Routine Maintenance on Windows XP

There are some things we need to do on the Windows XP machines every so often to keep then in shape - if not you will get this message ,,,,,,


This is what you do -- go to your computer and right click on your hard drive and select properties and run the TOPOL as shown --this program will clean up the mess the NEXT TIME you re-start your machine --so plan on this then do it on your lunch or at end of your work shift ( saving you idle time )




Thanks to Matt for spotting this - he noted that MOST machines at Auto Barn had this problem - but having just transfered from D&T - he never ran into it ... cute side story -- 30 minutes after solving this and getting Matt on his way --I get the SAME error ( usually when switching customers in invoicing screen ) --- so I ran it and went to lunch.

new Keystone website -

Just had a long call with Jason  McDonald from Keystone - there are MANY things happening with the relationship of Keystone & CARQUEST Canada .... some are in place and some will be happening very soon.
-no CARQUEST upcharge - the price that Keystone charge is the price we pay
-so that opens up all sorts of things that were made impossible previously
>>>>>  such as the CURRENT PROMOTIONS ( red button )  check this out weekly
-we still have some technical issues for make our E-Cat work - have addressed these to Tim Folks & Tom Kurtz ...if we can get the supplier prefix added to the e-cat ( like K&N Filter ) then e-cat works for 95% of line --and if we can get the CARQUEST Toronto DC to STOP STRIPPING the supplier prefix from the part # ( we think they did this JUST for ease in stock pickers ) -then we get the rest of the parts ( approx 200-300 and approx 10-20 in K&N to also show ( note these few parts do show in e-cat - but since the majority do not - you disregard the data )
-look for the sliding scale for margins -the more expensive the part - the less we make - but that is COMMON SENSE
-remember that we continue to quote relative to the US Dollar --so if someone gets a quote and comes back in a week - the difference will be the USA-CDN dollar ( Click here for USA-Cdn dollar chart )

Some changes - like ability to change passwords will not be on the NEW web-page for  a day ( and if this happens - wow --as their IT guys can do changes that fast --compared to --well - you know )

Farm Hydraulic Oil

It seems that ALL oil is getting complex ...so we are not surprised to see an updated spec for units built in 2007 and newer will require J20C that updates the long held 303 spec for Farm Hydraulic oil.

We will watch as these companies try to figure out if they incorporate into ONE SKU or keep two sku's based upon a price issue.

Comments appreciated

Small Things make BIG Differences

Going thru some old e-mail in a pending file --came across one from 2006 where we asked for better descriptions on hose & tubing in line RBR


Here is what we had ( prior to April 15 2010 )
RBR  27000  FUEL HOSE
RBR  27001  FUEL HOSE
RBR  27002  FUEL HOSE
RBR  27003  FUEL HOSE
RBR  27004  FUEL HOSE



See the image for what we have now -- much thanks to Don Grover in Raleigh - better descriptions help our staff in counting and our customers in knowing what they are buying


So --what other description improvements could help ???  Your turn

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Monday, April 26th. Please make sure all vacation/sick days and time sheets are sent in before that.

Thanks.

CLB BP3757NALL -- still a good #

While we get the PLB - CLB change cleaned up -- it is important to note that CLB BP3757NALL is still a good sku that all stores need to stock - please check your levels  - there are more loose ends that are in the process of being cleaned up


earlier post on BP3757NALL

Wish # 6040 - various MOVEUP suggestions

Here are some general points & wishes on Move ups

I copied you a reply back to Mike Deal in Classogram/Mvt Code Dept. IF we had an option to see the description #2 (which generally holds the updated replaced by info .... ) it can make moveups a bit easier - seeing the descriptions confirms this part is being replaced by something. OR --can you come up with a better way to COLOR the part to show it is a REPLACED BY something else part ??

If we had the option to LIMIT the impact on 'Select Sales Override' -- I just did a SLS moveup and had a raft of 8.x items come up due to special order sales -- if we had a way to LIMIT the EXTREME level of mvt code we would add --for example on SLS I used 5.8 .... allow us to input the upper end of Mvt Codes to allow --so if we have sales on items - say - ONE FULL Mvt code above out input -- 5.8 + 1.0 = 6.8 ...any item with sales at or better than 6.8 --OK -- but any item with 6.9 or worse --ignore. Hope I wrote that in such a way it makes sense ...

