Computer users worldwide are scrambling to resolve the potentially disastrous problem facing their systems when the calendar turns to the year 2000.

The information executives at Freightliner Corporation, the largest heavy truck manufacturer in North America, anticipated the problem a decade ago and began installing year 2000-compliant date routines on the company’s major computer systems. "All of our newer systems meet year 2000 requirements," says Rob Hassell, general manager of management information systems. Most custom software written at the company since 1988 also complies.

In October 1996, Freightliner launched a $4-million assault on the problem that some observers say could cost businesses up to $600 billion worldwide to fix. Highway department managers can learn from steps taken.

The company’s team of 17 programmers has been reviewing and fixing programs since January 1997. "We have 7,000 programs and millions of lines of code," Hassell said. Date-fixing software routines help the team quickly review the programs, but there is a lot of work to do to catch and correct all the date-related program coding. The old two-digit year code is built into the foundations of the systems. That date code in old software and many older databases still has to be changed to accommodate four-position year codes, just to work after 2000.

The problem applies to "anything that has a chip," Hassell said. That includes electronically controlled office doors, security systems, and even elevators that rely on computerized controls to operate. It extends to the high-tech computer numerically controlled and digital numerically controlled machines that cut and shape metal parts for trucks as well as the programmable logic controlled software that operates the heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment at Freightliner’s plants and office buildings, as well as production such as paint booths, conveyors, and robots.

It also extends to the on-board electronic components in trucks built by Freightliner and its newest truck subsidiary, Sterling Truck Corporation. It’s not much of a problem for the company’s late model trucks or the newer personal computers in use at company locations, however, because they already incorporate designs that can handle four-digit year codes.

Freightliner also provides customer support systems to the industry and is heavily involved in ensuring these systems will be year 2000 compliant for uninterrupted operation for its dealers and customers. That includes Fleet Assistant vehicle maintenance management software, SpecPro NG specing and ordering system, PartsPro electronic parts catalog and ordering system, and ServicePro service diagnostics and service information system.

Thousands of suppliers and hundreds of dealers and fleets face the same challenge. "Freightliner is working with its suppliers and dealers to assure itself they also enter the year 2000 with no disruption or problems," Hassell said.

Key personnel in every division and subsidiary are contacting major component vendors by telephone and mail to ensure their compliance. The company is testing suppliers’ processes or conducting formal audits in critical areas. Other crucial suppliers and business partners, such as freight carriers, are also in the loop.

Once the bulk of the programming is in place, large-scale testing of systems and components will begin. In dollars, it represents about half of the overall work. Systems analysts will use a series of simulations to check operations.