Common Sense on E-Cat issues ???

GPI & CARQUEST are really complex corporations to run -- but sometimes they need to listen to Jobbers MORE and we could simplify issues where it counts --at the Point of Sale ...

Issue -- E-Cat -- why show a SUPERSEDED PART if that store does not have any!!! Example in the images shown --the GOLD series is gone --stop showing it --it only complicates the purchase decision .... or at least do a SORT and put the old data at the BOTTOM of the data --way at the bottom

Issue -- E-Cat -- when you add a new line --the tough decision is HOW LONG to keep the OLD DATA ... Greg Guyitt mentioned this issue a few weeks ago ( and we hope he wrote about it to Raleigh ) ... the new RDP one price red pads .... fine -- but trash the older data since we have done a COMPLETE SWAP ...look at this data - the older red pad in this case where cheaper - do we need to remind our customer of this ? It undermines the effort to drop the higher priced pads ..... DROP the Red in FRI data ... and clean up the buying purchase decision making.

HELP in making e-cat better at the counter and shop level --where it really counts .... hello ....hear us ......

Trivia - how to learn the small things ?

Click here to see a trivia item that can cause some confusion.

Want to make a list of items we need to know --and that could become part of 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire - CARQUEST Exploris ( Nexpart ) Version " ??

Question -- for $10,000 --- in MAIN PART ENTRY SCREEN - if you go to al the related screens linked at the bottom of the screen ( Part Pricing - Order/Cost - Part History - UPC Setup ) and look up a part - will it look up the part in the non-sku file if you don't stock it?

Answer .... see the link above ....

TIME to look for parts in EXLORIS

Staff complain on how SLOW Exploris ( nexpart by WHI ) can be. In this example we will look in a line that has approx 6400 sku's and see why the normal counterman finds the wait INTOLERABLE.

Also remember -- Exploris ( Nexpart _ doesn't allow us to delete any parts from the inventory file - won;'t that be interesting in 10 years !

Exploris ( Nexpart ) reports- why so bad ?

I appreciate CARQUEST is trying to LIMIT the requests to the top 20 fields to have ADDED to make a make shift universal report writer to cover for the many holes in existing reports within Exploris ( Nexpart ) .... but the fact still remains ... IF we can EDIT any filed in a data file -- we should have the ability to have that field on a report - FOR ALL RECORDS.

Example ( image should show Acct Class - Acct Group & Report Group

EXISTING -- you can run a REPORT with ONE of the above set as the filter ... but what you can NOT do is run ALL customers to look for the customers with an ERROR in the field --in this example we shown Acct Class as a 1 ...wait ...damm ...it is set as an I ( eye ) not a ONE ...damm .... how would you ever spot that without running all and sorting --by sorting the errors usually bubble to the top or bottom.

Look at the sloppy way that Exploris took the J-Con data for reporting groups - this example is '4-FARM &" - is there a space after the & -- or two spaces before ? How do we add new customers and keep the errors out - we need to see ALL customers and :
1) clean up this transitional mess from J-Con
2) look for new customers mis-applied ( or with BLANK data! !

While I see your push to add a select number of extra fields -- we can make the point that ANY field we edit -- needs to have a report for ALL entries --so we can sort for errors -- to just run that one field doesn't help us spot for errors in the field.

Video Training Test

this is posted on our staff blog .... Click here for staff blog article if oyu want to see more details

Trivia details that can kill us

A couple of unrelated facts - that seem to be a bit worrisome

Point - in April Toronto brought out a new competitive position sheet for eKeystone speed & Custom - we started asking when the prices in our system would get updated -- today I talked with a VP and was told they have to putt he data update in dribs and drabs -- they can't do it all at once ---so here we sit -- we have NO IDEA how much of the file in our system has been updated --this is Aug and the change happened in April. Our issue is -- if we have a request for a part # -our staff will believe the price the computer tells us to quote - but that could be wrong as they have gone to variable margins.

Point - we asked for a CFI price re-fresh ( see previous image of a CFI number with no price in store #3 ) --we were told by Raleigh that the CFI line was TOO BIG to refresh. In J-Con you could ask for as many refreshes as you wanted ... hmm ... more to this story than we are being told.

Love to know the real story on Exploris ( Nexpart )

Adding a MADE UP number in a non-X line

Hey --what are the chances that we need to MAKE UP a part number in a non-X line ? Slim to none ? The image shown here should WARN YOU about making up that part # ... jr. staff will think we are pulling from the non-sku table -- wrong --we are making this number.

