PORTLAND, Ore. — Detroit’s Virtual Technician onboard diagnostic system has won a Silver Award in the Applied Technologies/Smart Systems category at the Edison Awards.

Established in 1987 and named after inventor Thomas Alva Edison, the Edison Awards honour excellence in product and service development, human-centred design and innovation. Evaluated by a panel of 3,000 judges, award winners represent game-changing products, services and excellence.

Detroit’s Virtual Technician technology is designed to help reduce downtime and decrease maintenance costs by providing a technical snapshot of the engine’s status as soon as the Check Engine light comes on. The Detroit Customer Support Center then relays the information to the provided contact to determine the exact issue, recommended service, how soon the engine needs to be serviced, and supply the closest authorized Detroit service location. Trained technicians are then alerted in advance of the customer’s arrival, so they can line up the parts, arrange for service and repair the problem.

“Being recognized with an Edison Award is a significant honor, and we are proud that Detroit Virtual Technician has earned this achievement,” said Richard Shearing, general manager of sales for Detroit. “Virtual Technician is a ground-breaking technology that underscores our unwavering commitment to providing our customers with the most advanced tools to increase productivity and efficiency.”

The Edison Award is the second award given to Detroit Virtual Technician. In 2012, the product received the ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Council’s Best of the Best award.