How can we remove Min-Max from the display ... we have SO LITTLE ROOM on the moveup display - to WASTE IT showing Min-Max ( which we do NOT USE ) ...so on every moveup we have to adjust the display.

If you have Multi-store - we need a way to OPEN ALL ( instead of hitting the 'PLUS" sign 100 times for the 100 items

Whack a Mole - Update

A few weeks back I posted an article on Peter McNally and how asking him to FIX a problem was much like dealing with the game WHACK-A-MOLE -- you tell him of one problem --and it seems to get fixed -- but another problem pops up somewhere else.

The TPS line is a fight to get competitive with OEM sources ... we had sent him examples on 20153 that Ken found - and in following up we are pleased to see the price lowered to just 6% more than USA ... too bad the rest of the line didn't get fixed .... YET .... but --we will continue to request fairness and competitive prices .... and this post will be a footnote in the history of the struggle for CARQUEST Toronto to keep the Ontario jobbers competitive ....

PLEASE --keep the feedback coming --and will keep the push for common sense and fairness ...

BTW --I was impressed that some lines that were HIGHER than last time ( 2007 ) we fought this battle are lower now --we will work on the problem lines .... more to come

Matt's work on Battery display

While we wait for CARQUEST to provide adequate leadership --Matt took matters into his own hands and did this ... quite resourceful and good looking job -- now we can go back to the older sign and it will LAST and look better than this quick and dirty label using the yellow price sticker.

The plastic holders do an excellent job

HD E CAT

I found this HD vin decoder on Gates website. It is pretty neat. It will tell you all of the rubber products on that particular vehicle. Check it out. Here is a sample VIN: 1M1AA13Y21W139084

http://www.vindecipher.com/gates/index.cfm?action=decode

New Anti-Virus program for EXPLORIS machines

NOTE -- if your PC didn't come from CARQUEST -- you are responsible for maintaining your own anti-virus ( that is Pete's and Rhonda as far as we know )

All Exploris machines are updating their anti-virus program --the original logo looks like the shield and V - once you run an update it changes to the RED M.

I have asked Ryan to consider if the preferences are strong enough ( for example NO full scan set for any day ) ????

Note -- Auto Barn is set to have their new program tonight for tomorrow am ( Thur April 8th )

WAL Cat Converters

Just to confirm we did indeed see the price reduction for WALKER on PN code 4  Cat converters

Fuel Pump Info

At yesterdays road  show - the Delphi rep mentioned the Fuel Pump Info web page.  I found it interesting that Spectra was also a member of this elite group of fuel pump manufacturers -- check it out.  Click on the above above

IT'S A GIRL!!!

Congratulations to Adam and Angela.

Lauren Elizabeth

6 pounds 9 ounces

March 23, 2010

things you can do - and things you can't -- and things your shouldn't

I have been criticized over the years for ONE word in a large communication.    Not what I  said - but how I said it ... and it comes down to ONE WORD some one takes offense to.    That can be OK - but if you ignore the issue and fixate on the word -- how will we ever get things to be better?

Here is such an example - posting it here for all the world to see - and let history be my judge.

How many times do we talk to reps and  they say --buy - is it difficult to get parts in to CARQUEST's system ( referring to Canada ).

Here is such an example - the rep tells  us that he has request that CARQUEST add this part in 3 different e-mails over the past year ... PER 31870 --a gasket maker required to handle ATF fluid in Chrysler products ( USA part # 81180)   Point --we see it is added in the Raleigh system. Point - we are ordering it from Auto Sense - they added it.  BUT --with out it being in our system --it is VERY DIFFICULT to figure out how to add it into our new EXPLORIS system.   REALLY REALLY DIFFICULT!

So when we write in and use the term 'bull-shit' --it was used as a term of frustration not as a swear word.  In fact I personally do NOT believe that bullshit is a swear word.

see this link ...


But if I were to swear - I might try these ....

Here is my reply back to CARQUEST ... and I stand by my words  ...
BULL-SHIT is not swearing in my books --- get over it.

BULL-SHIT shows the amount of frustration that builds when you ask for things and are ignored - rejected or ??

In this case I have a rep that claims he sent PER 31870 new sku request in THREE TIMES to get added -- this is typical of what I hear from other reps who try to get the parts added in a timely basis.  If this problem was controllable at our store - that  person would have been fired ...so in light of the term BULL-SHIT ... it is the lesser of issues.

