eVIRM will reduce costs by:
- removing the cost of printing and distributing hardcopy manuals, updates and newsletters (costing on average $375,000 each year)
- removing the cost to supply a complete printed VIRM (currently, a WoF VIRM costs $150 including free updates)
- making the development and production of eVIRM content more efficient.
However, some customers may need to upgrade their computer system to Windows XP operating system or better, with broadband access (the eVIRM design will still allow for dial-up speed to accommodate those unable to get broadband access).
eVIRM will improve customer service by providing:
- increased accessibility to the eVIRMs through shop floor PCs and hand-held devices
- increased usability of the eVIRMs, eg no heavy manuals to use and update
- easy, powerful and flexible search features
- an engaging, easy-to-use web interface to encourage increased use of the eVIRMs
- the ability to link parts within the eVIRMs as well as to other related information exactly where it is needed
- easy-to-see new information faster. Instead of large twelve- or six-monthly updates to the hard copy, the NZTA will be able to provide smaller and more frequent updates that are far more manageable
- the potential to link directly to the vehicle inspection system (electronic checksheet concept).
eVIRM will improve safety by:
- allowing changes to the eVIRM, especially urgent ones, to be implemented more quickly
- providing a user-friendly web interface which may encourage greater use of the eVIRM, resulting in more correct and consistent inspections
- providing the opportunity for the Vehicles Unit to increase its interaction with individual inspecting organisations or certifiers and to understand how and to what extent each eVIRM is used or consulted at individual sites
- potentially allowing the NZTA to electronically monitor the receipt and acknowledgement of VIRM updates to ensure inspections are carried out to the current requirements
- potentially allowing the eVIRM platform to be used as a training tool
- potentially providing the ability to track any inspecting organisations, inspectors or certifiers who have not accessed the VIRMs or updates.
