Small things are fun too

When Shawn mentioned that his screen said PROVINCE FEE - yet when I went into his store and my terminal said STATE FEE ...  I was curious

If your screen says STATE FEE in F-8 for the previously mentioned enviro tax -- here is how you correct that....  1) go to MENU >>>> PC SETUP >>>> SYSTEM LANGUAGE  .... and click on ENGLISH CANADA .... and you are done

Not sure where else that effects your set up - but -

Missing Enviro Fee's - how to spot & CURE

Yesterday Shawn was the FIRST to call and comment on some misisng Enviro Fees missing on our invoices to our customers ( oh - you can be sure that WE are paying the fee -- we are just not collecting - so it comes out of our 2009-10 PROFIT SHARING )

Well - everything you wanted to know about Enviro Fees ....

click here for stewardship ontario web site

The Enviro fee is kept in the state (some see the word Province ?? ) fee field - see attached image

The Codes refer to the VALUE -- the OD shown in the image is 4 cents.  It is ALMOST a scale --


1¢ is OA
2¢ is OB
3¢ is OC
4¢ is OD
5¢ is OE
6¢ is -- not defined ( yet )
7¢ is OF
14¢ is OH

others are
50¢ is OU ... you manager has a  FULL LIST  and this list is on the CARQUEST MESSAGE BOARD as thread # 2633

If you find something that is an X line --we must keep this data updated ourselves.  If you find a normal CARQUEST part missing then you need to do a feedback form ( not fair boosting your feedback stats now - a new file is coming this Friday to fill in the missing ) --- YOU can also CHANGE the  stat fee on something HUGE -- when you can NOT wait for the updated file.

CLICK HERE -- Blog Entry for Enviro fees form June 2008

Gee- finally a anon-Exploris post

Hey -- FINALLY -- getting back to semi-normal and a NON-EXPLORIS post ...:-)   Look at this URL -- came HIGHLY recommended for both MEDIUM and HEAVY DUTY truck VIN DECODER and it also shows any parts that Gates has for that application --with any luck we can get more companies to follow and have such a service ....   thinking of Biggler Bros for starters etc ...

Click Here for Gates VIN DE-CODER.. ...  copy this VIN # for a test ....  1HTMMAAL37H468453

Comments ?

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Monday, December 28th. Please make sure that all sick/vacation days and timesheets are sent in before that.

If anyone will be claiming more that the basic claim amount for federal and provincial taxes next year let me know and I will send you new TD1 forms to fill out. This includes anyone who wants extra tax taken off each month and anyone who will be using the child tax amount.

Thanks.

Overstock Returns - get it right

Just checking--on overstock returns - we would normally run the A item ( click on image ) and that lists all items except for the line blocks and the PN codes ( old S/L's ) blocked and will skip all parts with Sales Class ( movement code ) of 1 or 2.

If you run the B option -- that will NOT look at the sub lines you have blocked and will return all Sales Class --use this with caution - not for normal daily use.

REALLY want to get the return procedure down.

price stickers -- do we have it right

I have asked Ryan ( D&T Auto ) to appoint someone to start a steady constant stream of new price stickers ( not a FLOOD -- but more than a trickle ) going to all stores --so we can be sure we are updated ...as I do NOT TRUST the accuracy of the last couple of months on the J-con service

If the DISPLAY ITEM is NOT checked in the Inventory Main Part Entry screen --you will NEVER get that sticker

Once we have gone thru a line--LOOK for missing stickers --or if you are GETTING surplus stickers -- make sure you are removing the check box for that part you no longer want the display item price for. See the image attached to this post

Overstock Returns

working with stores to make sure they have their overstock return PROFILE updated .... If you have TOO large of a suggested return --then NOTHING gets returned.

You specify the entire LINE in the profile - but you specify the individual sub-line ...err...PN code to use the awkward Exploris term in the VENDOR>LINE>ORDER SPECIFICS menu --see the image attached to this --it is for lien CTC and PN code #4 -- O rings that we omit from returns ... similar would be Dorman wheel studs ...etc etc ...

