Lesson 3: SIS Service Information Search

Lesson 3: SIS Service Information Search

Introduction:
This lesson covers the types of service information searches available
in SIS.

Objectives:
After completion of this lesson the student will be able to:
1. Locate service information using Product Structure.
2. Locate service information using Document Structure.
3. Navigate an electrical schematic using Adobe Reader.
4. Trace a wire on an electrical schematic.
5. Access a collage schematic.
6. Find a service manual using Basic Search.
7. Find a service manual using Advanced Full Text Search.
8. Find a service manual using a SMCS code.
References:
None

Tooling:
Personal Computer (PC) with SIS Web and Windows 2000 or XP

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: This lesson is a working text to be used

by the instructor while performing the SIS tasks in the classroom
as the students perform the same tasks on individual computers.
Unit 2 2 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Structure Accesses

Two common methods to find documents are:

1. Product Structure
2. Document Structure

Both require a Product ID and they follow different paths to display the same
document links. The best method to use varies with the Information Type, the
user’s experience, and the user’s preference.
Unit 2 3 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Product Structure

A s/n prefix of 9TZ is specified and the Product Structure Access Method link is
selected using the standard 9TZ equipment configuration. The structural
components are displayed. This first column is the primary filter of the next column
of Information Types. The Engine and Related Systems topic is automatically
expanded one level.
Unit 2 4 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Product Structure

The Fuel System is expanded and a Lines Group component is selected. The second
column displays only the Information Types (2) related to the chosen Product
Structure (1) (and authorized for viewing by user). Fewer choices of information
types using product structure may be easier for many users.
Unit 2 5 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Product Structure

In this example, selecting the Service Letter Information Type (1) has displayed in
the Information Available column (2) the two links to Service Letter documents
about the Fuel Injection Lines Groups. Once selected, links appear in a gray box
(3). Indented document links are part of the document link above.
Unit 2 6 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Product Structure

1
3

3 4

Note in this example, that the Information Types at the Fuel System level (1) differ
from those available for the Lines Group (2). Both link to the same Service Letter
document (3) but the Lines Group also links to a more specific Service Letter (4).
Be aware of these similarities and differences when searching.
Unit 2 7 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Document Structure

Selecting Document Structure, using the same 9TZ example, displays the
Information Types/Titles available (arrow). All the Information Types applicable to
the model and equipment configuration selected are displayed.
Unit 2 8 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Document Structure

Orange text links are usually not immediately displayed. The desired Information
Types/Title must be expanded to display the next choice. Depending upon the type
selected, this next choice may be in the Types column or in the Sections column to
display the document links in the Information Available column.
Unit 2 9 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Product vs. Document Structure

If you know a document is associated with a specific component, using Product

Structure may be simpler as only the associated information types are displayed.
Selecting the Information Type then displays choices limited to the chosen structure
component.
Unit 2 10 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Product vs. Document Structure

Checking for Truck Engine News, Engine News, and Service Magazines is difficult
using Document Structure as only the publication dates are displayed until a date is
selected. If you know the associated Product Structure component, use Product
Structure to easily view the titles of these Information Types.
Unit 2 11 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Product vs. Document Structure

Some users prefer the Document Structure Access Method because it allows using
the Go To drop-down menu to select Product Structure. This displays the location
of the same document links within the Product Structure for selecting links to view
related documents.
Unit 2 12 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Product vs. Document Structure

Some Information Types (such as schematics) can be found more directly using
Document Structure.
Unit 2 13 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Trace an Electrical Circuit

When electrical schematics are accessed in SIS, Adobe Reader is used to navigate
the schematic. For this example we will trace the Engine Oil Level Switch (arrow)
Wire C468 at Pin 40 of the controller in the 325C electrical schematic.
Unit 2 14 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Adobe Acrobat Hot Keys Index

The Adobe Acrobat Hot Keys index lists shortcuts that are helpful for viewing
schematics in Acrobat.
Unit 2 15 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Trace an Electrical Circuit

Refer to the Acrobat Hot Keys index for more information about navigating with
Acrobat. Use Ctrl to zoom out. This displays a larger area of the schematic. Wire
C468 (Eng Oil Level Sw.) and other wires combine into highway L39. Ctrl +
zooms in.
Unit 2 16 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Trace an Electrical Circuit

Continue to follow highway L39 through the schematic. Use the Acrobat hand tool
to move the schematic if necessary. Follow highway L39 from the controller.
Unit 2 17 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Trace an Electrical Circuit

