Information Regarding Updated PC Grade Specifications and Techline Support (U.S. Only)
| Subject: | Information Regarding Updated PC Grade Specifications and Techline Support (U.S. Only) |
| Models: | 2007 and Prior Saturn Vehicles |
Important: Saturn retailers in Canada should refer to the Techline PC specifications (located on GMinfoNET under Service & Body) and Techline validated PC equipment available from GM Dealer Equipment (www.gmde.net/canada or 1-800-GM-TOOLS).
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide Saturn Retailers with information about updated PC requirements and Techline support. This bulletin includes information on the following topics:
| • | Overview of the supporting factors |
| • | Hardware requirements for facilities |
| • | Required PC specifications |
| • | PC purchase information |
| • | Techline contact information |
OVERVIEW
The utilization of PCs for servicing vehicles is more important than ever. The Multiple PC Initiative (MPI) provides the opportunity to help your technicians fix each vehicle right the first time, increase productivity and improve CSI. The information outlined in this bulletin offers a turnkey solution for your retail facility with today’s latest PC hardware and networking technology at a competitive price.
Technicians in your service department need multiple PCs to find the following information:
| • | Campaigns |
| • | Service Bulletins |
| • | Owner Manual Information |
| • | Service Programming System (SPS) |
| • | Service Repair Information |
| • | Warranty History (Saturn National Vehicle History [NVH]) |
| • | GM Vehicle Inquiry System (GM VIS) |
| • | Techlink Articles |
| • | Technician Forum |
The Internet has changed the way we do business today. As a result, here are some of the changes that will take place in the immediate future:
| • | All Techline applications will be integrated into DealerWorld. |
| • | Vehicle calibrations will be downloaded via the internet using TIS2WEB and the Tech 2®. This requires a PC to be in close proximity to the vehicle. |
| • | Ability for technicians to access vehicle build dates and RPOs from the retail facility DSP and GM VIS. |
What we know today:
| • | Not nearly enough retail facilities are taking advantage of having multiple PCs in their service department to increase their efficiency. |
| • | Some technicians will not use available service information if it is not readily accessible. |
| • | Some technicians may not walk into the service manager’s office to use a PC. |
| • | Some technicians will not use a PC that is slow, out of date, or unreliable unless they absolutely have to. |
Studies indicate that dealers who have installed multiple PCs have the following:
| • | Increased gross profit contribution to the service department |
| • | Decreased technician time on the phone with Technical Assistance |
| • | Reduced retail facilities cost related to servicing vehicles |
| • | Reduced number of comebacks and related expenses |
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO USE WEB SERVICE APPLICATIONS?
Successful implementation of the MPI requires high-speed Internet connectivity and a ratio of Technicians to PCs that allows, and encourages, computer use. GM recommends the following:
| • | 1 computer to 2 technicians ratio |
| • | Business grade PCs or laptops |
Important: The Saturn Service Stall (SSS) can be included when determining the total number of PCs required for a facility. The SSS must meet the minimum hardware specifications, be connected to the Internet in order to access Service Information, TIS2WEB, GM VIS and other web based applications.
Important: Dealerworld IDs and Passwords: Each Technician is required to have their own Dealerworld ID and password in order to access web based service applications. The retailers’ Partner Security Coordinator (PSC) can create these IDs.
REQUIRED PC AND PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS
Important: PCs that do not meet the specifications outlined below are considered "Non-Supported Hardware." As a result, the Techline Customer Support Center (TCSC) will be unable to provide troubleshooting support for Techline applications. Ensure the PC meets the specifications listed in this bulletin before purchasing.
Business Grade PC Specifications
PCs that are not business grade are considered "non-supported hardware." Unlike a home grade PC, a business or commercial PC is specifically configured for use in a business network environment. PCs in this class have components designed and supported for use in a network environment. Additionally, they have greater life cycle stability due to "designed-in" serviceability. Techline applications may not function properly on typical non-business grade hardware.
Business Grade PCs
| • | Extended product availability cycles |
| • | Ease of serviceability of internal components |
| • | Network manageability, utilizing industry standards to manage setup and maintenance |
Home Grade PCs
| • | Designed with multi-media features used for gaming, video, music, etc. |
| • | Home networking configurations |
| • | Preloaded with internet ready configurations designed for the home user |
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR NEW DESKTOP PCs FOR SERVICE DEPARTMENT USE
CURRENTLY TESTED BUSINESS PCs | HP® dc5000 Series, IBM® ThinkCentre, Dell Optiplex®, Gateway E Series®, Nobilis® |
CPU | *Intel Pentium® 4 3.0 GHz, 865G chip set. 800 Mhz or greater front side bus, 1024 KB L2 cache |
*Non Pentium® processors such as Celeron®, Cyrix and AMD are NOT compatible with Techline software. | |
Hard Drive | 40 GB Smart III ULTRA ATA/100 or greater |
RAM | 512 MB RAM or greater |
Graphics Memory | Integrated AGP with 64 MB memory or greater |
Audio | Integrated 16 bit Audio with Internal Speakers or greater |
Optical Drive (CD-ROM/DVD) | 40X/16X CD/DVD combo drive |
Network Adapter | Integrated 10/100, PCI or ISA Ethernet Network |
Communications Port | 1 Parallel, 1 Serial, 1 or more USB |
Monitor | 17" SVGA or greater |
Operating System | Microsoft Windows XP® Professional SP2 with Internet Explorer 6.0 |
Anti-Virus Software | Current Virus Protection installed and updates should be run on a regular basis to ensure the latest virus detection/removal is available. |
System Recovery | Full operating system recovery package. Ensure the PC manufacturer or reseller provides the necessary recovery software to restore the operating system in the event of a major software failure. |
Laptops
The Hewlett Packard® NC6000, NC4010, Gateway® 450 E/X series, Nobilis® CL51, Dell® Latitude D800 / D600, and Panasonic® Toughbooks CF-29/CF-51 are currently the only laptop PCs validated to function with all Techline applications including TIS Service Programming System (SPS). Other laptops may not support SPS or communicate properly with the Tech 2 and will not be supported for hardware communication issues.
Important: The HP® NC4010 and Nobilis® laptops are the only Techline validated laptops that do not have a built in serial port and must use Quatech SSP-100 RS-232 single serial port card for Tech 2® communications.
Printers
Most commercially available laser or inkjet printers are adequate for printing SI procedures and diagrams. Printing speed and networking capability are the primary criteria to evaluate. If an existing network printer is used, it should be in close proximity to the service shop to allow easy access by technicians.
WHERE CAN PCs BE PURCHASED?
Retailers can purchase computer hardware through GM Dealer Equipment. All hardware offered through GM Dealer Equipment meets the required specifications and is compatible with all Techline applications.
GM Dealer Equipment: Shop at http://www.gmde.net/ or call 1-800-GM-Tools
RETAILER SITE ASSESSMENT AND CONTACTS
For assistance in determining what hardware solution is best suited for your retail facilities service department contact Techline Customer Support (TCSC) at 1-800-7SATURN prompt 4, prompt 4, prompt 2. TCSC specialists will work with the GM Techline Consultant in your region to complete an assessment if necessary.
