Online management tools developed by Uniqco are now available to IPWEA’s Systems Plus subscribers. The online tools will take the hack work out of fleet and plant procurement and will provide professional fleet management to everyone wherever they are in Australia. IPWEA is confident the tools will also be taken up by large organisations as well as small given the time that will be saved by being able to access current market data and compare the latest models within minutes.
The core elements of the online tools are a light fleet selection model, whole of life cost calculator and a tender assessment template.
Light Fleet Selection Model
The web based selection application is designed to save fleet managers time and money in light fleet purchases by providing an 'apples with apples' comparison on a range of vehicles that meet the purchaser’s selection criteria.
The model contains a data base comprising the vehicle models most commonly used in Government organisations and prices are structured using manufacturers’ current Local Government fleet pricing. The model allows a comparison of average annual costs for the vehicles selected. This enables the purchaser to quickly identify, by manufacturer and mileage, the lowest cost alternative vehicle. Once produced, each cost comparison chart is accompanied by a summary sheet that provides details of the major input data.
Output charts provide an average annual cost comparison for each year over 5 years and a guide to the optimum replacement year for each vehicle.
The model enables safety and environmental factors to be considered as well as whole of life costs and weightings of each can be adjusted to suite the individual organisation’s requirements.
Vehicle data is updated quarterly or when a new model is released.
Whole of Life Cost Calculator
Knowing the whole of life cost is critical when purchasing plant and vehicles but there are still people basing their decisions on net capital cost. Unless you are calculating whole of life costs you are not comparing tender submissions on an ‘apples with apples’ basis. By using net purchase price and ignoring operating costs and expected repair & maintenance costs over the life of the item incorrect decisions can be made. Whole of Life Costs should be used in calculating internal hire rates and in purchasing decisions.
Tender Analysis Template
The tendering template provides a weighted criteria analysis leading to a best value purchase decision. The process is simple; firstly select the assessment criteria then apply the weightings to suit the item to be purchased, enter the scores and receive a total score for each item tendered. Highest Score is recommended subject to meeting all compliance requirements
Organisations can access the online tools by subscribing to the IPWEA’s Systems Plus plant & vehicle management program. For further information visit www.ipwea.org.au/fleet or contact Ross Moody on email rmoody@ipwea.org.au or telephone 0417955394.