Breakout Areas of the schematic that appear in the illustration above simplify the
schematic and make it less busy. Breakout areas are not connectors. Wire numbers
do not change when they pass through the breakout areas or through a connector in
a schematic. An example of a wire passing through a connector is provided later.
Wire C468 arrives at highway L39 and exits highway L43.
Unit 2 18 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Trace an Electrical Circuit

This is a continuation of highway L43 from the previous illustration. The lower
arrow on the left is pointing to the area where the wire numbers are broken out.
Wire C468 is displayed and continues to the engine oil level switch. Wire C468
arrives at the engine oil level switch through highway L43.
Unit 2 19 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Connector and Wire Properties

Wire numbers do not change when they pass through harness connectors. Wire 103
enters with highway L36, passes through CONN 11 and continues with highway
L25.
Unit 2 20 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Acrobat – Find Text Within the Schematic

Use the Magnifying glass (arrow) to zoom in until the characters are readable. The
hand tool to the left of the magnifying glass moves the schematic around. Refer to
the Adobe Acrobat Hot Keys reference for more information.
Unit 2 21 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Acrobat – Find Text Within the Schematic

Select/click the Binoculars (arrow) to open the find text function. Ctrl key and F
key also brings up the find text tool. Be sure you have clicked inside of Acrobat. If
you click in Internet Explorer the same find text tool will search Internet Explorer
and not the schematic.
Unit 2 22 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Electrical Schematic – Find Text

The user can conduct a text search for keywords: level, level switch, level sw,
engine, eng oil etc. within Adobe Acrobat. This presentation uses SIS Web to
search a schematic for a particular section of the electrical circuit of a machine. A
325C Excavator is the machine used in these examples. A paper schematic would
not have the text search capability but the fundamental search methods are the
same. Select the binoculars to use the text search tool or select Control F.

The find text function (arrow) does not start at the beginning of a wire and stop at
the end. The find text function is similar to a top to bottom and left to right search.
Unit 2 23 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Find Text – Trace Harness

Select find text again and enter the wire number you wish to trace through the
schematic.
Unit 2 24 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Find Text – Trace Harness

Select “Find Again” until you find the other end of the wire. It may not be the last
“Find Next.”
Unit 2 25 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

SIS Web – Collage Schematics

A collage schematic includes the same information as the main schematic. Adobe
Acrobat Reader is also required to view collage schematics. The collage schematic
is divided into letter size illustrations that enable the user to print out only the
sections or pages needed. Collage schematics can be assembled to create a
complete main schematic.
Unit 2 26 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

SIS Web – Collage Schematics

Click on the individual schematic illustration to be viewed or printed.

Unit 2 27 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Schematic Symbols

The electrical schematic may have the schematic component symbols reference
included in the schematic.
Unit 2 28 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Schematic Symbols

The electrical schematic may also have the harness and wire symbols included in
the schematic.
Unit 2 29 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Basic Search

Type in the serial number or prefix (1) and select Basic Search (2). (This example
uses 2YG for the prefix.)

NOTE: If you do not know the serial number information of a model, refer to
“Finding Serial Number Prefixes and Sales Model Numbers” under “utilities”
located in the help menu at the bottom of the main menu.
Unit 2 30 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Basic Search

Basic Search has three ways to expand or restrict its search. First, select the
Information Types. If no types are selected, SIS will select all types, which
increases search time and number of results. Basic Search displays the Information
Types available for the indicated model. Hold the Ctrl key down to select multiple
types.
Unit 2 31 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Basic Search

Second, enter a Part No. and/or Phrase or single word. “And” means each item in
the box above and below, in any order. “Or” means either item in the text box
above or below. A multi-word Phrase in one fill-in box must be in the same order
as those words in the document. A trailing asterisk may be used in either Phrase
box.
Unit 2 32 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Basic Search

Third, use the drop-down boxes in the Publication Dates to set the time frame of
when a document may have been published. Click the Search button to initiate a
Basic Search. A search without a Part No. or Phrase returns all selected Information
Types for the indicated Model and Dates.
Unit 2 33 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Basic Search

The current example yields the number of results available (178 in this example) (1)
along with the Information Types/Titles available. Click on the orange arrow to
expand “Disassembly and Assembly” (2) and view the Sections and Information
Available for “Disassembly and Assembly.”
Unit 2 34 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Basic Search

Select Crankshaft Main Bearings to view the disassembly and assembly document
(1). The key words “cylinder block” appear in red (2).
Unit 2 35 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Basic Search