Are you thinking about your future?

Have you considered what you are going to do with the cheques that you received last night? Are you a spender or a saver? Remember you need to make your own pension plan and the time to start saving is now. I have included a link to the Government of Canada website with details on RRSP's and TFSA's. You decide which plan is right for you, or a combination of both? You still have time to make your 2009 contribution. See your financial planner or banker for more details. http://www.tfsa.gc.ca/

Problem -- can NOT update a customer - has a LOCK

IF you are trying to update a customer -- like add an e-mail address or some other  update to the file --and you get this error - ( see image )  can not update due to lock --- you want to see if there is an ACTIVE invoice on someone's screen right now -- sometimes a LOCK can stay by accident and once you know there is NO active invoice up ( see 2nd image - you will see that Clerk GH has account # 1147 up --gee that is me --used for this test ) then you can CLEAR bad locks in the UTILITY >>> TABLE LOCK UTILITY screen.   This message is for senior staff ONLY -- assistant managers & UP

Replaced By - mostly broken --until v50

A known problem for some time is set to be fixed on the next BIG release - v50  .... Bob Miller from Walker Rd mentioned this in Oct as a HIGE problem - --I looked up a part in NGK that we do NOT have in out system --- and it looks correct. ( see Image )

PROBLEM --- when Adis computer updates the REPLACED BY data --it was only adding it the description # 2 which for the most part is never used by the system - it doesn't show on POS or the e-cat.

THE FIX ---- the replaced by data needs to be added to the ALT/SUP SETUP fields --see image.

In the image - you will see the NGK plug is done correctly ... now - we are trying to see if the whole problem has gone away and corrected -- or we got a lucky find.

Until we are sure --if you are looking for a part and it doesn't show -- you can try to source it (at which point the correct substitution will show up ) or look up the part on the Main P{art Entry screen and look at Desc #2.

IMPORTANT --this only effects NON-SKU ( non-active ) parts -- you can tell a non-sku part by the RED colour in the price 1-5 fields names .... active parts are Blue

Find an EXTRA part to return -- re-count

If you find an extra core to return -- you will want to re-count-- when you ADD some thing to a return in Exploris manually --Exploris will DEDUCT that item from the on hand count -- and you may not have wanted that .... re-count afterwards to ensure all settles to what you wanted.

ROA' s--- 2nd reminder

When taking an ROA please use the payment memo to record what type of payment form was used(mastercard, visa, cash, debit etc) If you do not use this no where on the ROA receipt does it show the payment type. Please use the check no. space to record the cheque number. Thanks.

The first reminder was posted on Thur Dec 03 2009 -- can you remember ....

Pro's & Con's of using DONE DEPOSITS

Bob Miller from Walker Rd speaks very highly of using DONE DEPOSITS - verus quotes ... in SOME situations: -when you want the STOCK removed from On Hand ... you know he will get it and you want to re-order tonight ...not in a few days when they pick it up ( like a Lay-a-way ) -works well for cash deliveries --especially when the money might not get into your drawer until tomorrow ..for example a driver takes it on their way home last thing. -you need to order the part and you don't want to finalize the invoice ...and you find that using the SHELF SOURCE (F-10) option is awkward ...when the customer comes in there is not tracking for him and that part and who did it in Shelf Sourcing BUT there is when you use Done Deposits/ --  OK --  what are the down sides -one more thing for the staff to know

-the TEMP invoice looks too much like a completed invoice (your manager has copy or make one to see) we really need tmake sure that staff understand it s NOT a completed invoice - there must be cash to collect ( we have  requested an improvement ...click here for Exploris Blog suggestion Look forward to you learning this and see where you feel this fits into our organization

MISSING Data - put back into E-Cat

the VIN info and the EXTRA data like Fluid Capacity should be back in our E-Cat ( like it was in J-Con ) --thanks to Ryan and Brian Wiggs working this issue out. The image here shows the VIN sub section that was missed ( one part of the problem ). E-Cat is important -- let us know your issues.