We are here to give OUTSTANDING SERVICE to our customers -- anyone who stands in the way of our goal will not have our 100% respect ...  improve your companies level of service and the swear words will all but disappear ... you have my promise ... but ... CARQUEST has to IMPROVE FIRST.

FIRST TO MARKET --that is not a claim I said --that is a claim that CARQUEST has made to me ---now --stand up and get it done.

ECC by Wells - tech tips on YOUTUBE

I see if you search youtube.com for WELLSTECH you will find a bunch of video's -- have not had any time to try them --telling you as FYI

Click here for search of WELLSTECH

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Monday, March 29th. Please have all vacation/sick days reported and all timesheets sent in.

Thanks.

Top AC tech ?

This popped up on my Google alert for the work CARQUEST .....

Note sure where if there is a 2008 or 2009 --will ask

Dorman Spring 2010 Dealer ONLY- NOT cat available

The Spring Dealer ONLY ( wrong --we got it ) CATALOG is out --click this link to see the cat if you don;t have it yet --we have orderd a case for each store. We have also called Glenn Schaefer and expressed our INTENSE displease at the attitude they take in Toronto CARQUEST regarding this MOST VALUABLE selling resource. If you will remember we have fought with many at Toronto on this issue ... why they can;t get it straight is way beyond us. This has been a great help for a few years - the length of dispute is most annoying to us jobbers who just want to sell product and give GREAT customer service.

Remember anything that CARQUEST is TOO SLOW at adding to our computer system is available thru various other sources - like Auto Sense. I will add the Dorman data to the google doc's for Auto Sense asap. They have just released 700 new sku's in Dorman.

========================================

Late NEWS FLASH

CARQUEST will support the Dorman sales flyer

95% of all numbers are in system ( however - some sku;s might be limited in stock initially

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Velocity Surcharges

If you have a line that you want velocity surcharges turned off on - tell Greg H - there is an easy way to do this

-- BUT ( there  is always a ' but ' ) --

we want to TRACK the lines and make sure all 3 stores are identical.  So - drop me a note and we will review and talk and more off than not --do what you ask.  Butyou have to talk to me with your IDEAS ... or I never know.  The line CFL has this updated as of 3-17-10 ... happy St Patty's day.   ps this was called movement  code surcharges in the older J-Con.

CARQUEST TV spot

Youtube link to new CARQUEST TV spot playing -- we are getting the USA play times ( and will post here as an edit ) .  This is also playing at times on Weather Channel ( cable ) and A channel ( Ch # 16 ) for Stargate Atlantis & a few other's

We were hoping that with the change to a paperless warehouse we would no longer have to check the stock order off manually everyday. The accuracy is supposed to be 99.9% That doesn't seem to be the case. Last Week 4 out of 5 orders had errors. It may be just growing pains but for now keep checking off your orders.

New TOOL & EQUIPMENT rep

We have sent an e-mail to all staff on this as well-- Ian Marcotte - at (800) 462-5592 x 5741 is your contact for tool & equipment items ( try to have item over $1500 if you can ) -- he also handles all REPAIR PARTS for above equipment. I asked Ian for a photo - but none exist --so I substitutes this photo while we wait ....

TOOL & EQUIPMENT rep --- Ian Munster ( err - Marcotte )

Just spoke to Don at Windsor Mazda, questioning an invoice that we received from them. I asked him why we were billed at LIST price. He said that they no longer offer discounts of any type to anyone that doesn't spend at least $16 000 a year with them. I guess that would include us. Please let your trade accounts know that we will not be buying from Windsor Mazda and if they deal with them directly they should be prepared to pay list as well. In the meantime, we will try to find a different dealer who is a little more interested in selling parts.

KN

Mobil One - now available

CQ has finally added the Mobil One oil --using line ESO. Anyone who figures out what else they are doing with this line - let me know -- as subline 0 is Esso Oil ??? and sub line 1 is Mobil One oil ...margins are very skinny ... this is also available from warehouses like Auto Sense.

