The IPWEA Plant and Vehicle Management Manual (PVMM) remains the gold standard for fleet management best practice, supporting practitioners across local government and utilities. With the last printed version being Edition 4, the PVMM has evolved into a dynamic online resource, ensuring that fleet professionals have access to the latest industry standards, emerging trends, and evolving regulatory requirements.
To maintain its relevance, the PVMM is now updated regularly based on feedback from fleet practitioners and IPWEA Fleet Council members. The online format allows for swift revisions, eliminating the long waits associated with traditional print editions. This means that the guidance provided in the PVMM is always aligned with contemporary best practices, legislative changes, and technological advancements.
Recent Updates: Strategy, Procurement, and Workshop Management
So far, three key chapters have been updated, reflecting the most pressing areas of focus for fleet professionals:
Chapter 1 – Strategy
A strong fleet strategy underpins effective fleet management. The updated Chapter 1 reinforces the importance of a Fleet Asset Management Plan (FAMP)—a 10-year strategic plan that guides decision-making on asset utilisation, procurement, and sustainability. The updated content helps fleet managers align fleet operations with organisational goals, ensuring the best long-term outcomes for efficiency, cost control, and compliance.
Chapter 4 – Procurement
Fleet procurement is more complex than ever, with supply chain disruptions, increasing costs, and a growing shift towards zero and low-emission vehicles. The revised Chapter 4 integrates best practices for sourcing vehicles and equipment, considering whole-of-life costs, fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and asset reliability. It also provides guidance on evaluating alternative fuel vehicles and ensuring procurement policies support long-term sustainability.
Chapter 7 – Workshop Management
Fleet workshops are the backbone of maintenance and operational efficiency. The updated Chapter 7 offers enhanced guidance on preventative maintenance schedules, technician training, compliance requirements, and the role of telematics in workshop operations. It provides practical insights for optimising downtime, extending asset life, and ensuring fleet safety.
Why Regular Updates Matter
The traditional print model of publishing fleet management resources meant that critical updates could take years to be incorporated. By shifting to an online, regularly updated format, the PVMM remains a living document, always reflecting current industry realities.
This agility ensures that fleet managers:
✔ Stay informed about the latest best practices and compliance requirements.
✔ Adapt procurement and maintenance strategies in response to technological advancements.
✔ Enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in their fleet operations.
Supporting Professional Development
The PVMM is not just a resource—it’s the foundation for industry training. It underpins the IPWEA Fleet Management Certificate and the Fleet Management Training Days, equipping fleet professionals with the knowledge and skills to manage complex assets effectively. By keeping the manual up to date, IPWEA ensures that its training programs remain aligned with current best practices.
What’s Next?
Regular updates to the PVMM will continue throughout the year, with input from fleet practitioners, industry experts, and IPWEA Fleet Council members. Future updates will likely focus on asset utilisation, fleet performance benchmarking, and emerging technologies, including electric vehicle transition strategies.
Fleet practitioners are encouraged to provide feedback on the manual to help shape future updates. The IPWEA Fleet team welcomes insights from those on the ground managing mixed and complex fleets, ensuring that the manual remains a relevant and valuable tool.
Access the Latest PVMM Updates
You can access the latest version of the PVMM online through the IPWEA website. It’s free to Premium Fleet Subscribers. If you’re not already using the manual as a reference for your fleet operations, now is the time to start!