Standardize List price

We have standardized the LIST price like we had it on J-Con. See you store manager for details. If you have a specific customer that requires something different ( higher or lower ) - see you manager.

This is set on a customer basis - whereas in J-Con it was a global setting.

Auto Receive or NOT --that is the QUESTION

Do you find it easier to have AUTO RECEIVE ASN's turned on or off ( and you manually select and receive ) - you and your store has that option... see image - it is located in VENDOR main page then click 'ORDER SPECific' button in lower left.

Auto Receive Auto Sourced PO -is when system makes a PO

Auto Receive Sourced PO - is when you go GET the part from sourcing

Auto Receive SHELF Sourced part - when you use F-10 for get the part under 'shelf sourcing'

Remember to EDIT and change the box then UPDATE ( and do we need to hit EDIT again to clear the green Edit at the bottom of the screen - I have been doing this - just in case ).

You need to maintain this BY store - so one store can do it and another not.

QUOTES are held for 7 days

Quotes are held for 7 days --that is why you want to be professional in printing and filing quotes for that one customer who comes back in after -say 2 or 3 weeks after.

All your quotes from the opening Day - Tue Dec 1 will go tonight.   You can see your open quotes under the invoice menu ( see your manager for help )

Did you know that Auto Barn does WAY  MORE  quotes than the other stores?    Why?   Why Not?

Bonus Question -- for EXTRA POINTS

Your VPN should be on when you arrive in the morning - HINT -- you see the small padlock in the lower right ... but when your Exploris gets updated --like the anticipated update coming next week - Wed 15 or Thur Dec 16th --- and you don;t check to see if VPN is on -- you will get this error message -- see image --click on the image and we have an insert to show the VPN as well called Picture2.png

Did we confuse you?   Managers -- please mark this down for next week and lets see who remembers ...

Thanks Kelly for this tip

Identify Cash Customers

Greg G loves the ability to identify cash customers - especially for RETURNS.  Ryan has asked the Exploris help desk to 'flip the switch' to request all customers get identified ...well ... almost all ...respect the customer who declines using the default ... just don't abuse this default option -- the ability to match specific customers with purchases will prove to be MOST valuable.  Ryans new switch that has been turned on - you will notice the difference when you complete the cash tendered button.  Comments?

Free Lunch - Wed Dec 16th

CMX  DIN & reps are providing a FREE LUNCH for all stores Wed Dec 16th - wow

NEVER use an OPEN invoice - anywhere

One of the many 'GOOD HABITS' we need to get into is ....

One is --    never use an existing OPEN INVOICE on your terminal or anyone else's - trash that an pull up a VIRGIN copy of an invoice -- you o NOT know who signed that open invoice as clerk -- so if you make a cash sale - your cash will be wrong

How do you trash an open Invoice (with nothing on it ) ---use the ESC key ... go try this --get into a good habit - pull a fresh copy -and never leave a copy up on any terminal - reduce the number of windows open -- use the ESC key

Stuck on a problem .... ?

Stuck on a problem ... ??   What should you do ...

These are NOT IN ANY ORDER -- but these are all possible options

1) call the help desk  866-975-6747    this phone # is on the opening screen in Exploris and in Plaxo
2)  call you manager or assistant manager
3)  call another stores manager
4)  call Greg H

Do NOT do nothing -- the problem et worse

Control of MCL File in E-Cat

We have control of the MCL file now -- the problem with J-Con is once you had control - you had to add new lines ... we have been assured that NEW LINES will be updated on our behalf - and our control allows us to fine tune the catalog ( add new X lines or adjusting the priority of lines displayed ).

One EXAMPLE requested by Greg Guyitt is to MOVE the best brake pads to the TOP and move the RED PADS below that.

