“Digitizing and connecting the ecosystem around the bus”: goals and features of ZF Bus Connect, explained

Sponsored by ZF

With over 10,000 electric buses served worldwide, ZF Bus Connect (launched in late 2021) continues to support the industry’s shift toward zero-emission mobility. Its latest features include advanced proactive vehicle health checks and remote connection capabilities.

In this interview, Gerrie Geeraerts, Global Sales & Operations Leader at ZF Bus Connect, shares insights on the rapid transformation of fleet management systems and how they’re shaping the future of public transport.

The evolution of the fleet management industry

The fleet management industry has evolved significantly over the years. Could you describe the evolution of fleet management systems and how these changes have shaped the industry?

Over the past decade, fleet management systems have undergone tremendous transformation to keep up with the changing market requirements. Initially, the focus was primarily on operational insights such as route optimization and monitoring driver behaviour. However, in recent years, the scope has broadened significantly to encompass a more holistic approach.

Today, there’s an increased emphasis on ensuring vehicle health and sustainability. This shift means that fleet management now also provides valuable data for proactive maintenance strategies. These insights help fleet operators optimize uptime by predicting and preventing potential issues before they cause a breakdown. This reduces maintenance times and costs, which are critical for fleet efficiency.

Moreover, as the global focus shifts towards greener operations, the latest fleet management solutions are integrating zero-emission strategies, helping fleet managers with metrics such as battery health, range and charging management amongst others, helping organizations meet their sustainability goals. This evolution signifies that fleet management systems are no longer just operational tools but are strategic assets that support overall business growth and sustainability.

In response to these evolving needs of bus operators, fleets, and OEMs, ZF has adapted its digital strategy with a key focus on vehicle uptime. By leveraging advanced data analytics and preventive maintenance solutions, ZF’s approach ensures that fleets can maintain optimal performance while contributing to the next generation of mobility. This strategy aligns with the company’s broader mission to support sustainable, efficient, and future-proof transportation solutions.

Can you share the strategy and vision behind ZF Aftermarket’s Digital Solutions, particularly in the context of ZF Bus Connect?

Our digital strategy revolves around digitizing and connecting the entire ecosystem surrounding the bus, enabling a more transparent, faster, and proactive approach to fleet management and maintenance. Our vision is to provide fleet operators, workshops, and OEMs with a suite of digital tools that streamline operations and facilitate better decision-making.

ZF Bus Connect is designed to support the unique needs of bus fleets and bus OEM’s. It leverages ZF’s deep expertise and access to proprietary vehicle data from key components such as the ZF EcoLife transmission and AxTrax systems. With ZF Bus Connect, operators can monitor conditions of conventional and electric buses, including battery health and management for electric vehicles. This data-driven approach enhances vehicle performance, optimizes maintenance schedules, and ultimately contributes to greater fleet sustainability, efficiency and safety.

We have also developed several new digital solutions, including ZF [pro]Manager, a modern workshop management software. This all-in-one platform streamlines customer interactions from booking to payment, offering a seamless digital experience. ZF [pro]Manager supports Independent Aftermarket (IAM) workshops by automating routine tasks such as bookings and customer communication which enhances efficiency and in turn, can reduce downtime for fleet operators.

Additionally, Vandy, our smart fleet management system for Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), was created to meet the unique needs of non-traditional fleet owners, helping them optimize mobility uptime, streamline maintenance, and enhance overall business operations.

Through these solutions, ZF is creating a comprehensive digital ecosystem that not only boosts productivity but also aligns with the evolving needs of modern mobility. With a focus on leveraging unique vehicle data, we are well-positioned to support the next generation of connected, efficient, and sustainable transportation solutions.

ZF Bus Connect: maximizing uptime with new features

ZF Bus Connect has been instrumental in supporting bus operators globally. Can you tell us more about the new solutions and functionalities designed specifically to maximize uptime?

ZF Bus Connect has always been focused on improving cost efficiency and operational effectiveness for bus operators. Initially, the platform offered essential features such as a live view and e-logbook, which help optimize fleet deployment, manage routes, and monitor fuel usage. These tools were also designed to encourage safer driving practices, which help reduce fuel consumption and lower operational costs.

Building on these capabilities, we’ve now introduced new features specifically aimed at maximizing uptime and minimizing maintenance disruptions. One of the most significant additions is the proactive vehicle health check. This system continuously monitors critical components of the bus, allowing operators to detect potential issues early on and take timely action, significantly reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns. Additionally, we’ve added remote vehicle connection capabilities, which allow technicians to address and resolve certain issues without the vehicle needing to visit the workshop. This greatly reduces downtime and keeps the buses on the road longer.

Evolving into a more versatile platform

What makes ZF Bus Connect stand out in terms of vehicle data integration?

ZF Bus Connect stands out by integrating unique vehicle data from ZF components, such as the ZF EcoLife transmission. This data is invaluable in supporting predictive maintenance strategies, enabling operators to make informed, data-driven decisions that accelerate the maintenance process, enhance vehicle uptime, and improve passenger safety. We are also extending our condition monitoring approach to the crucial electric drivetrain components such as ZF AxTrax, which will lead to even deeper insights into vehicle performance in the near future.

How is ZF Bus Connect evolving to meet the diverse needs of its global customers?

ZF Bus Connect is evolving into a more versatile platform by integrating data from external systems and offering Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) options. This flexibility allows clients to either integrate ZF Bus Connect data into their own systems or leverage external data within the ZF Bus Connect platform, improving overall efficiency and visibility. This adaptability makes the platform suitable for a wide range of clients, from public transport authorities to fleet operators, manufacturers, and workshops.

Who are some of the key clients using ZF Bus Connect, and how widespread is its adoption?

ZF Bus Connect is used by a diverse range of customers globally, including public transport authorities, bus fleet operators, manufacturers, and workshops. Some of our esteemed clients include Karsan in Turkey, ZVB in Switzerland, Ikarus in Hungary, and Custom Denning in Australia. With over 10,000 active units on the platform, ZF Bus Connect is continuously refined to meet the evolving needs of our customers and to ensure they can provide safe and reliable transportation services.