Making the case for an effective fleet management program can be the difference between operating and managing an expensive, unreliable fleet versus a productive, cost effective / predictable inventory. Learn how to build a persuasive case for an effective fleet replacement program utilizing business metrics and quantitative replacement modeling techniques.

Title :

RMFMA - Business Plans and Service Level Agreements

Subject :

fleet management

Synopsis :

Developing a fleet management business plan is essential for managing the effects of change, guiding and achieve improvement, attaining stature and influence, promoting autonomy and self sufficiency, and providing opportunities for growth and professional advancement. A service level agreement (SLA) can also assist with achieving the goals of a business plan by establishing schedules, costs, responsibilities, and accountabilities of a fleet operation to its customers. This presentation (i.e., File 1) illustrates some of the key reasons and elements for establishing a business plan and SLA. Also included in a separate file is a sample SLA (i.e., File 2).

Date :

9/2008

File Size :

File 1 :

253 KB

File 2 :

65 KB

Download :

File 1 :

File 2 :

Rent-Lease-Buy Decision Making - A Presentation CONNEXPO-CONN/AGG 2008

fleet replacement

The timely replacement of vehicles is a challenge that most organizations face. By implementing fleet replacement best practices, such as projecting vehicle and equipment replacement requires over multiple years, one can plan funding requirements several years ahead of time and increase the likelihood of receiving sufficient funds. This presentation illustrates several best practices that can assist managers with fleet replacement activities.

3/2008

408 KB

Public and private-sector organizations of many types and sizes operate fleets of vehicles and motorized equipment to fulfill their missions. Whether to meet the mobility needs of employees or customers; facilitate the delivery of goods and materials; underpin law enforcement or national defense missions; or support manufacturing, construction, utility, public works, or other services, fleet management is a vital but often underappreciated and oversimplified area of endeavor for many enterprises. Nonetheless, much of what passes for management training in the fleet industry consists of thinly disguised sales pitches for goods or services offered by industry suppliers.

In recognition of the need for independent, unbiased information and technical guidance on global trends and best practices in fleet management, Fleet Software & Services Pty Ltd has arranged for Washington, DC-based Mercury Associates, Inc. to join with it this October in conducting two-day seminars on fleet management best practices in Melbourne and Sydney. Mercury Associates, Inc. (www.mercury-assoc.com) is the world’s largest independent fleet management consulting and training firm. Members of its professional staff have conducted numerous training programs for fleet management professionals in North America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia over the last 20 years.

This presentation is in support of these best practices master seminars in Australia covering a broad array of fleet management practices, strategies, and techniques of interest to both newcomers to, and seasoned veterans of, the fleet industry.

Converting information into savings requires that an organization capture the total cost of ownership (TCO) for its fleet operation using fully burden rates for internal labor, parts management, commercial services, and fuel services. These rates are then loaded into a fleet information system that calculates the cost of products and services on a per unit basis, which can then be analyzed for opportunities to control costs without impacting service levels. This presentation illustrates the steps required to begin implementing information measures and benchmarks that can be utilized to covert information into dollars.

The timely replacement of vehicles is a challenge that most organizations face. By implementing fleet replacement best practices, such as projecting vehicle and equipment replacement requires over multiple years, one can plan funding requirements several years ahead of time and increase the likelihood of receiving sufficient funds. This presentation illustrates several best practices that can assist managers with fleet replacement activities.

Acquiring and Using a Fleet Management Information System to Manage Your Fleet

Selecting and acquiring a fleet management information system is a process that requires a lengthy process of evaluation, due diligence of the software company and its products, development of a functional matrix and RFP, and hosting scripted demonstrations. It is also a process that can confuse and overwhelm most fleet managers. However, when these steps are followed properly an organization can procure a state-of-the-art fleet system that best fits their operation; but selecting and purchasing a system is only beginning. Once a fleet information system is installed, a new set of challenges related to its use become the focus. This presentation discusses these issues and the benefits of selecting and using a modern fleet solution.