If you check --it has been done.   Do you like it ?   I would ask that YOU not mess with the MCL file and allow me to keep it as job security ( at least for a month ).  The changes only have to be made ONCE for multi-store ( OK with that :-).  You do NOT have to LOG-OUT to see the changes -- just grab a new catalog look-up.

 
Why is it called MCL file --who knows - that is a name Activant gave it.

Ordering -- use Alpha-Numeric PO#

A tip told to us by the boys from Ohio ( thanks Mike ) -- when ordering -- use LETTERS & NUMBERS for a PO # ( alpha-numeric ) and not just numbers ...  a known bug awaiting the fix ... and fix's can be a long time when you are waiting.

TWO types of parts -- Active & Non-Sku

In J-Con we had a hard time telling what was a non-active part -- you could call up a part in the POS f-9 screen and the only way to know if it was an ACTIVE PART was to add a stock level to the part --if it was non-active you would see a note on the bottom of the screen saying "adding part to active file' ... and then if you didn't want to stock it -- you would set the stocking level back to zero ... we would do this for parts in the T&E flyer to make sure they got the saleprice - otherwise you would not get the updated price until a day afterwards ( being updated at night ).

In Exploris you will see some clues on if the part is ACTIVE ( in our data base  ) or in-active ( in the Parts Source  or non-sku file ) -- one way is to see the COLOUR of the price field labels --see attached images - if BLUE it is active --if RED is it non-active ( awaiting you to pull it out and sell it making it active )

Did I make it clear - or make it worse :-)

Quirks of EXPLORIS - Quotes and Cash ....

Some things in a new system will seem down right STRANGE and at least counter-intutitive. One such item is QUOTES BELONG to the PERSON who started them ... not to the person who finishes the SALE.

If you complete a quote and make the sale -=- the CASH must go into the originator's cash drawer!!! Not your cash drawer!!

We will have to repeat this - but for your sake I hope you remember on the 2nd NOTICE -- as I understand that Rhonda has applied for a gun permit ... or maybe these two items are un-related ?? But --why take that chance -- just in case!!

We will have to go thru the issue of -- IF the Originator Person is NOT WORKING --one option is to CANCEL the quote and re-bill -- then you become the Originator .../and the cash belongs in your cash drawer.

I will write this us as a requested BUG FIX-IMPROVEMENT ( #6004) -- but such changes are measured in Months or Years - not days ... so in the mean time -- keep Rhonda happy ( and reduce her ammunition costs ) -- and LEARN

cheat sheets for Exploris

10 days prior to the install we sent a vast number of cheat sheet info items to the store managers ... you can see these by searching 'Exploris Resource Center' in the search box on CARQUEST-Link.

The Image used here is the first part of a 3 page cheat sheet (from the v46 - we are on v49 - so most will be the same - but) -- I have sent a couple of copies to D&T and one copy to Petes & to Auto Barn - appreciate it if you would have a look and tell us if this or the other help sheets do indeed help you.

Overdue A/R tips & tricks

Every past system we have ever had ONLY handled overdue A/R ( accounts receivable ) with one tool-- using CREDIT LIMITS ....  but Exploris allows us an ADDITIONAL TOOL - the STOP on sales if the customer is has an invoice over x number of days.

For now --we are testing the LIMIT at 91 days.

If a customer is JUST over credit limit ( so he could be current or could be overdue ) you get a message at the bottom of your screen that says "This account has exceeded the credit limit" and it is solved by having a manager INCREASE the credit limit - you print a QUOTE for the item wanted -- have the manager increase credit limit - then call the quote up and make the sale.

If the customer is OVER 91 days on any outstanding invoice ( which TRUMPS the over credit limit ) you need a manager to over ride -- to even PRICE the item.  This is controlled in the customer file as shown in the image.   If the customer is ALSO over credit limit --that as well will have to be adjusted.

This is a learning process for us all - we appreciate your feedback.

Emailed Statements

This is what the emailed statement and message that customers will receive looks like. If you have any questions please let me know.