A parts page can be located by selecting Parts Identification from the Information
Types list. Including a key phrase or publication date will narrow the search results.
Unit 2 36 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Basic Search

Choosing one of the choices under the Information Available column will yield the
parts list for that particular part group. A cylinder block was used in this example.
Unit 2 37 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Basic Search

Notice that all matching phrases for “cylinder block” appear in red on the parts
page.
Unit 2 38 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Basic Search Applications

The search results in this example have been expanded. A gray line within Service
Magazine indicates the documents above the line apply specifically to the model
(9TZ) being searched and those below the line are more generic to many models.
This gray line is utilized for several information types.
Unit 2 39 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Basic Search

Nine results were found in this example but only six links are displayed in the left
column. Navigation is necessary to see all the results. Click one of the results links
to display any multiple Section links. A Section link may also have multiple links
within Information Available.
Unit 2 40 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Basic Search

Basic Search permits limited searches without a serial number prefix. Searches
will be limited to one Information Type and may take longer. For this type of
search use Advanced Full Text Search. The Go to Advanced Search button is a link
to this more flexible search method.
Unit 2 41 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Advanced Full Text Search

Available on SIS Web Only

Advanced Full Text Search allows the user to locate technical information though a
combination of:
1. One or more prefixes
2. Global search (no prefix)
3. One or more information types
4. Sales model
5. SMCS code
6. Part number
7. One or more phrases
8. Publication Dates
9. Searching by text or titles
Unit 2 42 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Advanced Full Test Search

Available on SIS Web Only

Advanced Full Text Search is similar to the Basic Search with additional options.
Product ID is Not Required to initiate a search (1). If a Part No. or Phrase is known
to appear in a document title, select Search Only Titles to return quicker results than
Search All Text (2).
Unit 2 43 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Serial Prefixes

Advanced Full Text Search allows for 0,1,2, or 3 Prefixes. This example searches
using Serial Number Prefix and a Phrase. A Search may also be done using Sales
Model No. A trailing asterisk allows for an increased range of Sales Models (i.e.
D10* searches for D10, D10N, and D10R series; just D10 would give no D10N or
D10R results).
Unit 2 44 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Equipment Prefix

If the serial number is not known, then select the “Select Equipment Model” link
(1). Selecting the Equipment Model link brings up the list of Product Families to
choose from. SIS Web displays the sales models and serial number prefixes
available. A 3176 Truck Engine with the 2YG Prefix was used for this example.
Unit 2 45 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Equipment Prefix

SIS Web returns to the Main Menu and automatically fills in the prefix field with
the chosen model prefix (in this example 2YG). This will narrow the system search
to the selected machine and prefix.
Unit 2 46 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Advanced Full Text Search

Advanced Full Text Search can search using the four digit Component Code of
SMCS (Service Management Control System); a trailing asterisk allows expanding
the range of codes (i.e. 310* in the SMCS Code box would return links to
documents referencing any code from 3100 through 3109).
Unit 2 47 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Sales Model

In SIS Web, select the Advanced Full Text Search from the main menu. For this
example select Systems Operation from the Information Types and 3176 for the
Sales Model. Click Search.

NOTE: Selecting up to five Information Types at once is allowable within a

Sales Model search. Use the control key to select more than one Info Type.
Unit 2 48 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Sales Model

3
2

The system displays the number of results (1) along with the titles available specific
to the sales model. Select 21SI Series Alternator SENR4757 (2). The Section is
automatically selected. Select Normal Operation (3) to continue the example.
Unit 2 49 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Sales Model

The requested article displays - including all of the articles reference information.
Unit 2 50 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

SMCS Code

The four digit Component Code of SMCS (Service Management Control System)
can be used as the initial filter to access links to the desired documents. This is a
very direct access method for those familiar with the component codes.
Unit 2 51 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

SMCS Code

SMCS is a four digit code that describes components of Caterpillar products. Each
digit of the code signifies a progressively narrower range of the product. SMCS
stands for Service Management Control System. For example, the specific SMCS
code "1202" would be interpreted as: 1000 = engine, 1200 = short block engine,
1202 = crankshaft for the short block engine. A wildcard (*) can be used at the end
of the search criteria, 120* for example. The SMCS Results Screen is similar to
Product Structure. All relevant Information Types are displayed in the middle
column. Once an Information Type is selected, the Information available, column
three, is displayed for that Information Type.
Unit 2 52 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

SMCS Titles are Active

Select the SMCS Main Title to expand the included subgroups (2006A and later).
You no longer have to select only the arrow to expand the information.
Unit 2 53 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

