VMRS Overview
VMRS – Overview
Developed in 1970, the Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Standards (VMRS) provides a single, concise coding convention to manage fleets’ assets and analyze maintenance operation costs. VMRS provides a vital communication link between maintenance personnel, computers, and management. It establishes a “universal” language for fleets, original equipment manufacturers’ (OEMs), industry suppliers, computers, and the people whose responsibility it is to specify, purchase, operate, and maintain equipment.
Developed by TMC, VMRS provides the discipline necessary for different industry segments to communicate with each other. VMRS is the shorthand of maintenance reporting, eliminating the need for extensive written communications with all the inherent problems of miscommunication normally associated with the written word.
To meet the ever-changing needs of the equipment industry, the ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council serves as the official custodian of VMRS. TMC provides OEMs, manufacturers, part suppliers, and equipment users with updated codes on an “as needed” basis reflective of current equipment design and the informational needs of the VMRS user.
Simple in concept, VMRS can be used at any level, from total operating systems down to the individual part level. The level of coding used is entirely up to the user. No matter which level the user selects, the data collected can be compared directly to data collected by others at the same or higher VMRS coding level. The coding structure encompasses most equipment found within today’s transportation activities including trucks, tractors, trailers, forklifts, shop equipment, off-road vehicles, utility vehicles, etc.
For more information on VMRS or to request a new VMRS code, contact VMRS Services Manager Jack Poster at (703) 838-7928; email: jposter@trucking.org
Additional VMRS resources:
RECENT NEWS ON NEW VMRS FEATURE ALLOWING USER-DEFINED CODES:
RECENT PRESS ARTICLE ON VMRS UPDATES:
https://www.ttnews.com/articles/tmc-highlights-big-changes-vmrs-coding-system
Keeping it Short and Sweet
When it comes to equipment maintenance there are numerous ways to describe what work was performed and why a part failed. When it comes down to it a short, precise description is still preferred by most employees. A technician’s main task is repairing equipment, not dwelling on filling out complicated repair orders. VMRS can help speed up the process.
Code Key 15: Work Accomplished records work performed or accomplished by technicians using a two digit code. The codes are a brief description, usually one word that covers most labor operations. Several examples are; Code 02 Clean, Code 27 Align and Code 33 Tighten.
There are over 35 codes plus codes for PM levels contained in Code Key 15. The codes offer an easy method for technicians to select the repairs performed on various types of equipment.
VMRS also includes Code Key 18: Technician Failure Code describing the apparent failure of a suspect component, as determined by the technician or supervisor. There are over 90 codes included in Code Key 18 describing the most common reasons for part failures. Several examples are; Code 10 Bent, Code 44 Worn and Code 60 Noisy. The codes listed in Code Key 18 are precise and easy for a technician to select. The codes offer a standard method for tracking and reporting part failures for any maintenance repair facility.
Collecting the correct maintenance information is critical to any organization. VMRS is the universal maintenance language that lends itself to better maintenance reports. Using VMRS will help keep reports “short and sweet” and meaningful. It’s the preferred method of maintenance reporting.
The current version of VMRS is version 2.0. To find out more about VMRS, contact me at 703-838-7928 or jposter@trucking.org. Order any VMRS product by calling 866-821-3468 or online at http://atabusinesssolutions.com
VMRS for Tracking Part Failures
Parts fail every day, at all hours of the day, anytime anywhere. There are numerous causes for part failures but describing the correct cause can be a difficult task. Employees need a definitive method for describing part failures when entering the information on repair orders. VMRS has the solution!
Code Key 18: Technician Failure Code contains over 90 concise codes that identify the apparent failure of a suspect component. There are codes to describe if a part is “cracked (14), “out of balance” (25) or “seized” (37). There are also codes for describing body/paint failures, examples are; “overspray” (71), “orange peel” (73), and “thin paint or unpainted” (75).
It’s important that a fleet track part failures in order to spot trends and reoccurring failures. Recording precise parts data will enable a fleet to make the correct purchases and keep inventory levels manageable. VMRS has the tools that will make tracking part failures an easy task for technicians and shop managers. VMRS makes the task easy by providing a precise coding taxonomy. Nothing fancy, just the facts.
Parts will fail, equipment will break down but VMRS will be there to help handle the job. For over 35 years VMRS has been a mainstay in operating many types of maintenance facilities. It’s been the one constant in the maintenance shop that employees can rely on.
The current version of VMRS is version 2.0. To find out more about VMRS contact me at 703-838-7928 or jposter@trucking.org. Order any VMRS product by calling 866-821-3468 or online at http://atabusinesssolutions.com
VMRS – Products That Help
The majority of fleets today are using VMRS as part of their daily maintenance routine. VMRS has truly become an integral part of a fleet’s maintenance operation. VMRS has been in use for over 30 years and yet it’s a good idea to refresh employees on the use of the codes. TMC offers several products that will help familiarize employees with VMRS.
A must for any fleet using VMRS is a copy of the Implementation Handbook. The Handbook includes instructions, descriptions, sample reports and forms, applications, and procedures. The Handbook will help train new employees and reacquaint employees that have been using VMRS for any length of time.
TMC also offers VMRS repair code wall charts. The charts include a complete listing of the “system” codes and a written description of what’s found in each system. Code Key 15 (Work Accomplished) and Code Key 18 (Technician Failure Code) are also listed on the charts. The charts are available in two sizes – Large (25x19) and Small (8.5x11). The charts are a handy way to familiarize employees with the VMRS codes.
You never know when the computers will go down and leave you empty handed. A good way to keep the shop going is to have plenty of the VMRS repair order forms on hand. The form is four-part and records work accomplished and parts used. The forms are also sequentially numbered and include instructions. Having the VMRS repair order forms in stock is a good back-up plan for any fleet.
TMC offers a diverse array of products for any maintenance operation. Please contact us to discuss your needs.
Order any VMRS product by calling 866-821-3468 or online at http://atabusinesssolutions.com. KEYWORD SEARCH: VMRS
The current version of VMRS is version 2.0. To find out more about VMRS, contact me at 703-838-7928 or jposter@trucking.org.