ESO	456625 **	Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 1L
ESO	550731	Mobil 1 Synthetic 5W-20 1L
ESO	311066	Mobil 1 Synthetic 5W-20 5L
ESO	564899	Mobil 1 Synthetic 5W-30 1L
ESO	460887	Mobil 1 Synthetic 5W-30 5L
ESO	314692	Mobil 1 Synthetic TD 5W-40 1L
ESO	314807	Mobil 1 Synthetic TD 5W-40 5L
ESO	382301	Mobil 1 Synthetic 10W-30 1L
ESO	460870	Mobil 1 Synthetic 10W-30 5L
ESO	382240	Mobil 1 Synthetic 15W-50 1L
ESO	008843	Mobil 1 Synthetic 15W-50 51L
ESO	011645	Mobil Super 1000 5W-20 1L
ESO	012321	Mobil Super 1000 5W-20 5L
ESO	011652	Mobil Super 1000 5W-30 1L
ESO	012543	Mobil Super 1000 5W-30 5L
ESO	012154	Mobil Super 1000 10W-30 1L
ESO	012550	Mobil Super 1000 10W-30 5L

* Note: ESO part numbers are the last 6 numbers of the UPC on the bottle.

** product available soon ( refers to Mobil 0-40 weight )

new Auto Sense web based ordering

We are expecting that the majority of KEY STAFF will know how to order from the NEW WEB BASED order screen for Modern Sales ( Auto Sense ). I have asked the Managers to update their user name & passwords for log-in into Plaxo ( it seems that this IMPORTANT part gets missed ) so you can find you info in case you forget ...

I quickly had a look - at how to order catalogues on line -- wow -- if CARQUEST could only get their act together to do something this IMPRESSIVE ... we live or die by our ability to get timely knowledge - and our ability to organize our catalogues is a KEY POINT that I have been critical of in our stores for some time -- CATALOGUES are important. And with more vendors going to on-line cat's -our ability to maintain a good system of bookmarks is equally important.

NO ONE likes to LOOK STUPID in the eyes of our customers- organize our catalogues and on line resources --- a good spring cleaning project --see the attached image on a line from Auto Sense we have requested more info on ... impressive ordering system for catalogues ( oh - did I repeat myself --I hope so !!! )

OMI Glass Bead

new line OMI ( Opta Mineral ) recycled glass bead - two numbers 483550040 for the 20-30 grade and OMI 483550050 for the 30-60 grade. I have asked Neil to review with Pete ( now back from his vacation ) and test in Petes Paint - available to any store who wants to try. Line has been added to our monthly cycle count list in Google Doc's as well

CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS

I have been getting complaints from customers about their invoice copies not being signed. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THEM SIGN BOTH THE STORE AND CUSTOMER COPY. Deb and I are also having to reprint alot of invoices for customers that are suppose to be sign and mail. Please make sure that copies are being left here to be mailed with the statement.

PDF Creator

We found today one of our terminals did not have PDF creator installed on it. We need this on all terminals to start with E-mailing invioices. It is downloaded from Carquest link under patches. There is also a patch available that will allow you to open documents from Excel 2007 format on an Excel 2003 program. Let me and Rhonda know when all terminals have been checked for PDf creator

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Wednesday, February 24th. Please make sure all vacation/sick days and time sheets are sent in.

Thanks.

Promo pricing - new for v50

we have turned on promo pricing - see images ( click to see larger ) - try this -- pick something on sale --like anything from T&E flyer ... see the BOX with reg & promo price and the dates to & from --and the 2nd image shows the INFO column --with a P for promo ( or could have a Q for any QUANTY BREAK options )

Helping us give a better experience shopping at CARQUEST

v50 - here

So - a new version of Exploris ... here is what is new ( SUMMARY VERSION )

-big item -ability to have what we had in J-Con - pricing with models - feel sorry for Exploris users who have had to tolerate the system for 2-4 years without models - we had to tolerate it 8 weeks

-scrambled cost pricing - we will go thru and turn a=that function back on (change security setting from a B to an A for most staff)

-options for core pricing - will see how we do it

-have MULTI-STORE option for doing ONE chanage and apply to all stores

-can track customer B//O's ( will we use ? )

-your icon on your desktop will change ..... NOTE ..... see image attached here

Now -- lets start complaining we don't have v50 yet ...( smile ) - come on CARQUEST IT

MAF --the secret is out

The new line MAF was listed on a ANN ( automatic new number ) report -- ah  -the secret is out -it was rumoured that a new line for Mass Air Flow sensors was coming - but we would never know by what some in Toronto would tell us ( silence does what ? )

Look at the image - looks like this will be a pretty good line for sourcing.  We will look at the billing  schedules once Toronto finally posts ( they are 2 months over due ) and keep working this line to the best performance we can.  It has been added to our rotating line code count list on google doc's.