SMCS

4
2

Searching a component code entered into the fill-in box (1) expands the appropriate
arrow (2), selects the component (3) and displays the available Information Types
(4). The numerically ordered code listing can also be searched through manually by
scrolling down the SMCS Codes column.
Unit 2 54 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

SMCS

The system displays the number of results along with the titles available that are
specific to the SMCS Code. The selection for this example is highlighted. Select
the 101-2805 Coolant Conditioner Group.
Unit 2 55 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

SMCS

The consist list specific to the SMCS code displays. The selection can be formatted
for print (1) or used to develop a parts list (2).
Unit 2 56 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Trailing Wildcard *

A trailing wildcard can be used in Advanced Search just as it is in the Basic Search
example. Select Systems Operation and type in 31* (with “*” being the wildcard)
(Arrow).

NOTE: A trailing wildcard can be used to search for up to five information

types (excluding Parts Identification).
Unit 2 57 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Trailing Wildcard *

1
2

Scroll down through the Information Types to the 3126B Industrial Engine
SENR9588 for this example (1). Select Starting The Engine from the Information
Available column (2).
Unit 2 58 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Trailing Wildcard *

The requested article is displayed and can be formatted for print if necessary.
Unit 2 59 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Phrase Option

Utilizing both phrase boxes can help to narrow the search for information (1). In
this example two phrases using the “or” selection (2) will be used to narrow results.
The results page will show the number of results as well as all choices containing
phrases included in the search.
Unit 2 60 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Publication Dates

Leaving the Publication Dates at the default settings will take more time for the
search as the system is required to search for data covering the entire set of data
ranges listed. If possible narrow the search by changing the Publication Dates
range.
Unit 2 61 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Advanced Full Text Search

When Advanced Full Text Search must conduct a broad search, the selection of
Information Types is restricted. Without a Sales Model No. or a Serial Number
Prefix, or with a trailing asterisk after the Sales Model, only Parts Identification or
up to five other Types can be selected for each search request (arrow).
Unit 2 62 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Media Search

When a Media Number, Product Improvement Program (PIP) number, or Product

Support Program (PSP) number is known, Media Search is the quickest method to
locate the document.
Unit 2 63 Caterpillar Communications
Lesson 3

Media Search

1 2

Up to five Media Numbers can be directly entered in the left-hand fill-in boxes (1);
or, in the right-hand fill-in box, enter a PIP or PSP number (2). Click the
corresponding Retrieve button to display the document links.
Unit 2 -1- Caterpillar Communications
Instructor Copy Quiz 2.3.1

Instructor Copy Quiz 2.3.1

SERVICE INFORMATION SYSTEM (SIS)
QUIZ 2.3.1

1. The ______________________ is a four-digit code that describes components for Caterpillar

products. This is a very direct access method for those familiar with the component codes.

A. Part number
B. Service Management Control System (SMCS)
C. ECM replacement file search
D. Media number

2. In a basic search, hold down the ________ key to select multiple information types.

A. Shift
B. Tab
C. Ctrl
D. Enter

3. Which of the following allows searching using the four digit Component Code of SMCS.

A. Advanced Full Text Search

B. Basic Search
C. Media Search
D. All of the above

4. Document structure is the most versatile search method within SIS that can be used to find service
information, such as a schematic.

A. True
B. False

5. The shortcut _________ uses the magnify glass to zoom in until the characters are readable for the
user.

A. Shift and -
B. Shift and +
C. Ctrl and -
D. Ctrl and +
Unit 2 -2- Caterpillar Communications
Student Copy Quiz 2.3.1

Student Copy Quiz 2.3.1

SERVICE INFORMATION SYSTEM (SIS)
QUIZ 2.3.1

1. The ______________________ is a four-digit code that describes components for Caterpillar

products. This is a very direct access method for those familiar with the component codes.

A. Part number
B. Service Management Control System (SMCS)
C. ECM replacement file search
D. Media number

2. In a basic search, hold down the ________ key to select multiple information types.

A. Shift
B. Tab
C. Ctrl
D. Enter

3. Which of the following allows searching using the four digit Component Code of SMCS.

A. Advanced Full Text Search

B. Basic Search
C. Media Search
D. All of the above

4. Document structure is the most versatile search method within SIS that can be used to find service
information, such as a schematic.

A. True
B. False

5. The shortcut _________ uses the magnify glass to zoom in until the characters are readable for the
user.

A. Shift and -
B. Shift and +
C. Ctrl and -
D. Ctrl and +