Fleet Vehicles and Equipment - Rent Lease Buy Decision Making

fleet replacement

The decision to rent, lease, or purchase vehicles and equipment with cash is a complex matter that can often overwhelm many a managers; but understanding the details of these purchasing mechanisms can mean the difference between a young and old fleet. This presentation takes an in-depth look at the key differences between procuring assets with rental agreements, lease contracts, and cash.

3/2007

369 KB

Replacing specialty vehicles and equipment, like fire apparatus, in a timely manner can be a fiscal challenge for any fleet manager. Many operations refurbish such assets, because they perceive this to be more cost effective. This article explores the argument about refurbishing versus replacing expensive fire equipment.

Fleet managers have struggled for years to get the information they need and to determine how to use the information effectively. Odometer readings, for example, are important for preventive maintenance management and vehicle utilization monitoring. But getting accurate and timely updates can be frustrating, because drivers often input incorrect numbers when they refuel. Vehicle tracking technologies, such as GPS and perimeter tag logging, have the ability to capture the information (e.g. current odometer reading) needed by fleet managers to quantitatively make decisions, but the cost is typically prohibitive. However, as fleet manager can leverage the political support of his / her customer base in order to make the investment possible. This article discusses how a fleet manager can justify the cost of tracking technology by creating the right partnerships.

Low bid is the mantra of most public procurement managers — and rightly so. However, “low bid” may not mean what you think it means. The question is: are you skilled enough to structure a bid specification and analyze the responses so that they consider lifecycle costs rather than just net acquisition cost? When consider hybrids and other specialized type of equipment the use of lifecycle cost analysis (LCA) is imperative when deciding to if it is worth the investment. This article explains the use of LCA for selecting vehicles during the procurement process.

There are several topics that fleet management professional are being confronted with in 2006, such as vehicle replacement planning, cost reduction and control, managing take-home vehicles and assignment, and purchasing more fuel efficient vehicles. This presentation discusses these major trends and techniques for managing them effectively.

Implementing fuel management techniques, policies and procedures in an effort to mitigate the financial impact of rising fuel costs is critical. This article discusses some of the proven methods for achieving lower costs through greater fuel efficiency.

The implementation of any enterprise management information system is a complex task that requires planning, experience and sufficient resources in order to successfully avoid project issues. This presentation address some of the key points on avoiding pitfalls that can hamper an effective implementation.

Which emerging fleet and vehicle technologies should fleet managers be tracking on their radar screen? As GPS and AVL technologies begin to mature (and come down in cost) and new vehicle solutions begin to emerge, which ones add enough value to implement.

There is little point on implementing and operating a state-of-the-art fleet information system atop a finely tuned servers and network hardware if the information it generates and the decisions based on that information are flawed. This article discusses the proven techniques for gathering reliable data to mine for management information.

Funding for vehicle replacement purchases is a frequent target of budget cutters when a company is under pressure to reduce costs or increase profits. These short term decisions can have a significant long term financial impact.

cost control; technology

The marketplace abounds with GPS-based remote vehicle tracking and monitoring systems. Do the benefits to your fleet operation of such a system justify the cost?

Getting the most decision making power out of an information system is predicated on establishing a coding system that works. This article provides an in-depth discovery of why data codification provides referential integrity and is an essential part of creating reliable management reports.

One of the easiest ways to cope with soaring fuel costs is to simply drive less. This can be done without negatively affecting customer contacts or service levels, although options do vary depending on the type of business you're in and the ways in which you use vehicles to support your business. The key is to plan vehicle use to the fullest extent possible so as to avoid making multiple trips when a single one will do, and to avoid traveling during periods of peak traffic congestion when off-peak trips will suffice.

