FLEETDRIVE
Put another way , we ’ re facing a fleet management ‘ perfect storm ’!
The impacts
In a number of cases , it seems the combination of these significant challenges is resulting in organisations ‘ dragging ’ their Fleet Managers in multiple directions – much of it operational . Short-term initiatives to better manage costs , longer vehicle retention periods and resultant sacrifices to vehicle safety have been evident .
In many circumstances , it seems that Fleet Managers are too ‘ caught up in the weeds ’ of their organisation ’ s operational requirements to deliver optimal results .
Where the current demands require strategy & planning to be a top priority , often the opposite is true . We often find fleet staff spending their days ‘ fighting fires ’, attending meetings , etc .
Strategic Mindset
Now more than ever , there is a need for those responsible for fleet management in all organisations to be able to ‘ step back ’ and consider how they will formulate and deliver the necessary Fleet Strategy & Policy to guide their organisation through this critical period and into the future .
This can be challenging for many , not just because of the prevailing circumstances but sometimes it ’ s a stretch to their skill set . The ‘ hands on ’ capability and operational readiness that has served many Fleet Managers well for many years doesn ’ t always co-exist with more ‘ visionary ’ strategic skills .
Yet , this represents a tremendous development opportunity for Fleet Managers – forging a path to taking greater leadership of the important role of fleet in their organisation .
Getting help
While many view doing it all themselves as a ‘ badge of honour ’, these times challenge the wisdom and capacity of this concept . Rolling up the sleeves and working harder and longer on the operational issues won ’ t deliver the strategic planning required . Nor does it provide that ‘ helicopter view ’ that is so often necessary to challenge existing processes and formulate new strategies .
So perhaps it ’ s time to consider getting help . If you ’ re so busy registering vehicles , arranging repairs and chasing fuel cards , are you delivering the strategic direction and planning that your organisation requires ?
If not already in place , consider the benefits of outsourcing specific fleet management tasks , in particular those where you add little value .
Fleet management organisations have strong capability in ‘ back office ’ fleet operations with economies of scale that can offer a compelling value proposition . Whether you wish to own , or lease is just a funding issue , focus on effective vehicle lifecycle management processes is key to optimal results and outsourcing may be the optimal solution for your business .
When it comes to critical aspects such as utilisation - you need data ! Challenging under-utilisation based on observations , or ‘ gut feel ’ is difficult , you need evidence . Pool Vehicle Booking Systems can provide a good user experience , improved compliance capability and databased utilisation reporting that will out-perform Outlook and paper logbooks .
Finally , if you require assistance formulating fleet strategy , an independent review of your fleet operations or selecting optimal fleet solutions for your business , consider talking with a
Fleet Management Consultant to see how they may be able to work with you .
Paul Oliver is the Director & Principal Consultant of Fleet Advisory . Paul provides independent expert advice and fleet consulting services to business , not for profit organisations & government – see
Fleet Advisory for more information .
ISSUE 35 JUNE 2022 / WWW . AFMA . ORG . AU 5