Overview
This project focused on the design and delivery of a secure mobile application and backend platform that enables remote diagnostics for connected vehicles.
The goal was to replace a manual, on-vehicle diagnostic process with a real-time system capable of monitoring onboard computer and network health, surfacing issues early, and allowing engineers to take action without being physically present.
Woods & Walker partnered closely with the client’s internal teams to deliver a production-ready platform that integrates seamlessly into existing operational and technical workflows.
The Challenge
Diagnosing issues with onboard vehicle systems had historically required engineers to be physically present on the vehicle. This approach was:
- Time-consuming and costly
- Reactive rather than preventative
- Difficult to scale across fleets
- Dependent on engineer availability and access
At the same time, vehicles were already generating large volumes of telemetry data from onboard computers and network infrastructure. The challenge was not data availability, but turning that data into actionable insight.
The client needed a solution that could:
- Ingest and process real-time telemetry from vehicles
- Surface meaningful diagnostics to engineers remotely
- Allow controlled actions to be taken from a central system
- Integrate with existing identity, security, and deployment practices
- Be delivered in collaboration with established internal teams
The Solution
Real-Time Diagnostics Platform
We designed and built a backend platform capable of ingesting MQTT-based telemetry data from vehicles in real time. This data captures the health and performance of onboard computers and network infrastructure, forming the foundation for remote diagnostics.
Engineers can view this data through a purpose-built mobile application, giving them immediate visibility into issues that would previously only be discoverable on-site.
Remote Actions & Control
Beyond passive monitoring, the platform supports secure, controlled commands sent directly to vehicles. This allows engineers to:
- Reset network components
- Request and retrieve diagnostic logs
- Perform first-line remediation remotely
These capabilities significantly reduce response times and remove the need for unnecessary physical inspections.
Secure Authentication & Access Control
The platform integrates with an existing identity and access management system, ensuring authentication and authorisation align with the client’s wider security model.
This approach supports:
- Centralised user management
- Role-based access to diagnostics and commands
- Consistent security policies across systems
Embedded Team Collaboration
Rather than operating as an external supplier, we embedded directly into the client’s delivery process.
We worked closely with:
- The client-side project owner and project manager
- Internal engineering teams
- QA teams to ensure quality and reliability
- DevOps teams to support deployment and operational readiness
By attending standups and aligning with existing workflows, we reduced delivery friction and ensured the platform fitted naturally into the organisation’s technology ecosystem.
The Outcome
The finished platform transformed how onboard vehicle issues are diagnosed and resolved:
- Engineers can diagnose issues remotely, removing the need to be physically onboard
- Faster response times through real-time telemetry and alerts
- Reduced operational cost by minimising site visits and manual checks
- Improved system reliability through earlier issue detection
- A scalable foundation capable of supporting fleet-wide deployment
By turning raw telemetry into actionable insight and control, the platform enables a more proactive, efficient approach to vehicle operations and maintenance.
Partnership
This project exemplifies Woods & Walker’s approach to complex, integrated delivery.
By embedding with internal teams, respecting established processes, and focusing on long-term operational outcomes, we delivered a platform that not only solved an immediate problem but strengthened the client’s broader connected systems capability.
We operate best as a technology partner—working alongside teams to design, build, and evolve platforms that perform reliably in demanding, real-world environments.