The cloud-based solution will act as a single interface, incorporating data from multiple sources, and provide the MCI team complete visibility into where repairs are occurring, what parts need to be ordered and trends and predictions for future issues.
Syncron announced the parts distribution division of Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a subsidiary of New Flyer Industries Inc., selected Syncron's service parts inventory management solution to help reinvent the way it serves the more than 28,000 in-service motor coaches across the U.S. and Canada.
With nearly 1.7 million passenger miles logged annually in the motorcoach industry, it's imperative to MCI that its customers experience minimal downtime, and are even able to get ahead of maintenance issues, to keep buses running and passengers happy.
To achieve this, MCI sought a cloud-based service parts inventory management solution that would enable them to optimize service parts inventory levels, specifically reducing new and excess inventory, and that would help increase its first-time fill rates for spare parts. The company provides 24-hour roadside assistance 365 days a year, so a technology that provides a central approach to inventory — allowing them to see maintenance trends and predictions across multiple locations — is critical to ongoing success.
MCI's previous system had become outdated, however the Syncron solution will lead to greater productivity and reduce the amount of manual processes currently in place. The cloud-based solution will act as a single interface, incorporating data from multiple sources, and provide the MCI team complete visibility into where repairs are occurring, what parts need to be ordered and trends and predictions for future issues.
Related: Houston Metro adds 10 more MCI Commuter Coaches
Additionally, Syncron integrates seamlessly with the company's ERP, IBM AS400.
As MCI continues to become more sophisticated in its approach to services and repairs, the company will work with Syncron to ensure all of its buyers are trained on the solution and that it is being used to its fullest potential — guaranteeing fill rates increase and excess inventory decreases.
Premiums remain elevated. Underwriting scrutiny is intense. And claims costs continue to rise at historic levels. Behind those numbers lies a complex mix of legal, medical, and cultural forces reshaping the commercial landscape.
The company said it has remained the most widely purchased model in the new coach market across the US and Canada, according to historical data from the Motorcoach Builders Survey conducted by the American Bus Association
A phased approach to technology, in-house capabilities, and workforce investment is helping transportation leaders break the reactive cycle and build more resilient, revenue-focused operations.
The company's flagship H3-45 is also the best-selling 45-foot motorcoach in North America, according to vehicle registration data from S&P Global Mobility (Polk).
METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman spoke with Mueller about the opening event, the company’s progress since launching in late 2022, and the road ahead.
METRO Executive Editor Alex Roman presented the award to the operation’s President/CEO Scott Parsons at the United Motorcoach Association’s EXPO in Birmingham, Alabama.
The new facility, spanning more than 43,000 square feet, includes pre-delivery inspection, a large repair, maintenance, and service center, an administrative building, and a dedicated training and delivery center for customers and service partners.