Beyond the supervising operational details, successful fleet managers play a variety of roles to energize, motivate, guide, and work within their organization. This article presents ten methods for vehicle and equipment managers to become influential leaders within their own environment.

Supporting a successful snow and ice removal operation requires well managed and maintained specialized equipment. By implementing standardization, aggressive maintenance and asset cleaning policies an operation can achieve optimal vehicle availability during seasonal demand and lower operating costs.

Measures to protect the data in your fleet information system against viruses and other malicious attacks, equipment failure, and natural and un-natural disasters are some of the most important activities for ensuring data integrity. This article discusses several methods that can be implemented in a multi-layered strategy to mitigate your risk for down time or even worse, permanent data loss.

Understanding the resources required by a fleet management information system, such as database platform, hard disk storage, and network architecture are critical details that are core elements for having a reliable and responsive platform. This article discusses the technical differences between the platform options and architecture available in modern fleet systems.

Are you considering new or remodeled facilities? Decisions regarding facilities are crucial, some of the most important ones you will be making. They can maximize productivity, service delivery, cost effectiveness, and when applicable, profit margins. Professional Facilities Programmers know these major facilities decisions are directly related to your ability to deliver products and/or services.

Surviving managed competition requires that fleet management organizations become proficient at a wide range of business management disciplines that not traditionally been a focus of vehicle and equipment managers. This article discusses at length the tactics managers can implement to survive managed competition.

Fleet managers are under constant pressure to lower costs, especially in a tough economic climate - like the past few years. The need or desire to control costs also increases the interest in outsourcing. This article discusses the key steps for having a cost-competitive fleet management program.

Understanding how the data elements in a fleet information system relate to your vehicle and equipment management operation can make using the software easier and more productive. This articles discusses the system data architecture best practices for fleet management information systems.

Fleet managers are under increasing pressure to lower costs these days. In the difficult economic climate of the past few years this pressure has had more to do with the need to balance the city or county budget than with political agendas or ideologies. However, bad economic times also are bound to increase decision makers' interest in the issue of outsourcing. This double whammy of fiscal imperatives and political scrutiny has caused more than a few fleet managers to go prematurely gray in recent years. This article explores some of the aspects of understanding the costs associated with managing a cost effective fleet.

Nearly every function of fleet vehicle management requires a decision dependent upon accurate odometer reporting. Moreover, major fleet tasks, including vehicle replacement planning, proper vehicle maintenance and repair intervals, and efficiently analyzing data all require accurate mileage. This article discusses proven techniques for capturing accurate meter readings in order to operate an efficient maintenance operation and make reliable management decisions.

To be successful, fleet management must develop a productive relationship with the operating departments, vehicle and equipment drivers, and service and parts vendors. Fleet is the pivotal player in these relationships as it manages vehicles and equipment from cradle to grave, especially for key, specialty operations, like street maintenance.

Fleet operations, even emergency vehicle fleets, are under constant pressure to contain costs of maintenance and operation of equipment. However, there are several proven techniques to increase cost-effectiveness without sacrificing asset reliability and availability. This article highlights ten methods for achieving these often polarized goals.

Vehicle and Equipment Specification Writing and Getting What you Need Legitimately

The process of developing specifications for the purchase of vehicles and equipment is a complex task. Many fleet managers and purchasing agents have come to the conclusion that restrictive and narrowly defined RFP specifications is the only mechanism for procuring the correct assets for their operations. Moreover, some specifications are so limiting in their scope that many vendors forego bidding on an opportunity, because they believe the RFP is wired for another vendor or brand of equipment. Performance-based specifications, however, can be used to achieve a fair, competitive bidding process and protect you and your fleet customers from getting the best value due to a low-bid procurement environment. This article discusses how you can implement performance-based specifications for vehicle and equipment procurements.

cost control; fleet management

Many fleet operations utilize a charge-back system to recognize the total cost of ownership for each individual vehicle and the fleet as a whole. Most organizations focus primarily on the development and maintenance of charge-back rates due to their complexity, need for updating, and their use a competitive price comparison. Whereas the customer billing process is the least  area of focus, because it is almost always involves an accounting agency. However, customer billing adds significant value to a fleet operation beyond the simple transfer of funds from one account to another. This article takes a comprehensive look at the value that customer billing brings to a fleet operation and its parent organization.

