A Solid Foundation for Vehicle Manufacturers
As one of the first suppliers in the industry, Knorr-Bremse has successfully introduced its KB Trailer SUMS platform to the trailer market — certified according to ISO 24089 and fully compliant with UN/ECE R156. Following an extensive audit, our system was officially verified and received a Declaration of Conformity to R156. This certification provides the ideal foundation for vehicle manufacturers to efficiently homologate their vehicles in accordance with UN/ECE R156 requirements.
UN/ECE R156 at a Glance
UN/ECE R156 requires vehicle manufacturers to implement an effective Software Update Management System (SUMS). The related standard ISO 24089 defines the technical requirements of UN/ECE R156, making it a key framework for OEMs to efficiently and securely manage vehicle software throughout its lifecycle. This regulation also affects the aftermarket, as the tracking and documentation of software updates apply to these vehicles as well. With OCT and KB Diagnostics by Knorr-Bremse, this process is fully automated — workshops do not need to perform manual tracking or documentation. The integrated Software Update Management System (SUMS) for trailers handles this automatically within the OCT / KB Diagnostics environment.
Software Update Management System (SUMS) for Trailers
The KB Trailer SUMS enables centralized, secure, and efficient management of software updates for trailer components. Knorr-Bremse supports its customers in fulfilling all UN/ECE R156 requirements. With our certified and customer-oriented SUMS platform, we provide trailer manufacturers with a complete solution from a single source — ensuring transparency, security, and compliance throughout the entire software lifecycle.
Relevance of SUMS and UN/ECE R156 for the Aftermarket
- All newly manufactured vehicles from July 2026 onwards must comply with the UN/ECE R156 regulation.
- Vehicles already in operation (built before the regulation’s enforcement) do not need to be retroactively adapted.
Key benefits for OEMs and workshops:
- User-centric design: KB Trailer SUMS supports OEMs and workshops with seamless, intuitive processes. All standard diagnostic functions can be executed directly by users — without assistance from Knorr-Bremse.
- Integrated approval process: Firmware and configuration update approval workflows are fully integrated into KB Trailer SUMS. Workshops can request approval for parameter changes directly within the system — eliminating the need for separate communication channels such as email or phone.
- Comprehensive lifecycle management: SUMS ensures that all firmware updates and homologation-relevant parameter changes are tracked and managed throughout the vehicle’s entire lifetime. This includes active evaluation and approval of relevant changes by the vehicle manufacturer.