– By Rob Wilson –
IPWEA partnered with Local Buy in Brisbane on the 15 and 16 March 2016 to deliver a series of professional development sessions on the management and operation of plant and vehicle fleets.
As part of the Government Procurement and Fleet Conference at the Royal International Convention and Exhibition Centre the fleet stream provided delegates with a broad range of topics presented by experts in the fleet industry.
The fleet program opened with a forum on issues facing today’s fleet practitioner and provided the opportunity for delegates to share challenges and solutions. Sessions covered a broad range of topics such as; operating a modern maintenance facility, the impact of technology on fleet systems, the provision and use of drones in asset management, contract management and efficiently managing small plant.
Drones are being used increasingly in industry for inspection, surveying, imaging and a seemingly endless range of tasks that can increase efficiency and reduce risk. This can lead to the fleet manager being faced with the prospect of being responsible for the provision of remote controlled aircraft.
Clinton Parker of LGIS Queensland presented the work his team has been doing to provide drones on a short term / project basis negating the need for end users to own and operates this type of equipment. This approach can save money and the need to manage compliance requirements.
The conference provided a great opportunity for fleet and procurement practitioners to come together and share experiences and challenges. With a well-represented hall of exhibitors, welcoming river cruise and conference dinner there was plenty of opportunity to meet new colleagues and renew old acquaintances.
IPWEA’s next Plant and Vehicle Management professional development workshops will be held in Parramatta on the 17 May, Melbourne on the 19 May and Perth on 20 May 2016.
More detail on IPWEA Fleet professional development and resources can be found here .