Fleet management operations have a more difficult time justifying their budget during a tight economy, but the correct strategy can get you the funds that you need. By being a knowledgeable and politically savvy fleet manager you can weather financially tough times that for many vehicle and equipment management operations would mean cutting staff and services just to survive. This document discusses the methods for navigating fiscally rough waters as a professional fleet manager.

The trigger points of privatization are often prompted by the need to cut costs, poor customer service, staff vacancies, or hiring freezes. To respond successfully to the challenges, you must know the actual cost of your fleet operation before these triggers occur.

asset lifecycle; fleet replacement

The process of developing specifications for the purchase of vehicles and equipment is a complex task. Many fleet managers and purchasing agents have come to the conclusion that restrictive and narrowly defined RFP specifications is the only mechanism for procuring the correct assets for their operations. Moreover, some specifications are so limiting in their scope that many vendors forego bidding on an opportunity, because they believe the RFP is wired for another vendor or brand of equipment. Performance-based specifications, however, can be used to achieve a fair, competitive bidding process and protect you and your fleet customers from getting the best value due to a low-bid procurement environment. This article discusses how you can implement performance-based specifications for vehicle and equipment procurements.

During a strong economy many organizations increase the size of their fleet. Moreover, many operations also experience dramatic changes in the composition of their fleet during financially healthy times, such as purchasing more sport utility vehicles (SUV) instead of sedans. For many entities these relaxed practices and business decisions have a negative impact when funds dry up during tough economic times. This article discuss the tough choices that need to be made in order to gain control of an unruly fleet operation.

Technology has enabled many fleet management organizations to make objective and quantitative decisions based on information. Moreover, various emerging technologies will extend the amount of data available to fleet managers and other decision makers. This article discusses several promising solutions that are expected to make a significant impact on how fleets are operated and managed.

Benchmarking allows fleet management organizations to measure their performance against industry best practices. The process of benchmarking requires specific steps in order to be successful. This article discusses the process for effective fleet management benchmarking and how these measures can be utilized to remain competitive during times of lean budgets and increased performance accountability.

In lean economic times organizations look to reduce their fleet operating and ownership costs. Here are 13 proven methods for reducing costs without sacrificing service quality.

Understanding the true cost for owning and operating a fleet enables a manager to control its associated direct and indirect expenses. Most people understand direct expenses, like fuel and maintenance. However, there are other less obvious costs that also impact the total cost of ownership of a fleet. This article discusses the meaning of both indirect costs and their impact.

The outsourcing of fleet services is a fairly common activity for commercial organizations and occasionally seen in government entities. However, there are several management functions that should never be outsourced to a third-party, such as business planning and budgeting, establishing policies, and supplier management. This document describes these and other functions that should be the responsibility of an internal resource in order to have an effective outsourced fleet operation.

As funding for fleet replacement diminishes in a tough economy many organizations begin considering alternative methods, such as lease-purchase financing, to purchase new vehicles and equipment. This articles discusses the funding options that are available to government and commercial organization and how each funding approach works.

Managed competition or the outsourcing of fleet services is a common issue for many organizations. However, there are ways a fleet management operation that is internal to an organization can compete with commercial operations to retain the business of their existing customers. This article presents six proven methods that an in-house fleet operation can implement to succeed in a managed competition.

Does your fleet management organization have a plan to implement the right fleet information technology? Utilization of a business plan to map out current and future technologies that provide the greatest value is critical to achieving cost-effective use of emerging solutions. This article discusses important considerations when developing a plan for your fleet operation's technical needs.