Fleet Maintenance - 46

TMC Special Section
VMRS

»VMRS is a structured coding system that provides the discipline to operate in today's
point-and-click world.
162459671 | Vitpho | Dreamstime

VMRS CHARTING
NEW HORIZONS
TO IMPROVE
COST EQUIPMENT
REPORTING

For more than 50 years, VMRS
has reflected the many changes
that have occurred in equipment
maintenance - adapting as
equipment, technology, and systems evolve.
By Jack Poster, VMRS Services Manager, TMC

In today's fast-paced world, there is a
need for consistent communication. Too many
times the lines of communication break down and
things come to a grinding halt - especially when
it comes to equipment maintenance. Fortunately,
industry data professionals have an important
tool to deal with these challenges: the Vehicle
Maintenance Reporting Standard (VMRS).
Managed by ATA's Technology & Maintenance
Council (TMC), VMRS is the conduit that keeps
the information moving in the right direction
with precision and clarity. For more than 50
years, VMRS has reflected the many changes

46 Fleet Maintenance | July 2020

that have occurred in equipment maintenance
- adapting as equipment, technology, and
systems evolve.
VMRS is a coding convention that standardizes equipment cost reporting. It consists of data
elements called Code Keys that can describe
every action, part, or function of a vehicle and any
maintenance or specification associated with it. In
these Code Keys, TMC populates codes to describe
specific traits of a part, vehicle, labor task, warranty, activity, etc. There are more than 64 active Code
Keys, but the most commonly known deal with
parts and labor.

The most commonly known Code Key deals
with parts, Code Key 33, "Component Code." It
is a nine-character data element that has three
portions to it: System-Assembly-Component.
The following is an example of what the code
would be for a front brake lining: 013-001-015 where:
Ü System: 013 Brakes
Ü Assembly within system: 001 Front Brakes and
Drums
Ü Part level within assembly: 015 Brake Lining,
Front
There are more than 30,000 codes in VMRS and
it is constantly growing.
TMC works with equipment users, fleets, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), parts
suppliers, and software firms when adding new
codes to the VMRS database. That's what keeps
VMRS relevant and vital for all users. VMRS is a
structured coding system that provides the discipline to operate in today's point-and-click world.
VMRS had always included codes for new
and emerging technologies. Collision avoidance
system codes were introduced in 2002 with more
than 35 codes listed. In 2006, TMC included
codes for the lane departure and exhaust aftertreatment systems.
Many times, new codes are added prior to the
release of the technology. For example, selective
catalytic reduction (SCR) system codes were
added in 2008, two years prior to the system being
mandated by law. TMC worked with several truck
OEMs to enter the codes and have them ready for
general use.
Electric lane assist assembly codes were
recently added to VMRS, as well as codes for a
fifth-wheel electronic sensor coupling system.
VMRS codes were also added to reflect the newer
antifreeze compounds found in today's equipment; there are VMRS codes for OAT, NOAT, and
HOAT types of coolant.
There are codes for newer aerodynamic devices
such as wheel covers and splash guards. There
are also new VMRS codes for a trailer rear tail
extender assembly and codes for a trailer walking
floor assembly.
TMC is currently collaborating with several
manufacturers on developing VMRS codes for
electric vehicle components. It's vital to have the
manufacturing community's support and assistance when entering codes for new and emerging
technologies because adding new VMRS codes is
truly a collaborative effort. As new technologies
are introduced, TMC will continue to make sure
that VMRS contains the codes needed for implementation and general use by all concerned.
There is more to VMRS than the nine-digit
Component Code. There are also Code Keys for
describing asset types, labor functions, and part
failures, among others. A new Code Key was
recently added for recording tire position using
four data points; axle type, axle sequence, left/
right position, and inner/outer/center orientation.
Another new Code Key has been requested as a
proposed means to designate the frequency/time
of a maintenance occurrence. Both new Code Key
requests came from key industry stakeholders
who feel that implementing VMRS is an important part of their business model.

Fleet Maintenance

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Fleet Maintenance