If you’re handling HR for a fleet in multiple countries, with different regulations and policies in each one, it can take time just to stay on top of everything – and that’s before you have to deal with all the extra administration that this naturally brings.
Alternatively, you could consider centralised international fleet management with a global partner who can support your administration requirements, with 24/7 support and advice that understands the situation in each country where you operate.
Fleet centralisation projects themselves can be seemingly complex – which is why we’ve identified the five major factors that make for a successful process. Here they are:
1) Set clear, strategic objectives
Often, the ultimate objective behind any strategic business change is to maximise profit and, especially following a merger or acquisition, to optimise and standardise processes and policies. To help set clear, strategic objectives first review the ‘as-is’ situation, as this will help you make decisions based on concrete targets in support of your organisation’s overall strategic objectives.
2) Build a solid business case
Ensure you create specific objectives to create the right level of buy-in. Identify what cost savings can be achieved and when, what the impact on the business will be or what the reduction in emissions will be.
Don’t underestimate the amount of time involved in this process, which can take up to six months depending on the level of centralisation required and the number of countries involved.
3) Project management
The implementation of an international fleet programme needs to be carefully managed, so it is essential to have the right person in place.
The international project lead needs to have relevant knowledge; which will include general management, project management as well as time management skills; an understanding of fleet management and the vehicle lease industry; as well as personal skills, a can-do attitude and the ability to influence and motivate others with a clear focus on results.
4) Communication
Communication is an essential tool in the international fleet centralisation tool-kit.
In our experience, 90% of the project lead’s time should be spent on communication. Company cars are an emotive issue – and its essential for the project manager to be aware of the political and cultural framework involved and to understand key market differences to ensure buy-in from all stakeholders.
5) A step-by-step approach
If you are moving from a decentralised model to a centralised model, it’s best to tackle the elements that are easiest to centralise. Some ‘quick wins’ for standardisation, harmonisation and cost savings include: outsourcing operational lease under a sole or dual-supply model, ‘bundling’ services such as insurance, accident management and fuel cards, restricting vehicle choice or centrally agreeing contract terms and mileages.
Next steps
Getting these five factors right will help you to persuade the senior decision-makers of the benefits of centralisation, create a clear mandate towards the local organisations from the top down, and gain the necessary support for change among all stakeholders – paving the way for a fleet that is significantly easier to manage, especially when you have a partner to support all your administration requirements.
Download our International Whitepaper with our step-by-step example.
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LeasePlan have over 50 years’ experience in international fleet management and we are one of the world’s leading leasing companies. Our uniquely joined-up approach across countries ensures consistency of service and support, while allowing regional flexibility to meet the specific HR requirements of your local operations.
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