ROAs

When taking an ROA please use the payment memo to record what type of payment form was used(mastercard, visa, cash, debit etc) If you do not use this no where on the ROA receipt does it show the payment type. Please use the check no. space to record the cheque number. Thanks.

Payment Types

Please make sure you remember that the Discover card tender option will be used for Carquest credit card purchases and that the Other tender option will be used for Internet/Telephone banking online payments. If you have any questions let me know.

How to ASK the customer for e-mail delivery

We would like every customer to be asked ONCE if they would like e-mail delivery of statements.   We don't want to over ask MULTIPLE times ...  if the customer accepts - please do these steps below.
a)  add the CORRECT e-mail name to their account ( sorry --we can ONLY have ONE e-mail name at this time - maybe latter versions we can specify the  account from the sales in our customers )
b) bottom right of customer page click 'STATEMENT SETUP' and un-click mail and click on e--mail

IF the customer declines ....  please add  this e-mail to the e-mail name ......  declined@email.com  and that way we will KNOW this customer has already been asked.

Therefore --before you ask the customer - call up their account and see if the e-mail address is filled in --and if it says declined -- then don't ask

Benefits of e-mail
-if they like it - it helps both them & saves us postage and TIME

Problems of e-mail
-we MUST make sure we have the proper e-mail name - if we call them when they go OVERDUE and they say --what statement - I never got it --it will cause everyone involved a lot of trouble ...  we MUST have the preson who pays the bills get the e-mail ...not the mechanic-technician

Your help on this is MOST appreciated.

Supercedes and Superceded (or Supersedes and Superseded)

See the images -- you have to read the words ( BTW supercede should be spelled as supersede - but whom am I to criticize spelling as you well know )

Superceded >>> example 53035 is superceded by 5115

Supercedes >>> example 5115 supercedes the older 53035

Oh --did I get fouled up on this earlier today ....

Greg H

LETS MAKE NOTES --- GEE --WHICH NOTE ???

The customer file has THREE notes - the A/R note ( of very limited use as of now - day 2 into install )   and the NOTES button on the lower left of the customer screen.  See the 2nd image for these -- do NOT use the upper note  - the lower note is of far more value since it shows up on Invoicing ( POS ) screen.

Stay tuned - we want to use the best note that allows all to understand what is going on.

NOTE -- a really kind of stupid issue - you have to LOG OUT of your Exploris if you want to see what you have added to your note.  And I mean LOG OUT -- close --kill--down --dead -- out ...  and any other terminal will have to do the same ... for the most part you would add a note and assume the staff will see it the NEXT DAY ... so urgent notes for any customer are awkward at best.

Exploris Issues will be posted in the Exploris BLOG

Can you also bookmark the Exploris Blog -- issues that we want other jobbers to also know about --we will post in the Exploris Blog

carquest-exploris.blogspot.com

update your PLAXO address book

There is always confusion on loosing your bookmarks - one example is PLAXO for your multi-store address book.

The USER NAME is Greg dot Henderson at wrenchead dot CA The password is all CAP's and NO space between the 3 store ( for security - call for exact details )

Remember to BOOKMARK your NEW computer so you look professional

How will X line parts show

In J-Con we could trick E-Cat into showing a related part by using an '@' in the first part #'s description -- not very elegant but it got the job done. In Exploris we will LINK parts in ALTERNATES ( if you remember our Autologue system from 1996-2003 we had similar alternate logic )

The image (click to make larger ) is just a test to show - linked a 2057 bulb with a spark plug - to show how you can make the alternate show UNDERNEATH the linked part in e-cat. We will be busy linking part numbers like rotors and pads for our stocked X lines next week.

As always - there is another way to do this -- we can have control of our own catalog file ( MCL file ) and can add e-cat and match the X line rotors to an existing line -- the problem here --is that EVERY part # shows --not just what we keep. If a part is NOT in FILE ( NiF ) then pricing shows as blank. We will have to think which is the best way in the long run.

