As the logistics industry moves toward automation, many Amazon stations are beginning to explore Automated Vehicle Inspection Systems (AVIS) for post-route inspections. These systems bring accuracy, consistency, and operational insights but they also introduce new challenges for DSPs.
One of the most pressing concerns for DSPs is vehicle grounding due to minor, yet automatically detected issues, which could directly impact daily operations, route completion, and scorecards.
The Reality of AVIS Accuracy: A Double-Edged Sword
AVIS systems are built to be highly sensitive and consistent. While this is great for compliance and maintenance tracking, it also means that even minor defects can trigger a “Grounded” status for a van - often automatically flagged after scanning.
Common Reasons for Grounding:
- Broken or non-functional headlights/taillights
- Malfunctioning signal indicators
- Scratches, dents, or panel damage
- Visibility issues due to unclean license plates, sensors, or camera zones
- 🔧 Small mechanical alerts (loose bumpers, mirror cracks)
This level of precision is beneficial for long-term safety but can create short-term disruptions—especially for DSPs working on tight delivery schedules with limited van redundancy.
Why It Matters for DSPs
If a van is flagged and grounded:
- Routes may go unassigned, affecting completion rate
- Scorecards take a hit, impacting reliability metrics
- Revenue loss occurs when available routes can’t be fulfilled
- Extra planning burden is placed on dispatch teams to reshuffle vans and drivers
AVIS doesn’t differentiate between “critical” and “minor” in the same way a human might during manual inspections. That’s why preparedness is the best strategy.
How DSPs Can Prepare Proactively
1. Maintain Spare Parts Inventory
Keep frequently flagged items in stock:
- Bulbs for headlights, brake lights, indicators
- Mirror covers, reflectors, license plate holders
- Quick-patch paint or scratch covers
- Cleaning supplies for license plates and rear-view sensors
This allows immediate, on-site fixes before vans are rerouted into a grounded status.
2. Assign a Post-Route Maintenance Crew
Instead of waiting until a van is flagged:
- Have someone check basic exterior conditions right after return
- Clean sensors, remove debris, and inspect lights manually
- Pre-check issues likely to be caught by AVIS
3. Implement Quick Turnaround Repair SOPs
- Create a workflow for minor fixes (under 10 minutes)
- Have a tracking system that logs when parts were replaced and by whom
- Ensure tools and staff are available near the inspection zone
4. Use AVIS Reports to Your Advantage
- Review daily reports to spot patterns of recurring issues
- Train drivers on common faults that can be avoided
- Collaborate with your station’s inspection staff to understand what triggers the system
Turning AVIS from a Challenge into an Asset
While AVIS can initially feel like a rigid system with a low margin for error, DSPs that prepare smartly can turn it into an advantage.
- Fewer unplanned repairs
- Higher vehicle availability
- Improved planning accuracy
- Enhanced reliability scores
Final Thoughts
DSPs operate under strict route commitments and performance benchmarks. When vans are grounded unexpectedly due to minor faults, it can ripple into missed routes, driver shortages, and lower station reliability scores.
With a proactive response strategy - including spare part inventory, maintenance staff, and SOPs - DSPs can maintain high performance while adapting to AVIS inspection protocols.