In episode 152 of the Asset Champion podcast, host Mike Petrusky speaks with Mike Duffy, transportation operations and fleet manager at The University of Virginia. Duffy shares his passion for improving UVA FM vehicles and equipment and implementing programs that steward funds while reducing environmental impacts. He talks about his career in fleet management, achievements in the field, and perspectives on the state of the facilities management industry. Duffy covers how telematics and modern software solutions have transformed fleet management, enabling precise tracking of vehicle usage, maintenance needs, and fuel consumption, leading to significant cost savings and operational efficiency. He explains why he believes continuous education and commitment to being a lifelong learner are crucial for staying relevant in the fast-evolving field of facilities and fleet management. The two Mikes share the same name and similar taste in music, so they offer some inspiration and fun as they explore important industry topics.
Agenda
- Evolution of fleet management from traditional to modern practices
- Integration of telematics and transition to electric vehicles
- Importance of continuous education and professional development
What you need to know: Facility and maintenance takeaways
Takeaway 1: Continuous learning and professional development are essential for staying relevant in the rapidly evolving field of fleet management
“I would recommend that you take advantage of any educational opportunities that are afforded you by your agency,” says Duffy. “Commit to invest in yourself, commit to yourself that you are going to be a lifelong learner, so that you’ll stay relevant in your realm.”
For Duffy, it’s professional advice he’s taken to heart. “I’m currently a 4th-year student in a bachelor’s of Interdisciplinary Studies,” he explains. “And it’s been amazing to have the opportunity to continue with my goal of being a lifelong learner.”
Takeaway 2: Telematics technology has transformed fleet management, enabling data-driven decisions and cost savings
Telematics technology played a crucial role in optimizing fleet management practices at UVA. “We used to maintain the fleet here. It came in for service twice a year because we had no way to know when it was due for service, how many miles did it travel,” Duffy explains. “Now, we get alerts from our software telling us when that vehicle has reached its optimum time to get an oil change.”
Duffy then shares a concrete example of how telematics data helps in strategic decision-making: “We were able to look at our shuttle that we were using to transfer FM staff around our grounds. We found out that it was driving 39 miles a week on average,” he says. “It was a gasoline vehicle. We were able to convert to a hybrid van, which would give us 32 miles of electric travel upfront, reducing our dependency on fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gasses that we were putting into the atmosphere at the same time to be able to provide that same service.”
Takeaway 3: Successful fleet electrification requires careful measurement and change management
“You cannot manage something until you measure it, and that’s the value that you gain from telematics,” Duffy explains. “Once you know what you’re doing with your vehicles, how far you’re going, you know how much fuel you’re using. You’re able to make wise choices to be able to drop them into a replacement cycle, so that that team can still do their job.”
Duffy also shares a strategy for overcoming resistance to change. “One of the ways that we try to do that is by introducing alternative fueled vehicles to fleet members when their vehicle goes in for service,” he said. “They’ve always driven a gasoline vehicle or a diesel vehicle. They’ve always thought that’s what they have to have. So how do we go ahead and get them to explore, to be curious, and to lean in and try something new?”
He recounted a specific time where this approach worked: “One of them told him, ‘When I got this at first, I thought I was in trouble. I thought I’d done something wrong. I’ve been driving a Dodge Dooley 2500, and I’m a plumber. They gave me this thing today. Now, I wish I’d had it 10 years ago.’ When he said that, that was all that was needed. We now have half a dozen of those similar vehicles on the grounds.”
Maintenance management insights
- The adoption of technology, particularly telematics, has significantly improved fleet management by providing real-time data on vehicle usage and maintenance needs.
- Collaboration between fleet management and university education programs can lead to innovative solutions, such as the Mindful Driver Training program.
- The transition to electric vehicles requires careful consideration of vehicle usage patterns and the availability of charging infrastructure.
- Change management is crucial in introducing new technologies and practices, and involving frontline users in the decision-making process can help overcome resistance.
- Lifelong learning and continuous education are essential for staying relevant in the rapidly changing field of facilities and asset management.
Learn more about Virginia APPA and do a deep dive into more asset management insights by exploring all Asset Champion Podcast episodes.
