Benefits of Change in the Management of Fleet Services

Abstract

Historically, Council has managed Fleet services in a way that now longer suits Council’s business model, and the time has come for a change. In April 2021 an external party undertook, an audit of Council’s fleet management practices and some serious inefficiencies were brought to management’s attention. One of the key issues found with fleet services was the decentralised management of the Council fleet. This meant that Departments would regularly hire and purchase small plant and equipment without considering budget Implications on projects especially when Fleet services already had the equipment on hand, lack of communication and integration between departments was a major factor. On commencement I undertook the task of centralising Fleet services and to their credit, the departmental managers and supervisors were eager to adopt this process. A new fleet supervisor has come on board, and he is also an important part of this change. Fleet Services are now incorporating Vehicle Management Systems (VMS) which ensures our people are in contact at all times and we are also implementing in vehicle communication systems that ensure satellite communication abilities for our remote work crews. The follow-on effect from the centralisation of fleet services has allowed a more detailed Plant replacement program to be adopted. This process is allowing the acquisition of modern safer plant and light vehicles and the means to keep works occurring with less down time. The process is also allowing Council to expand its fleet by having a better idea of what is required . Furthermore it opens up the opportunity to increase the workforce which also has a positive effect for the community. The future benefits for MICC and the community will be felt well in the future.