As a fundamental asset management principle, assets should only be held to meet organisational requirement. In other words, there needs to be a direct line between what the organisation needs to achieve (its objectives), the resources needed to achieve these objectives and the fleet. Further, the organisation may have specific guidelines (policies) that define how objectives will be met – for example environmental or safety policies, again influencing the fleet.

There are two main documents that support a strong alignment between the fleet and higher-level organisational goals; the Fleet Asset Management Plan (FAMP) and the Fleet Business Plan.

The FAMP is a comprehensive management document. Among other areas, a FAMP; describes the assets being managed, defines required levels of service, assesses current and future requirements (demand), details how the fleet is managed and identifies risk. The FAMP records, in one document, a broad range of information required about the fleet and its management.

The Fleet Business Plan has a short to medium term focus and translates key organisational objectives into measurable fleet management related actions and associated performance measures. The business plan typically covers the financial year period but may extend to two or three years with annual updates.

By preparing and using a FAMP and Fleet Business Plan your fleet management activities will be more focused improving effectiveness and efficiency. In addition, the FAMP and Business Plan demonstrate robust and proactive management and assists top management understand the benefits and value of the fleet operation.