Remember we are without e-cat for htis line until we get the next gen e-cat - we will see if we can get some buyers guides to help us until then - or we can use the sample Web-Link2 for some one in USA - to access the  proper lookup for the part --this will be a huge issue if Canada doesn't hurry up ....

X line rotors in system - use care on odd ball's

It was kind of cure ( well- nopt really ) that so many had NOTspotted the X line data in e-cat -- you have to get curious on what you see in e-cat - that is how we spot & solve problems

Anyways--the WHOLE X line is in and in e-cat --sort of ...  the image is for a old slow mover-- but the X line is missing The C for composite rotor ( Aimco does this - Raybestos does not -= and CMXuse Raybestos as main number )

THINK --and ASK before you say NO ... you have this priced - just drop the C ....

I also see 05-06 Smart TwoFour rear rotors ( #XRA  34325) -- too bad NO ONE has e-cat listings.... sign

Do not compare BDR 34325 with XRA 34325 ( is reverse psychology working yet ??? )  I have written Peter McNally to see why they are so much higher than the USA CARQUEST -- piggy ?  You have options - when something doesn't smell right -- check someone else.

Accounts Receivable

If for whatever reason you need to do a correction of any kind to a customers account please check with me first before doing anything even calling the help desk. I had an issue with balancing our AR for January. Part of the problem was that someone did a posting error correction and didn't tell me. These errors do not show up on my reports. I have to run an AR transaction report showing all transactions for the month. This report for January which was slow for everyone is approx. 600 pages of data, this is very time consuming to go through. I spent 8 hours trying to get this AR to balance. If you have to call me at home or my cell, call me, I would rather take the few minutes to tell you what you should do then spend 8 hours of my time trying to find something. If you have any questions CALL ME!

Tensioners just got interesting

Just when you saw ( we hope you ) the hydraulic tensions we added --we have a whole new type of tensions --called OAD and OWC ...here is what they say ....  There are 20M world wide.  Below are the bullet points from the banner that will be at the Expo in a couple of weeks.  We are putting together the collateral material now.  In a nutshell a regular solid pulley just drives the alternator.  The one way clutch will disengage the alternator and let it overrun but does not absorb engine vibration.  The OAD will not only disengage the alternator it will also absorb the torsional vibration (engine vibration) prolonging the life of the entire ABDS (Automotive Belt Drive System). 


YOUTUBE Video for demon on these - check it out


Your store will have samples ( either TEN 35015P or TEN 37017P ) sent to you soon --levels were just set ... sp what else can happen in tensions ??

FRI - how to trim number of options

On lines like FRI where we have as many types & kinds as Baskin Robbins -- there is a way to TRIM select sku's from your inventory ...   we have done this on a list of FRI already - where we don;t need Metallic on selected pads - the ceramic will do and are better for the same price --   you need to check the box -- DO NOT FORECAST ( see image ) in the  parts entry screen ( this is similar to the 3-18 screen in our older J-Con system.

PLEASE --use common sense on this -- and  if it is really that good of a suggestion -- verify of the other stores should also do it.    We do NOT have a way to get a list of all parts with this tuned on --we have requested this - any may come in the universal report write rumoured on v51.  Until then -if you make a change - we can't find it to correct.

Also note --there is a DNR ( Do Not Reorder ) - we do NOT want you to use this check box.  Bob at Walker Rd just had an incident where his staff was wondering why they didn't keep a part --the DNR was checked on that part.

Missing SMART CAR chassis

Peter McNally in Toronto seems to really resist adding the chassis parts in Mevi Tech that do not have any MOOG equiv. part #'s -- Matt from D&T sent me ( and Peter ) a not on these ....

