast data connections and the possibility of intelligently processing even very large amounts of data have by now opened up completely new dimensions for the socalled Connected Workshop. The workshop of the future knows the 'state of health' of their customers' vehicles and, if necessary, recommends the vehicle owner to have the vehicle repaired even before a component fails. This helps omitting breakdowns and unnecessary downtime, which is especially important for commercial vehicles. The workshop has all information at hand that is necessary for the repairs and is thus able to carry out all works on the customer's vehicle effectively, completely, without delay and in high quality. Bosch has developed the respective components for the Connected Workshop which in the meantime have been tested in practice in pilot projects.


This is what the vehicle workshop of the future looks like The future of the workshop starts with the connected vehicle. A central control device continuously records driving data and information about the operating status and the stress on the different vehicle components. The data is transmitted to a central data processing center where it is processed for preventive diagnostics by using intelligent algorithms. This software combines the vehicle's measured values with data collected from former repairs, experiences from fleet operation and Bosch knowhow about components and vehicle systems. Like this, it is possible to both adapt maintenance appointments to the individual vehicle stress and to calculate the remaining lifespan of individual vehicle components in advance. The Bosch software package also makes it possible to carry out test procedures via telematics services in order to prepare and shorten the upcoming workshop visit.

As required, the driver is informed that maintenance is due or receives the recommendation to have an injector of the injection system replaced as the old one will probably fall out shortly. If the driver accepts the recommendation, he receives a call from the Service Center to schedule an appointment at the workshop. At the same time, the workshop is informed about all aspects of the upcoming repairs, spare parts are ordered and the availability of any necessary special tools is checked. Thus, everything necessary is done to guarantee a trouble-free repair process on the agreed workshop appointment.

All the repair information on an electronic job card Once the driver arrives on the agreed appointment, the license plate is scanned when entering the premises. The customer service advisor is informed about the customer's arrival and at the same time, all data regarding the planned repair is sent to the electronic Bosch job card. This job card accompanies the vehicle throughout the workshop. While the customer service advisor drives the vehicle into the service area, the Bosch 'Flex Inspect' component automatically reads out the fault memory, and checks the battery, the tire inflation pressure and the chassis geometry. Then, the advisor discusses all upcoming works on the vehicle with the driver. This raises customer confidence and gives the service center the opportunity to offer further services.

Augmented Reality supports the work of the mechatronics technician The electronic job card also transmits all the repair information to the workplace of the mechatronics technician. At the same time, Bosch provides him with all diagnostics and vehicle data that is necessary for the repair. This information is permanently updated via Internet connection. Additionally, the mechatronics technician is supported by Augmented Reality on his Bosch DCU tablet computer. Augmented Reality broadens the perception of reality. After the service employee has focused the camera of the tablet computer on the motor compartment, suitable information such as necessary tools and repair instructions are blended in the real picture. The time-consuming consultation of service manuals is thus omitted. Also components that are hidden behind coverings or the cabling behind a dashboard can be depicted as three-dimensional images. The data for the Augmented Reality backup are automatically sent from a cloud application to the workshop tablet.

The mechatronics technician can call for additional support by Bosch service center employees via remote service. Using special software, Bosch specialists are able to long-distance control test devices or check parameter of air-conditioning devices, provide support for calibration or guide the workshop employee step-by-step through the AC service.

All finished works are then documented on the electronic Bosch job card. The service employee is thus able to explain what has been repaired in detail when the customer picks up his vehicle. At the same time, the information regarding the repair process is transmitted to the data center where it is processed using the Bosch analysis software, which constantly improves preventive diagnostics.

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