PleaseFix from Knorr-Bremse TruckServices – efficient digital repair workflow for workshops and vehicle fleets.

Knorr-Bremse is systematically digitizing its products and services. The targeted services offered by new business models help business partners overcome the challenges of transformation and digitization. Knorr-Bremse TruckServices is also making a major contribution to this with its commitment and innovative solutions. In line with its slogan, “Future Ready Aftermarket. Products & Services for today. Solutions for tomorrow.” Knorr-Bremse TruckServices is working together with various initiatives throughout the entire value chain to create a holistic aftermarket ecosystem. The goal is to offer a comprehensive range of services that meets the needs of customers. This includes a fully digitized maintenance and repair process for commercial vehicles. “The time is ripe for our PleaseFix application,” explains Frank Merwerth, CEO of PleaseFix GmbH. He knows from experience: “Workshops want to carry out repairs and maintenance quickly, smoothly, and to the satisfaction of their customers. This is crucial for the success of all parties involved. Workshops can increase their turnover with faster vehicle turnaround, and fleet operators only earn money with trucks that are in operation. So, what could be more obvious than optimizing the repair workflow?”

PleaseFix perfectly complements TruckServices' offering

Knorr-Bremse TruckServices already offers diagnostic solutions, technical documentation, and a hotline for efficient truck repair and maintenance processes. The new PleaseFix application fits into this picture as a digital building block. This is particularly applicable in combination with the Knorr-Bremse Diagnostics and Jaltest Diagnostics diagnostic software, a new workshop benchmarking system – TruckServices is cooperating with the company WESP – and the TruckServices Expert Network partner program for workshops. “Together with PleaseFix, these solutions will form a comprehensive offering that makes efficient repair workflows a matter of course,” says Frank Merwerth, looking ahead.

PleaseFix brings repair shops and fleets together

The business idea behind PleaseFix is based on extensive customer feedback, with numerous interviews conducted and evaluated. Frank Merwerth explains: "Workshop employees find the process of agreeing repair requests and appointments very time-consuming and labor-intensive. At the same time, fleets want improved and transparent information about when a vehicle will be available again. Regarding workshop appointments, there was therefore a need for simplified availability and booking management. This is already established in other areas of life and business, such as restaurant and doctor's appointments or even car repair shops."

This resulted in the business idea for the PleaseFix application platform, which digitally connects workshops and fleets and supports them throughout the repair process. PleaseFix provides customers—both workshops and fleet operators—with answers to key questions: What repairs are needed? What specifically needs to be repaired? Which workshop can do this and when? And, very importantly, when can the truck return to fleet operation?

PleaseFix includes a range of specific features, including the display of available workshop appointments, user-friendly appointment booking functions, efficient capacity management, and transparent display of repair and service status. Advanced features such as payment are planned. “As a result, workshops will be able to further optimize their processes, utilization, and expand their customer base by gaining access to new fleets,” summarizes Frank Merwerth.

Market access via workshop network

TruckServices traditionally has close business relationships with repair shops. Frank Merwerth sees this as a strategically advantageous starting point for further market positioning: "Repair shops in the TruckServices Expert Network and Alltrucks network already make extensive use of our comprehensive range of digital solutions. In line with our end-to-end approach, we want to use this customer base to promote our PleaseFix offering to fleet operators and inspire them with its advantages."

PleaseFix is more than just an appointment scheduling tool

TruckServices covers the entire vehicle maintenance and repair lifecycle with PleaseFix: from service intervals and appointment bookings to documentation and compliance. The close connection between workshops and fleets on the digital platform creates compelling economic benefits by removing analog barriers between fleet management and workshop systems. Thus, strengthening companies’ competitiveness.

The advantages for workshops are obvious: Better capacity utilization, increased revenue, reduction of unproductive times, and improved customer loyalty.

• Increased revenue expected: Workshops can expand their customer base by gaining access to new fleet operators and optimize their capacity utilization through more efficient scheduling and capacity planning.
• Reduce communication effort with fleets: Unproductive time is avoided through tool-supported communication of availability, work progress, and pick-up times.
• Improve customer loyalty: The platform supports intensified customer relationships and increased customer satisfaction.

The advantages for fleet operators: Reduction in time spent on fleet management and downtime of commercial vehicles.

• Significantly reduced time spent on fleet management: Easy search and booking of workshop appointments based on clear information about available workshops and simple scheduling. Knorr-Bremse TruckServices estimates that time savings of up to 50% are possible.
• Reduce communication effort: Fleets receive reliable real-time information from workshops about the repair status and availability of the vehicle.
• Reduce commercial vehicle downtime: Optimized fleet planning through better maintenance and appointment management based on optimal workshop selection, minimal downtime, and clear transparency regarding vehicle availability. Knorr-Bremse TruckServices believes that downtime can be reduced by up to 30%.

Supporting customers in the digital transformation

The digital transformation is unstoppable. Knorr-Bremse TruckServices is working to convince its customers and wants to support them with PleaseFix in this transition and thus actively contribute to their successful business future. Knorr-Bremse TruckServices has already reached important milestones in establishing and implementing PleaseFix. The platform has been used by pilot customers for bookings since fall 2024. The main target group in this phase is customers in the DACH region. In the next step, Knorr-Bremse TruckServices is pursuing the expansion to a pan-European PleaseFix network with numerous platform partners.

Workshop customers strengthen positioning and workflow efficiency

In principle, the platform is open to all interested workshops and fleets. The secure and lawful handling of data is regulated by contract. Frank Merwerth: "With PleaseFix, we want to increase the visibility of as many different workshops as possible so that we can offer our service nationwide. PleaseFix will make it easier for fleet operators to find the right workshop and always get the ideal workshop appointment, including customized repair services." The first PleaseFix customers can confirm these advantages of visibility and simplified communication and workflows. For LKW Lasic in Munich, a member of the Alltrucks network, PleaseFix is a factor that strengthens its competitive position. Workshop manager Raffael Lasic: “As an independent workshop, it is essential for us to offer online appointment booking in order to remain competitive and not be at a disadvantage compared to manufacturer-affiliated workshops.” Knut Wischmann, owner of Wischmann-Fahrzeugbau in the Berlin area, highlights the improved workflow processes: “As an Expert Network service partner, we use PleaseFix to optimize the utilization of our workshop and keep the communication effort for appointment scheduling to a minimum.”