There is no disputing the quality of genuine OE parts. In some cases, the same can be said for diagnostic software. However, an aftermarket alternative can be the best, most cost-effective solution for a fleet.

“As fleet maintenance shops diversify in terms of makes and models, engines, transmissions, braking systems, and now even trailers, they need an OE software for each one,” says Chris Freeman, director of sales/training HD at Autel, a developer of intelligent diagnostics, detection, and analysis systems. “As you buy all of these OE software packages, it really starts to stack up over time.”

A good “all makes and models” diagnostic aftermarket solution can help a fleet reduce both cost and complexity.

Some OE software is rather expensive, says Freeman, who entered the industry as a technician in 1990. First there is the upfront cost, which can obviously add up when a fleet has to purchase numerous OE software platforms. Additionally, when a license expires, the software will often go dark unless the fleet renews it.

With some aftermarket solutions, on the other hand, the fleet can continue using the software after its license expires; the fleet will just stop receiving updates. Those updates may or may not be essential to a given fleet. For example, if a smaller fleet plans on running the same trucks for the next several years, updates may not be essential.

On the contrary, sometimes a fleet will conclude that updates are essential. If so, there are a few other things to scrutinize.

“A fleet should purchase an aftermarket tool from a company that invests in continuous enhancements,” says Scott Bolt, director of product management for Noregon, a provider of commercial vehicle diagnostic, repair, and data analytic solutions. “As new vehicles are introduced and technicians’ needs evolve, the tool must keep pace with coverage and feature updates. Are those updates covered throughout the year for active subscribers? It should be as easy as possible for technicians to run the latest version of the software without waiting on approval for unexpected costs.”

Computer hardware is another consideration when comparing aftermarket diagnostic solutions.

“You have to think about cost,” Freeman says. “Some laptops wind up obsolete in one or two years. To maximize ROI, it is critical to have rugged, up-to-date hardware and software that is not going to become outdated right away.”

A solution that covers all bases

Fleets should look for an aftermarket solution that covers all makes and models — at a level comparable to OE software. Autel’s Freeman says “all makes and models” refers to not only engines, but also other vehicle systems including transmissions, brakes, body controllers, ADAS, TPMS, and trailers.

Fleets should then look for software that is intuitive and relatively easy to use.

For example, when connecting Autel’s diagnostic tool to a vehicle, the tool senses which engine it is dealing with, and suggests only tests related to that engine. Some OE software, on the other hand, might show a long list of tests for several of its engine models.

“Little things like that help a technician become more efficient,” Freeman says. “To me, that is the true definition of uptime. Data is wonderful. The challenge is how a technician is expected to consume that data. You can give a technician a 55-gallon drum full of data. But if we expect the technician to consume that data with a spoon, how efficient are we really being?”

Noregon’s Bolt says fleets should inquire about an aftermarket solution’s graphing and reporting capabilities. Are the reports configurable? Can the user easily print a full total vehicle health report? Can the user define data groups to chart and help diagnose communication issues? These are all features a fleet could find useful to improve shop efficiency.

Match features and cost to needs and budget

When comparing aftermarket solutions, fleets must first identify their needs and objectives.

Some fleets may simply want the ability to connect to a truck to see what’s wrong. Tyler Robertson, CEO of Diesel Laptops, says these fleets will benefit from a good entry-level diagnostic tool that simply reads fault codes. Diesel Laptops is a provider of both OE and aftermarket diagnostic hardware, software, training, and support.

For fleets that want to communicate with their vehicles, mid- and upper-level tools with bidirectional functionality are better options.

With respect to mid-level diagnostic tools, Robertson says sticker price could be in the $3,000 to $5,500 range. These tools will perform 75 to 80 percent of dealer-level commands.

“The most popular mid-level solutions do the 12 or 15 most common things a fleet needs to do,” Robertson points out. “We’re talking about things like injector cutouts, forced regens, and adjusting maximum road speed and cruise speed.”

On the upper end, Robertson says an aftermarket solution should do at least 95 percent of what the OE tool can do — and do it on all makes and models.

“We’re talking 100 or more commands,” Robertson says. These tools might cost upwards of $10,000.

Autel’s MS908CV is one tool at the upper end of the functionality spectrum.

“The technician can change system parameters and perform multiplexing functionality on the programming,” Freeman says.

Autel also offers its MS906CV, which Freeman refers to as a “triage tool.” It falls somewhere between entry-level and mid-level functionality. Freeman says it is a great option for fleets with mobile maintenance operations.

“A technician won’t be able to perform injector cutouts, but that’s not what a mobile technician is looking to do anyway,” Freeman relates. “Mobile technicians will be able to do things like DPF [diesel particulate filter] forced regens. A technician will also be able to assess what is wrong with the vehicle to determine if it needs to be towed back to the shop, or if it can be fixed in the field.”

Solid training and support

The diagnostic tool and software represent just one piece of the puzzle.

“The fleet also needs training — not only on how to use the diagnostic tool, but also basic technician skills like electrical and aftertreatment,” Diesel Laptops’ Robertson says. “You also need somebody you can call for help.”

Training accessibility is another thing to look for in a software vendor.

The bottom line is that fleets have different needs requiring different diagnostic solutions. When they do their homework and purchase the right aftermarket solution, they can satisfy those needs at a lower cost and with far less complexity.