Vehicle maintenance is expensive and challenging to track when you don’t have the right tools and knowledge at your disposal. One way that fleets keep track of their maintenance costs is by using the Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Standards. The American Trucking Association developed these standards in 1969. The Technology and Maintenance Council is now the official VMRS maintenance and licensing custodian. VMRS used to be recorded manually on paper, but now it’s easier than ever with fleet maintenance software to help guide the way. What are fleet maintenance reporting standards, and how do they help fleets save on maintenance costs and track their needs more easily?
What Is VMRS?
VMRS stands for Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Standards, which refers to a universal coding system that fleets use to track equipment failure and how much it costs to operate equipment. These codes describe why a particular part failed and what type of maintenance it received. This information helps fleet businesses analyze maintenance data and determine where improvements can be made.
There are 64 VMRS categories called “code keys.” However, most events will be categorized under nine primary elements:
- Equipment master record
- Equipment vocation
- Reason for repair
- Work accomplished
- System level
- Assembly level
- Component level
- Manufacturer/brand
- Technician failure code
Users can obtain nearly endless combinations using numeric codes within these groups.
Who Uses VMRS?
An industry that uses heavy-duty equipment can use VMRS to track its maintenance activity. Many sectors like transportation and logistics, public transit, construction, agriculture, utility services, manufacturing, and fleet maintenance use these codes. Individuals using these codes regularly include fleet managers, maintenance and repair technicians, original equipment manufacturers, and part suppliers.
What are the Benefits of Using VMRS?
Consistency: VMRS serves as an easy-to-use reporting system, providing insights that support better decision-making when it comes to vehicle maintenance. The coding system is universal, which means that data is consistent and remains the same even if other aspects of your business change.
Identify Problems: Fleet managers can more easily identify problems and maintenance issues. They can also track roadside repair costs and reduce them through data analysis.
Easier Budgeting: With historic performance evaluation, budgeting becomes far easier.
Incorporate VMRS in Your Vehicle Maintenance Software
To get started, first, you’ll need to learn the VMRS codes. This guide will walk you through how to get started learning VMRS. Of course, this isn’t the 1970’s when VMRS was invented anymore. You can now use these codes electronically with fleet maintenance software. Azuga’s fleet maintenance software lets you track your maintenance needs electronically, so you never have to worry about losing the data you’ve worked so hard to obtain. Learn more about what Azuga offers by trying a demo with one of our experts!
