In the last issue of FLEET intouch we discussed the management system you need to have in place to ensure 'healthy' fleet management. We started by looking at the high level, but critical areas of fleet management inventory and utilisation. In this issue we will continue our journey by considering the important management tools of policy, procedure and planning.
A fleet policy is essential for robust fleet management. The fleet policy is a high-level document that describes the 'what' of the organisation’s fleet. What is expected, what is intended to be achieved and so on. The fleet policy should be authorised by the organisations most senior manager.
To support the implementation of the policy the organisation needs comprehensive procedures. The procedures answer the question 'how'. For example, how fleet requirements are identified and documented, how assets are purchased, how assets are maintained etc.
Procedures are essential to ensure; clarity when defining actions to be undertaken, consistency in outcomes, a record of your approach and a basis for on-going improvement. Procedures are fundamental to a quality management system.
The go-to reference for fleet planning should be a Fleet Asset Management Plan (FAMP). The FAMP brings together a comprehensive range of information about the fleet, its management and intended improvements. The FAMP includes detail such as the fleet inventory and distribution, service levels, 10-year replacement plan, risk and so on.
Policy, procedure and planning are just three areas assessed as part of the IPWEA 3rd Party Health Check. The IPWEA Fleet Management Health Check is an efficient and effective way for a fleet owner to review their fleet management processes and activities to identify what is being done well – but more importantly where improvements can be made. The health check is a proactive and positive way to identify and address areas of concern before they become more significant issues. It’s like going to a Doctor for a check-up so you can address problems before they become serious and costly.
A health check provides the following benefits:
- Identifies gaps before more serious problems occur
- Drives continuous improvement
- Demonstrates proactive management
More information on the IPWEA 3rd Party Health Check can be found
here.