2011 Oil changes - get ready to rumble .....

Click here for ASA article

Two new standards for motor oil will soon arrive.
They will reshape the way you buy oil and how you market maintenance programs to your customers. Your net profit margin will be affected by the decisions you make.

Timbren suspension training

See this link for Timbren suspension products training -- give it a try

SPI pumps & Combo units coming to FP

New in line FP --- ssshhh --it seems to be a secret ......

Sub lIne 17 is Spectra electric pump assemblies

Sub Line 18 is Spectra fuel pump and gas tank assemblies

Watch for e-cat and product announcements --thanks to Bob Miller for spotting this

Telling others about your NEW e-mail address

Hi -- just a quick note -- it is probably better 'form' to use BCC ( blind carbon copy ) to send your new e-mail name notification out to your contacts

Why BCC - well - for one - it stops nosey people from seeing you who also have on the list ... so if you have you don't want someone to know who else you have contact with ....

Just a small point ... but thought you might like to know

Stainless mufflers ?

Watch for the new stainless steel mufflers in the 21 Quietflow series ( will this change the way we need to set stocking levels ?? ) Give us a shout when you see the first ...

Same part #
Same Price
How can we tell looking at the box ? >>> Quiet Flow SS Sticker

How can we tell looking at the muffler ? >>>> Quiet Flow SS embossed on the
aluminized outer shell (the only part of the muffler that is aluminized)

new e-mail names

We have a Customer Problem e-mail -- " accounting at wrenchead dot ca " ...we don't show the actual name as there are 'things' on the internet that HARVEST e-mail accounts and then YOU GET TONS OF SPAM

When we where in there we added most ( who did we miss ? - if we did - tell your manager ) of the staff so we can drop the yahoo accounts - and I think it looks more polished to have it this new way.

You should write GOOD NOTES so you remember in 5 years how your settings are - in case you change computers ... gee ... that 5 years will come fast -- as many of you are GETTING NEW COMPUTERS on Monday Nov 30th .... hint ....

PS -- for the extra point -- google this .... 'wiki imap' and read the advantages and disadvantages of IMAP vs POP for your e-mail accounts ...

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Wednesday, November 25th. Please make sure that vacation/sick days and timesheets are sent in before that.

Thanks.

PS If you want your vacation pay released before the month end cheque for December I need to know now.

Well Ignition (ECC) trouble codes

Click here for wells Ignition web page -- follow path
1) click on TECHINCAL
2) click on TROUBLE CODES
3) click "i agree'
4) pick ABS or POWER TRAIN

have fun - share with others

Cardone Introduces Remanufactured Turbos and Superchargers

from a recent press release -- let us know when you see stock & proper e-cat listings....

Interesting in their stats for the number of existing units on vehicles ....

Cardone Industries has introduced remanufactured turbos and superchargers to its line of automotive products.
Cardone’s initial product release of 51 turbo SKUs and nine supercharger SKU’s covers 90% of the current U.S. gasoline and diesel market and includes over 9 million vehicles in operation.
Due to their efficiency and fuel savings, the number of turbocharged vehicles on the road is expected to increase significantly in the next few years. By 2013, an estimated one in three vehicles produced worldwide will be turbocharged. Currently one in four vehicles in production are turbocharged.
“Basic turbochargers can increase efficiencies by up to 40% over naturally aspirated engines,” says Greg Arsenault, Cardone’s director of fuel air systems. “Cardone is positioning itself for the future by becoming the first national aftermarket supplier to recognize and respond to this market.”

Renew of Carquest in Nascar

Carquest has resigned with #5 Mark Martin but in a lesser role

Try PrimoPDF

You may have a reason to try and know of PrimoPDF .... click here to download a free version. Why? _ If you have a reason to make quick PDF copies and want to append to ONE PDF multiple items ( as in the case of Rhonda when she will copy multiple invoice copies into ONE pfd to send out.

With the new Exploris system - you will need to re-load tis and other handy favourites -- but this gives you a week or so to try out and see how it helps you.

Click here to see the main page for PrimoPDF