RCH RMS10510 [LOWER BALL JOINT]
RCH RMS10192 [LOWER CONTROL ARM]
RCH RMS10193 [REAR LATERAL LINK]
RCH RMS10845 [FRONT STABILIZER BAR LINK]
RCH RMS10846 [REAR STABILIZER BAR LINK]
RCH RMS10617 [OUTER TIE ROD END]


Hey - Peter - if you see this -- holly crap man --how many times do we have to politely request to GET US THE PARTS that WE CAN SELL.  We have for more than TWO YEARS -- asked for the Mevo Tech parts that they bring top market FIRST ( as R + MS  prefix ) .....  we have a few sway bar parts finally -- but not the rest of the line ...two years ... that is bull shit ....


First to Market .... well ... not in this case ....

East Penn factory support - clarification

Just to clarify --if you have a pressing issue for East-Penn batteries - and Ryan Jackson is too far away ( eg North Ont or Eastern Ont ) - you or Ryan can contact Jim Sweeney for next day ( or 48 hour ) support for the problem

Gates Hydraulic Tensions

Have added a sample hydraulic tensioner to each store - in RBR P/N Code 20 in Tensioners

D&T will get # RBR T43148 ( fits 2003-04 Intrepids, 300M  & Pacifica
A Barn will get T43096 fits 92-04 Toyota Camry, 98-03 Sienna & more
Petes will get T43129  fits 03-07 Honda Accord + others

Please-- show staff - use as salesmen 'what's new'  - ensure you see them in e-cat and generally get smarter

new Tool & Equipment flyer

Can you see the NEW LINES in our upcoming tool & equipment flyer?

Holly Cow  Batman - Star Warning -- after writing Pete McNally since 2005 and every year since then --we finally have Star Warning Systems ( page 7 )

Steadymate is part of Kinedyne (a truck hold down specialist similar to Ancra that some of our stores stock ) see page #2

CanRoss is new to me ( have I been sleeping ? ) part of ESP --not sure is ESP is a catch all line for amny vendors--havewritten for more details - see page 18

JET Tool we had hread about ( and their sister company ITC ) - we have sold Jet for many years - this is welcome and long overdue.  We look for more from Jet.  Page 28

Now --look for NEW PARTS in established lines ...

Freeze a stock re-order level ?

Want to keep something at a set reorder stock level ( for whatever reason ) -- you can click the DO NOT FORECAST box in the part record ( see image ).

Five years form now --want to print out what you changed to DO NOT FORECAST --you can get that report

in >> INV REPORTS >> FORECAST INFO REPORT and click on the forecast flags option for 'do not forecast' . Thanks to Larry on the BT Help Desk for all the details.

Greg G and others will look at setting some CARQUEST FRI metallic pads to do not stock --as the managers feel the ceramic in select sku's cover the application better.

Please -- quote a second opinion on catalytic converters

We are encouraging you to QUOTE from our Walker and a second supplier - of your choice -- whether it be A&B Imports or WorldPac or ????

Greg G in Auto Barn confirmed this on a converter that was just TOO MUCH in Walker and rather than LOSS the sale -- he quoted in A&B Imports and got the sale.

With the price of platinum going up -- a second opinion is a good thing

can't confirm a source for a part then hold on a QUOTE

Click here to see the BUG


the ability to Verify that a source is available for a quoted part -- suggested by Jason & Greg at Auto Barn and Ryan at D&T

Keep your suggestions coming -- we will get it only if we ASK.

For example -- where do you find the CAP marked 710 ?? ( see image )

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Wednesday, January 27th. Please make sure that all vacation/sick days and timesheets are sent in before that.

Thanks.

BE HAPPY - it is contagious

Want to be happy -- work with happy people .... Click Here to see link

quote .... This means that surrounding ourselves with happier people will make us happier, make the people close to us happier — and make the people close to them happier. But social networks don't transmit only the good things in life.
Christakis found that smoking and obesity can be socially infectious too. If his thesis proves out, then the saying that you can judge a person by his or her friends might carry more weight than we thought."

Lets work on this - eh?

Honesty 101 -- what would you do ?

This tip came from Shawn at Auto Barn - Honesty quiz -- you bought a fuel pump --got a GREAT price for your 2003 Chev Impala -- going to install it - and guess what --that damm GREAT PRICE is not so great -- as the pump you bought has NO STRAINER .... so you try to buy a strainer ... damm ... delays .... HEY ... guess what -- no one sells a strainer separately ... WTF ... now that is a piss off .... and the place you bought that pump from --won;t take it back ... hmm ... burned ...or ?? hey -- buy a pump from CARQUEST - they have strainers on it -I will pull the strainer off and use it and return the pump -they won't notice ....

