Scott Ensor, assistant director of fleet management for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, got his start working at a hotel for eight years as an office manager. This included overseeing the shuttle department’s vehicles, keeping maintenance records, and managing drivers. He’s always enjoyed working with people and cars, so becoming a fleet manager seemed like a natural fit when he felt it was time to move on from the world of hospitality. Luckily, the customer service aspect of his former job has helped him a great deal in succeeding as a newer fleet manager.

Pivoting to Digital

Although pretty new to his position, he’s in the process of helping the department developing a new process to eliminate touch points when customers keep track of data after using vehicles.

“We track the miles driven on vehicles, but also the days of use as well. Even if a vehicle doesn’t have a ton of miles on it, if it’s being used five days a week, every week, then the utilization is clearly high even if the mileage is low,” he explains.

Nebraska Statute requires each person who uses a vehicle to complete a mileage log/use form on a clip board with a pen. When COVID-19 became an issue, the department had to figure out a way to make this necessary process as safe as possible. They came up with the idea of creating a QR code they can scan on their smartphones which will lead them to a digital version of that same form. They’ll input where they are headed as well as the odometer reading and other vital information.

The department currently manually uploads the data into their fleet management system, and Ensor says the plan is to have that form integrate into their software to automatically update the mileage and usage of the vehicles.

“We are currently working with our IT department, which is writing the programming. The goal is to reduce the chances of any potential spread of the virus as much as possible. We plan on some of our changes being permanent moving forward. I like the quote ‘never waste a good crisis’ when finding improvements.”

Tech Assisted Adjusting

Ensor started in his position on March 2. This was made all the more difficult as the pandemic changed department policies as he was learning them. Thankfully, his boss Patrick Barrett, who has been with the university over 40 years, has been there for him during remote training sessions, sharing his institutional knowledge and experiences.

At the beginning of the pandemic, all of the office staff worked remotely, and they now split days in the office so someone is always there when needed. Everyone is able to collaborate via Zoom screenshare, and also able to remote into their desktop computers through a VPN connection.

Reaching Out

As he learns a new industry, Ensor feels the best piece of advice he has for others starting out is to overcome adversity by asking questions. He’s had to learn about a dozen different software programs that are all interconnected with each other. Learning the relationships between them and where to go when he needs help has been tough, but possible because he has a team that supports each other.

“Ask questions, and don't be afraid to take on issues that come up. This is what gives you the opportunity to learn and grow. Have the courage to speak out when you know you don’t know something.”