We’ve been working with Cummins Insite since it was first released so naturally, we’ve acquired quite a bit of knowledge on it. One of the most asked questions we get is “what’s the difference between Cummins Insite Lite and Cummins Insite Pro?”.
In this article we’re going to be talking about the differences between the two, and help you decide which version is going to be a better fit for your shop.
Cummins Insite is a laptop based diagnostic software that performs engine diagnostics and displays electronic engine information on your PC. Included in the program are step-by-step diagnostics, built-in engine drawings, schematics, and diagrams. While Insite is a very popular program among diesel technicians, many aren’t aware that there are two different versions; Lite and Pro.
Cummins Insite Lite (Contact us today to purchase a license)Cummins Insite Lite is the cheaper of the two versions. Although it is cheaper, Insite Lite has almost all of the functionality of Insite Pro.
With Insite Lite you will be able to:
- Run Diagnostic tests
- Reset and clear fault codes
- View wiring diagrams
- View fault trees
- Set and adjust parameters
- View fault information systems
- View troubleshooting steps
- View parameter settings
- View engine dataplate
- Set driver rewards
- Data monitoring and logging
- Reset trip information
- Set engine features (ON/OFF)
- Set and change ECM passwords (requires a Zap-It file)
- Create settings templates
- Create work orders and jobs
- Run special features
- View trip information
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Cummins Insite Pro (Contact us today to purchase a license)Cummins Insite Pro is the most powerful version and offers everything most shops would need to service a Cummins engine.
In terms of Cummins Insite Lite vs. Insite Pro, the main advantages of pro can be seen below.
With Cummins Insite Pro you have all of the features of Lite, with three additional key components (see underlined items below):
- Run Diagnostic tests
- Reset and clear fault codes
- View wiring diagrams
- View fault trees
- Set and adjust parameters
- View fault information systems
- View troubleshooting steps
- View parameter settings
- View engine dataplate
- Set driver rewards
- Data monitoring and logging
- Reset trip information
- Set engine features (ON/OFF)
- Set and change ECM passwords (requires a Zap-It file)
- Create settings templates
- Create work orders and jobs
- Run special features
- View trip information
- Read and retrieve calibration files
- Load engine calibrations
- Download and install ECM updates
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Not all shops will need the ability to read and retrieve calibration files but for those who do, this is a critical feature. Same goes for doing engine calibrations and ECM updates. While Insite Lite is much more common, it is recommended that shops who primarily work on Cummins engines spend the extra money and get Insite Pro. With the slightly larger investment, you have the peace of mind knowing that whatever rolls through the door you have the proper equipment to work on it.
For a better look at which version does what, take a look at the chart below:
Computer Specifications
Cummins INSITE remains one of the most demanding diagnostic programs out there. If you are going to run INSITE on an older computer with you may experience extreme delays and long load times as it requires a powerful processor and plenty of RAM. The recommended computer specs for the program are some of the highest in the industry so if you want your diagnostic laptop to run smoothly it’s important to meet or exceed the minimum requirements, or purchase a complete diagnostic laptop kit that already comes with a high performance computer.
Officially the recommended required computer specifications from Cummins are:
- Intel i5 Processor
- Windows 10 (64-bit)
- 8GB+ RAM
- 6GB of available hard drive space.
However, we recommend that you go beyond those recommendations and get a higher performance computer.
For the absolute best speeds and highest performance possible with Cummins Insite, try the following computer specifications:
- Intel i7 Processor
- Windows 10 (64-bit)
- 16GB of RAM
- Solid State Hard Drive
A laptop with the components listed above will be better in every measurable way. Cummins Insite will be able to open up to 80% faster on this computer. Generally speaking, older more outdated computers can take up to 3-5 minutes to open up Cummins Insite.
Another important thing to note, since Cummins Insite requires a lot of power to run properly, trying to run Cummins Insite on a lower power/old computer will often cause the program to freeze or experience glitches. Cummins Insight
Final Thoughts
We could go on and on about the benefits of putting your Cummins Insite on a high performance computer but it’s not something most shop owners or technicians understand until they’ve experienced it first hand. Sitting and staring at a blank screen while you wait for it to open is not only infuriating, but it also reduces your shop’s productivity and efficiency. Like they say, “time is money”.
Additional information including Cummins service manuals (ex: cummins isx15 servce manual) can be found at TruckManuals.com
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