WIX® Filters, a global manufacturer of filtration products, is launching the world’s first smart air filter monitor, Senzit. Through smart technology, this device provides a new method of monitoring air filter status. Senzit will deliver a new level of connectivity across vehicle types and brands with a central portal to reduce downtime and repair costs.
“Through our collaboration with the exceptional engineering team at WIX Filters, we were able to bring this innovative new product to market,” said Charles Vaillant, group vice president technology at MANN+HUMMEL, parent company of WIX Filters. “Fleet managers who were part of our test already have provided positive reactions, affirming ease of use and cost savings without sacrificing the quality and performance for which WIX Filters are known.”
Senzit is the next generation in vehicle maintenance. Operators, mechanics, and heavy-duty fleet managers no longer need to physically inspect an air filter to determine its condition. Senzit will monitor, in real-time, the air filter status for each individual piece of equipment to reduce unnecessary filter maintenance.
“Being first-to-market in smart technology for filter monitoring is a continuation of our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction,” said Donald Chilton, director of product management for WIX. “Senzit is a Jack-of-all-trades. It tracks engine hours, provides air filter condition, updates on filter life and GPS location. It’s an amazing product that lets you know exactly how many hours are remaining on your air filter, especially when mileage is not always a reliable indicator of engine usage.”
With engine rebuild costs ranging into the tens-of-thousands, engine protection is on the forefront of most fleet manager’s concerns. For example, a mining company that was part of the Senzit trial previously experienced engine failure due to dust ingestion, costing nearly $20,000 to repair and resulting in one month of down equipment time. With the aid of real-time monitoring technology, companies like this one could avoid damaged filters that contribute to engine failure; with the Senzit mobile app and web portal, users can quickly view service needs of their entire fleet from a single portal.
The device also tracks operating engine hours of each connected vehicle. For many fleets, engine hours are the most accurate way to dictate service intervals. With Senzit’s ability to measure and electronically report information, users will be able to better predict maintenance and turn unplanned downtime into planned downtime.
Additionally, Senzit also includes GPS technology to help users track their equipment, allowing them to view last known location, history of the equipment’s location and activities, and even aide in theft recovery situations. Senzit also goes beyond the air filter and makes any vehicle – even an older model – a connected vehicle. It mounts to the air filter housing to collect data and the cellular network to transmit the data to the cloud. With this flexibility to connect nearly any vehicle to the cloud, even the older vehicles can be monitored in real-time.
Similar to an air filter housing in both texture and durability, Senzit’s hardware is produced using high performance, injection-molded thermoplastic to house 10 sensors. The result is a product that is sturdy and reliable, yet sleek. This smart filter monitor is designed and field tested to survive harsh environments.
