Multi-store address book ??

While we wait for the Multi-Store parts of Exploris one question asked today from Mike is 'how do you share contact info for suppliers with all staff in all stores??"

IF you have a good solution - and would like to see it posted here -- drop a line to info 'at' dtauto dot ca (written this way to avoid spammers.

One way we have used with moderate success is to get a FREE account in Plaxo ( www.plaxo.com ). Pick a user name and a password that you will have to SHARE with all stores.

Click on the attached image to see a sample layout

Hints - we try to use WORK and not Home for the address and phone #'s
- we do NOT use a personal name - just the company it seems to sort better - if you need the rep's name -- add it to the address and in the NOTES tag - where we add other info like prepaid levels and any other special details

One downside is that Plaxo keeps changing and adding features - we don't use these features. If you add personal names it will try to have to LINK to a buddy list ( that is too personal - just need the facts )

The J-Con had NOTHING to help multi-stores prepare list of vendors ... in fact you can't even standardize the vendor number in J-Con as they use a 'first in' for vendor numbers. We would expect Exploris to allow multi-store to set VENDOR NUMBERS to make it easier for those re-order PO's to be run and reviewed.

What do you use for multi-store supplier data ??? care to share ... ??

Avoiding the obvious - letting users help users ....

Senior management at GPI have steadfastly ignored the obvious - the POWER of message boards ( sometime called discussion boards or forum ).

A token attempt had 20 users from Exploris user advisory council try ... 20 is not large enough. That was dismal

Take World Pac ... the single lonely ( and almost totally un-noticed board for the next gen e-cat ) is available at the bottom of speedDIAL main page. Then compare that to the message boards at the 'garage' user for Worldpac - truly a dynamic board with TONS of activity ( you need a non-CARQUEST account to see these message boards )

Click on images to see difference

Message boards allow users to ask questions and help one another ...oh ...yeh ...there is some bitching that goes on ...but once you have a healthy environment the bitching simmers down and the work gets underway. If you don't try any message boards --you owe it to yourself to pick a passion or hobby and seek out a message board on the topic -( hint -- try travel or cars ). Just google it.

Once better --if you have computer problems - lots of great message boards. Note --there is an etiquette for new users to follow - first you 'lurk' --or just look and pick up on the tone of the group. One big 'faux pas' is to TYPE WITH ALL CAPITALS ... users will think you are SHOUTING.

Imagine a forum for power users to really get good - or a separate forum for new users to learn faster?