Over-the-Air Machine Software Updates: Digitizing Manual Tasks to Boost Efficiency
Across the access industry, companies are turning to digital technology to solve persistent challenges — from labor shortages to productivity bottlenecks. JLG is moving the industry forward with Over-the-Air (OTA) Machine Software Updates, the latest enhancement to the ClearSky Smart Fleet™ IoT platform.
This feature isn’t only about staying connected — it’s about being more streamlined in the way manual work gets done. By digitizing a process that once consumed hours of technician time per machine, OTA Machine Software Updates deliver a major boost in daily operational efficiencies.
Progress Through Digitization
Traditionally, updating machine software on MEWPs (mobile elevating work platforms like boom lifts and scissor lifts) and telehandlers required a technician to update one machine at a time. Each update could take more than two hours, including connecting a laptop, installing the update and manually restoring settings. Multiply that across dozens — or even thousands — of units, and the impact on labor, downtime and scheduling becomes clear.
With OTA Machine Software Updates through the JLG® ClearSky Smart Fleet, that entire workflow gets a significant upgrade. Connecting to the ClearSky Smart Fleet single-beacon hardware through its proprietary Bluetooth® mesh network, a single technician can now:
- Connect to a group of machines simultaneously from a mobile device
- Complete updates in less than 30 minutes per machine — more than a 50% increase in efficiency
- Automatically restore all machine settings thanks to the built-in beacon memory
Updating more machines at once means that technicians are available to spend more time on higher-value tasks and less time on keeping machines compliant.
Efficiency That Scales
The ability to update multiple machines at the same time isn’t just a time-saver — it’s a workforce multiplier. By freeing technicians from managing this repetitive, manual process, fleet managers can redeploy labor where it’s needed most, whether that’s servicing machines, supporting customers or scaling operations.
In an environment where skilled labor is limited, ClearSky Smart Fleet’s OTA Machine Software Updates help companies do more with the resources they have.
Leading the Industry Forward
Helping you accomplish more in less time is critical to your business staying ahead in a competitive market. JLG is the first in the access industry to offer OTA Machine Software Updates at this scale and speed. ClearSky Smart Fleet is already changing how fleet managers and technicians tackle real-world challenges — from locating equipment to automating site networks and streamlining diagnostics. OTA Machine Software Updates expand that value even further, giving one more tool to simplify day-to-day work.
Like all other ClearSky Smart Fleet enhancements, OTA Machine Software Updates will soon be rolled out digitally and automatically to compatible machines. No added costs. No retrofits. Just smarter fleet management continuously delivered.
Redefining What’s Possible
With OTA Machine Software Updates, you get more than a feature — you gain a new level of operational control. Updates that once took your operations longer now happen faster, with fewer people and at scale.
JLG is not only connecting machines; we’re transforming how your fleet is managed in a world where every hour and every worker counts.