Information moves at the speed of light, and that's no different when it comes to construction equipment.

Earlier this year, John Deere released its latest digital self-repair tool, John Deere Operations Center pro service. A separate diagnostic dashboard within the operations center allows customers to further troubleshoot potential issues, John Deere's Pro Service is just the latest digital resource released.

"We've been proactively working with the customers to solve machine issues with dedicated support teams since the beginning of John Deere's Customer Service Advisor more than 10 years ago," said Jeff Wiener, machine support manager of RDO Equipment Co. "We partner with customers to minimize downtime through a centralized support team plus boots-on-the-ground experts."

The Operations Center's pro service tool will gradually replace the customer service advisor (CSA) tool over the next 12 months. Currently, pro service is a web-based experience, unlike John Deere's customer service advisor, which can be accessed via mobile for customers with an active CSA license. CSA customers will be able to access this tool for the duration of their current CSA license term. Before downloading pro service, let's review its system requirements, enhanced features and license options.

John Deere Operations Center Pro Service, Explained

Designed to give heavy equipment owners more control over equipment maintenance, the pro service tool can potentially reduce downtime and increase operational efficiency. Pro service uses Operations Center's JDLink connectivity to build on existing tools like operator manuals, logged diagnostic trouble codes and warranty information. Pro service includes advanced features that can help owners complete the following tasks:

• access machine health insights and diagnostic codes;

• view PIN-specific manuals and content;

• perform software reprogramming for John Deere controllers;

• run diagnostic readings, recordings and interactive tests; and

• complete calibrations and condition monitoring.

"Pro service offers a more intuitive user experience than customer service advisor," Wiener said. "And the available Pro service licensing options offer flexibility for equipment fleet owners of all sizes, although heavy equipment owners should discuss Pro service requirements and licenses with a trusted partner."

Before installing pro service, customers need to check the software's minimal requirements:

• Pro service OS: Windows 11

• RAM and storage recommendations: 16GB and up to 500GB of storage

Licensing, Support FAQs Answered

John Deere and trusted dealers like RDO work together to create the best heavy equipment ownership experience. Part of that includes developing self-repair tools that can be affordable for various operation sizes.

"Current customer service advisor license owners will receive notifications within their operations center account at least 30 days before expiration," Wiener said. "Pro service will not be automatically renewed, so heavy equipment owners can have time to contact their trusted aftermarket sales professional to discuss their options."

Wiener explains that pro service licenses can be categorized in a few ways like per machine or per organization. John Deere pro service also includes service business options for ag, turf, construction, forestry, utilities and other service-based operations.

"When John Deere releases new digital self-repair tools, we at RDO Equipment want to be the first place a customer calls," Wiener said. "We've had one customer call and realized he had multiple operations center accounts with different customer service advisor subscriptions. We were able to help this customer centralize his 17 machines under one fleet organization and have a license for each vs the customer purchasing more then they needed with an organization license."

John Deere also operates a support portal and phone line, which customers can access in addition to contacting their preferred equipment technology advisor.

Not sure which license fits your operation? Start with one machine, or talk to an RDO Equipment advisor to scale up when it makes sense.

Technology Partners, Real Service: RDO Connected Support

RDO Equipment is committed to supporting customers transitioning from customer service advisor to pro service, whether a contractor or farmer feels like a repair expert or is just starting to access digital self-repair tools and remote support services. Customers with a customer service advisor account can access a free trial of pro service by entering their machine's serial number. For advanced features like software updates, an electronic data link is required.

"We've been partnering with product managers and customer service advisors in the field to ensure no farmer, contractor or owner-operator loses access during the changeover," Wiener said.

He shares that those who have accessed pro service reported positive feedback about the increased accuracy in remote diagnostics, which helps decrease downtime during critical production windows.

"RDO Equipment team members are committed to their key role in this heavy equipment service and support ecosystem that quickly provides technical expertise," Wiener said. "Innovations like pro service plus effective training can help machines run during critical times for our customers. When they are successful, so are we."

For more information, visit RDOequipment.com.

(Article reprinted with permission from RDO Equipment Co. Jake Livingston is the director of connected support of RDO Equipment Co.)