New approach for aftersales diagnostics and software updates

Vector has announced vService, a new approach to aftersales diagnostics and programming. vService redefines diagnostics all the way from engineering to aftersales, using collaboration, connectivity, and data to kick-start an agile transformation and prepare aftersales for next-gen Software-Defined Vehicles.

Emerging vehicle technology is creating new challenges for aftersales. The service manages these challenges by combining OTW and OTA connectivity to provide diagnostics, fleet observability and software updates that operate in the workshop or remotely from anywhere in the world. Using an open approach to connectivity, the service uses J2534 and D-PDU API for wired connections and can be connected to OTA via Service-Oriented Vehicle Diagnostics (SOVD) or an existing vehicle API.

The solution allows continuous diagnostic content delivery directly from design data and supports remote collaboration between workshops and the factory for faster problem-solving. Technicians are encouraged to share diagnostic insights and outcomes, fostering a collaborative service environment. This innovative approach minimises vehicle downtime and improves operational efficiency.

The solution brings observability to aftersales fleets. OTA and OTW data is aggregated to provide actionable insights that put manufacturers one step ahead of emerging issues. From these insights, problems can be traced to individual vehicles, where historical data and remote commands help get to the root of a problem without needing a workshop visit.

To simplify software update management and R156 compliance, the service supports update campaigns with mixed OTA and OTW delivery. This lets OEMs select the best download channels for an update without duplication or reconciliation between systems. And because there is an option to deliver updates over the wire, support for independent repairers comes as standard.

“With vService we set out to create something transformational. Instead of doing the same old thing with new technology or crafting an extra system just for OTA, we built a solution that makes it easier to develop diagnostic content, easier to manage updates, easier to spot problems and easier to solve them regardless of how the vehicle is connected, creating a huge opportunity to make aftersales more agile,” says Matt Monnington, product manager for vService at Vector.