TRUE storey -- as we got a pump from the DC - and it had the strainer broken off. Look at the images --someone returns something like this --call up the image --and make sure all the parts are still there ... thanks for sharing Shawn.

What the hell just happened ????

The problem we just had ( master computer lost VPN ) seems to be getting better and the truth is coming out on what just happened today ( Monday Jan 11th ) - a server went down and had to be re-started a couple of times in Raleigh ... so where are the back up and duplicates ?

Anyways Shawn found out from a help desk person ( see this   link for suggestion on how to make the next PROBLEM better ) that you could also go to your computer 's CONTROL PANEL --  ADMINISTRATION TOOLS -- SERVICES -- and highlight the Cisco AnyConnect item and click on the RESTART the service link -- click on the attached image to see larger

Can you remember this tip ?  This is FASTER than shutting down the  WHOLE computer.    Debbie had to do this shutdown several times - perhaps her timing just just off relative to the serve in Raleigh coming back up.   Lets hope for some peace and quiet .... on our computers so we can go sell parts.

It is also interesting that Ryan solve the problem (by switching master computer to his machine )  so he could get the web-link orders to print.  The whole issue of what is the master and  what is a standby slave needs to be worked on - to get better in understanding.

Exploris Help Desk

I was having a problem getting a hold of the Exploris help desk this morning. It appears to be a phone issue. I decided to try the old JCON phone number and it worked. Add this number to your cheat sheet. 1-800-476-5266.

Ordering less than CASE QTY from Windsor

We fixed the problem (we think) of ordering 10 studs from Windsor (either store) and our system putting 100 into our inventory.  See you manager or the post of the EXPLORIS BLOG

This should mean you can order ONE STUD if that is all you need = as a byproduct of this change.  Need just one rabbit --order just one rabbit.

Fall out from NO Check List - missing FREIGHT & LABOUR part number

Something this complex really needs a check list - the install of Exploris is not exception.  The problem with the end of month reports allowed the help desk to ALSO NOTICE another problem - how we bill freight and labour (labor).

Only Auto Barn had the part FRT FREIGHT in their system (as some one answered YES to 'do you want to add' - but they had the standard tax code for a PART - so I went into ALL STORES and made/corrected the parts in FRT FREIGHT  and for LB7 LABOUR and LB7 LABOR (just in case).

You need to price and FILL IN OUR COST for these sales-- but they will now track properly on end of day/ end of month reports for these special types of sales.

Wonder how more simple mistakes we might have missed?  A special thank you to Randy on the help desk for all his effort.

Where Did My Weblink Order Go?

We had 2 customers call today and wonder where their orders put thru Weblink got to. We were able to find and reprint, then both came up at once. They were put thru at 7:50 and 8:44 came up on printer at 9:44. The missing link to the story is I logged Shawn's terminal(our master) on at 9:44. The master looks every 60 seconds for Weblink orders and if the master is not logged in they will not print. I guess Shawn will have to come in on his day's off and log it in for us!!!!!

Problems in TRANSFER Accounts - part 1

Parts from TRANSFER ACCOUNTS are different ---as they create an ASN to automatically receipt the part -- there are special circumstances that can cause problems - lets have a look at just one ....

Customer Joe orders a Blue Widget from your store and you in turn have to get from our local Super Store.  Fine - we do this many times a day - but hold on this time they  call back to Fred on the counter and tell him that their count was wrong - and they will issue a credit for the attempted order:   Fred tells you and you hurry up and find it somewhere else.

In two days Moe  does the overstock return & is looking for a BLUE WIDGET as it is on the suggested overstock return .....

What happened ?   Why ?   We will answer this question at Mondays staff meeting being held at Petes Paint.  Please bring a short written note explaining what went wrong.  Open Book -yep - you can ask anyone and everyone.

Hint --there are at least 3 different ways to correct this (question submitted by Bob Miller from Walker Rd Auto)

Postage

Postage will be increasing to 57 cents from the current 54 cents on Monday, January 11th.

Staff Meeting

The staff meeting on Monday, Jan 11th will be at Pete's Paint. If you cannot attend for any reason please let me know ASAP. I will be collecting pig money for this year's staff party. It's a $10.00 contribution if you pay before March 1st otherwise it's $12.00 for the year.