Dr Peter Bruns tells Louise Davis how a new modular toolkit will make life easier for commercial vehicle trailer manufacturers
The introduction of a suite of services designed to simplify software updates for trailer manufacturers does rather raise the question of ‘why is there so much complexity in this field that such a solution is necessary?’
“The digital transformation has seen vehicles – including commercial vehicle (CV) trailers – become more intelligent and connected, increasing the number of software updates necessary over the lifetime of the vehicle,” answers Dr Peter Bruns, a trailer launch application engineer with ZF. “This in turn has driven the increase in global regulations to ensure software updates in vehicles are secure and traceable.”
The UN/ECE R156 regulation is a prime example here: its purpose is to create a framework for secure vehicle software updates. Bruns says that regulations such as this have evolved in line with software development and are there to ensure that centralised, secure update mechanisms are in place to reduce vulnerability to cyber threats. “As software in this space is increasingly diverse, with trailers often integrating components from multiple suppliers, each with its own software and update protocols, managing the traceability of these can be challenging,” he explains. “In addition, manual or fragmented update processes in the field can lead to extended vehicle downtime, impacting fleet efficiency.”
SUITE SHOP
ZF’s means of cutting through these layers of complexity is the Software Update Management System (SUMS) service suite, a modular solution for trailer software updates that comes with ISO 24089 certification, making it the first Tier 1 supplier serving the CV trailer industry to achieve this.
Bruns notes that modular design enables OEMs to ‘pick and mix’ the elements of the suite that best align with their needs: “This approach lowers the barrier to entry and allows gradual adoption, making it attractive even for smaller manufacturers,” he details. “For example, as an initial investment a manufacturer can choose the consulting services component to assess and ensure its readiness to comply with the regulations, then opt to integrate the SUMS software-as-a-service (SaaS) tool later on.”
But why should a trailer manufacturer invest in a toolkit to manage its software updates? “Developing an in-house software update management solution requires a team of specialised experts and can be resource-intensive and time consuming – this may not be the most efficient solution for every manufacturer,” explains Bruns. “For those who do not have these resources, we now offer a ‘ready-to-go’ 360° toolkit – built to meet the latest cybersecurity and regulatory standards.” He adds that the ISO 24089 certification for trailer software updates provides customers with a strong proof-point that the new SUMS service suite “will enable them to achieve and maintain regulatory compliance”.
Bruns highlights the suite’s holistic vehicle approach as a key differentiator. He says: “It’s usable for ZF products and/or third-party technologies (other solutions focus on isolated systems or supplier brands only), providing secured access to the OEM and its relevant eco-system – such as suppliers, workshops and auditors. This releases trailer OEMs from significant efforts required to digest, manage and implement the complex regulatory requirements to achieve the relevant certification. Additionally, the scalable design reflects evolving industry standards and regulations, ensuring long-term relevance.”
FEEDBACK LOOP
As ZF’s SUMS expert, Bruns reports positive feedback from the prospective customers he has been speaking with since the May 2025 launch. “Customers appreciate the holistic vehicle approach as well as the flexibility and modularity of the suite,” he confirms.
Bruns also reveals that customer feedback is what inspired the development of the new offering. “As a trusted technology partner of many trailer manufacturers, we listen closely to our customers, and outcomes from our joint discussions are what prompted us to address the SUMS topic holistically,” he recalls. “According to their needs, we developed a 360° solution with the whole trailer in focus – rather than an isolated element such as the electronic braking system. By embedding safety and security into every step of the update process, the toolkit helps trailer manufacturers maintain reliable, regulation-ready software update procedures in today’s increasingly software-driven environment.”
MODULAR APPROACH
ZF’s SUMS suite consists of five modular elements to support trailer OEMs in managing and documenting the full lifecycle of software updates in compliance with the stringent requirements of the UN/ECE R156 regulation. These include the ISO 24089-certified SCALAR SUMS SaaS platform, which manages, records and verifies software and hardware versions for any UN/ECE R156 relevant devices. Consulting services to help trailer OEMs navigate UN/ECE R156 complexities are also included in the suite, as well as a comprehensive handbook, templates and checklists that help to clarify certification requirements. To further support trailer manufacturers, the suite also includes training programmes for OEMs and suppliers, while user training is provided through the SaaS platform. A portfolio of SUMS-ready trailer technologies – such as the TEBS-E7 and iEBS electronic braking systems, OptiTire tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and the SmartBoard control panel – completes the offering.
