The rise of the always-on workshop, the cross-border manufacturing environment and increasingly complex trailer systems have exposed a long-standing inefficiency in the industry – fragmented knowledge.
For years, technicians, OEMs and fleet operators have relied on email chains, phone calls and scattered documentation to solve problems that often demand immediate answers.
TAG represents a decisive shift away from that model.
What began as a pragmatic internal solution to centralise ‘too scattered’ information has evolved into a comprehensive, customer-facing platform. Initially designed to help Haldex teams organise documentation and support day-to-day training, the system quickly revealed a much broader application.
“The same problem existed outside Haldex,” said Haldex OE Product specialist, André Wilt. “Workshops, fleets and trailer builders were facing the same ‘search time’ and fragmentation across documents, emails and platforms.”
That realisation transformed the Haldex Trailer Application Guide (TAG) from an internal efficiency tool into a 24/7 global resource, delivering immediate access to specifications, diagnostic procedures and type-approval documentation without the need for callbacks or inbox searches.
The significance of this shift is convenience and continuity.
“When you have no colleague or someone to refer to, you still have this second line. That helps you to find quickly an answer,” said Wilt.
That ‘second line’ is increasingly becoming the first point of contact.
TAG’s structure reflects a deeper understanding of how the industry consumes information. Its visual, component-based interface allows users to navigate from a full trailer overview down to granular technical detail, supporting multiple personas through a layered approach.
Trailer builders can use it for system specification and integration, while technicians dive deeper into diagnostics and troubleshooting. Distributors, meanwhile, focus on compatibility and parts identification. This multi-audience design is central to the platform’s value.
It also highlights a broader industry trend, the democratisation of technical knowledge.
By removing barriers to information, TAG reduces reliance on specialist interpretation and minimises the risk of error in safety-critical systems. Wilt described it as a ‘shared technical foundation’ – one that underpins the industry’s ongoing shift towards connected systems, software-driven functionality and digital service models.
In practical terms, that digitalisation is already visible.
Tools such as the load sensing valve calculator replace paper charts and manual arithmetic in critical adjustment tasks, improving both speed and accuracy. In workshops, structured diagnostic tables now guide technicians through cable fault checks with defined test conditions, expected values and corrective actions – eliminating guesswork and reducing downtime.
The traditional support model, emails, attachments, delayed responses, is being replaced by self-service access to validated, up-to-date information. Wilt explained, instead of waiting on responses, users can follow step-by-step procedures directly within the platform and escalate only when necessary.
The result is faster diagnostics, more consistent maintenance outcomes and a more efficient relationship between supplier and customer.
TAG also sits alongside a broader evolution in service delivery. Remote diagnostics, software updates and connected fleet tools are becoming standard practice, and while TAG does not replace these technologies, it enables them by ensuring users have immediate access to the correct technical baseline.
For manufacturers, particularly those entering new regulatory or technical territory, the value is amplified. The agricultural segment is a prime example, as it adapts to increased adoption of air braking systems. TAG provides a knowledge bridge, enabling experienced builders to upskill quickly without relying solely on external training or support. Importantly, the platform continues to evolve in step with product innovation and regulatory change.
A dedicated internal process ensures new content is curated, validated and published rapidly, often within days or weeks of official documentation being released. Weekly review cycles and close coordination between product management, R&D and technical teams ensure TAG remains aligned with the latest developments, from systems like EB+ 4.0 and ABS 4.0 to emerging regulatory frameworks.
Since Haldex’s integration into the SAF-Holland Group, the role of TAG has expanded further. While its core structure remains unchanged, its reach has grown significantly, supporting a broader customer base and enabling greater consistency across a larger technical ecosystem.
“With a wider audience, TAG helps ensure consistency in understanding, communication and application of complex systems,” said Wilt.
What is perhaps most telling is how embedded the tool has become in daily operations.
“The Trailer Application Guide is my daily work platform. I use it every day. I love it,” said Technical Sales Engineer, Lars-Olof Ohrberg.
That level of adoption underscores its practical value, not just its potential.
Looking ahead, the direction is clear. TAG will continue to evolve by transforming static, paper-based processes into guided digital tools, supporting – rather than replacing – engineering expertise. Areas such as suspension configuration and parameter setting are already being explored for similar treatment.
Emerging technologies like AI are also on the radar, though Haldex is taking a measured approach.
Any future integration, Wilt noted, must support accuracy, traceability and compliance – reinforcing the platform’s role as a trusted, validated source of technical knowledge rather than disrupting it.
Ultimately, TAG reflects a broader digital transformation across the trailer industry. As systems become more sophisticated and global supply chains more interconnected, the ability to access reliable information instantly will define operational efficiency.
Fast Fact
With 24/7 access, the Trailer Application Guide (TAG) is an always-on platform that delivers instant technical support worldwide. It is also an all-in-one resource that covers braking systems, air suspension and also features smart tools such as calculators and step-by-step diagnostics to reduce errors.
.jpg)
.png){kind=small}
.jpg)
.png){kind=logo}
