With its predictive maintenance function for the TraXon transmission system, ZF adds a further digitalisation solution to its commercial vehicle portfolio starting in 2019.

From 2019, ZF‘s TraXon modular transmission system will be equipped with an optional predictive maintenance function.

This offers fleet operators the capability to monitor the condition of critical individual components such as transmission oil or clutch disks via the Cloud.

ZF uses transmission modules pre-installed in the vehicle and transfers information about the transmission‘s condition to the vehicle OEM‘s Cloud.

The OEM data platform is also connected to the ZF Cloud. The latter has the ability to take the primary data it receives and compile reports on the condition of the transmission components. These can then be read by the OEM or fleet operator and used to proactively plan maintenance.

“With our new predictive maintenance function, we are expanding our reliable TraXon transmission system with an eye toward networking,” said Winfried Gründler, head of truck and van driveline technology, ZF Commercial Vehicle Technology Division.

“Vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators gain real added value, as they can count on both our deep transmission expertise as well as our digital competence when it comes to the diagnostic reports.”

With its predictive maintenance strategy, ZF focuses on critical individual and wearing components such as transmission oil or clutch disks. The constant ability to evaluate data enables relevant components to be replaced or repaired in good time, helping avoid expensive breakdowns. The transmission‘s service life can be extended, and standstills and downtime reduced.

In addition, fleet operators can do without complex contingency plans to maintain the supply chain in the event of a breakdown, significantly reducing the total cost of ownership.

ZF also has an eye to the future of road transportation: If autonomous driving prevails in the commercial vehicle industry in the long run, predictive maintenance will be important to enable smooth logistic processes on long routes.