So - eventually the part will be added the CORRECT way by the other stores -- and you will get the 2nd image one store has a blank part - the other 2 of our stores have the proper part # with data ( and with prices ! )

There is a time you need to make up a part # -- but staff should be warned that it is a part number that will-may never be maintained.

Like in the last post -- we need to make sure the non-active sku table is looked up -if the part is there --fine - pull it into the active table -- but if you CREATE a part for a CARQUEST line code - you are asking for trouble. You need to MAKE UP a part # for an X line - but rarely if ever do you make up a part for a CARQUEST LIne

How would you rate the Multi-Store Editor ???

The Multi-store editor - in Exploris ( WHI Nexpart ) is better than nothing - but is that saying much? Recently we requested a few bugs and gliches to be noted on a call list by the help desk
-if you update ANY FIELDl - you must click 'somewhere' else with your cursor or it will not update - or press 'enter' - and you will see the green box change to a slightly different shade of green ( not sure if I have seen that on any other screen in Exploris ( Nexpart ) ??
-the names for the history periods could NOT be more Cryptic ... if you saw PHist and LHist and Hist - what year might you think you had ?
-instead of wasting up to 36 boxes with individual sales history - how about an OPTION for just 3 - the SIMPLE way - give us YTD - Last Yr & 2 Yrs ago
-if you call a part # - and only some ( but not all of the stores ) have it -- the stores without it will be grey - and it will indicate it is ADDING the part - there is a BUG -and it doesn't pull pricing and other details - this has been confirmed as a bug and we wait for Nexpart WHI to add this to some future release. This explains how we can see parts without any prices ( see next blog post for a sample) *** Note -- we tried to duplicate this bug but the parts were added with pricing ? --needs more testing as to when this bug happens ***

This and lots of other screens show the clunky way Exploris ( Nexpart ) handles multi-store as of 2010. We can only hope it gets better - could it get any worse ? The image here is a YUGO --- Raleigh might call it a sports car ... but ....

Release 50.1 ( bug fixes )

The image shows the differences from the copy I grabbed from the USA side - to the one I grabbed today from the Cdn side. Someone obviously posted the JV ( Joint Venture) doc on the USA Independent side - but to have so many differences will make for some interesting reading

I wonder what the BEST fix in the release will be ? Bob from Walker Rd had mentioned tab stops - he will be happy to see that fixed - whereas almost no one in our 3 stores has ever used tab stops in the inventory screen --time for some background training. This is one more reason why we need small tips on a regular basis to remind us of features that we might not otherwise know is there.

More to follow

Summary of suggested improvements

Summary of the first 50 ( or so ) suggestions to make EXPLORIS ( Nexpart ) much better than it is now .... hello ???

6001 price breaks using percentages
6002 common alternate file in multi-store
6003 more help in collecting A/R
6004 solved or no longer applicable
6005 solved or no longer applicable
6006 report of cash customers in system (also see #6029 ភ)
6007 better identification on DONE DEPOSITS
6008 more options on reports
6009 sort options in overdue A/R
6010 missing the non-stocking status flag for warehouse parts ( duplicated on #6048)
6011 faster way to manage credit limits
6012 variable LIST price ( set by value )
6013 missing options in Forecasting (also see #6050b ᝿)
6014 ability to print anything - universal report editor
6015 easier Multi-store forecasting ( also #6050B & 6013)
6016 details & stats on price over strikes (also duplicated on #6042)
6017 exempt parts from fast pay discounts
6018 new ways to continue training in Exploris
6019 more options in non-stock sku file
6020 make a checklist for installs & daily routines
6021 how to tell us when the system is down
6022 consolidated sales by line - multi-store (also see #6046)
6023 identify multi-store screens
6024 ability to quote a part AND verify sourcing
6025 SPEED UP posting payments
6026 calling part in Part Entry screen- look in non-sku file
6027 speedy way t e-mail multi-store invoices (also see #6038)
6028 identify parts not updated in X lines (also see #6046)
6029 better retail customer stats & reports (also see #6006 ភ)
6030 choice of paper weigh for invoices & stmts
6031 fix the print button in post payments
6032 consolidated sales by line code report for multi-stores (also see #6035)
6033a Message Board access for Power Users
6033b Schedule re-counts on qty on hand errors
6034 Sales History options
6035 Multi-store sales by Line Code report (also see #6032)
6036 Option for Salesman Commissions by Margin made
6037 ???? missing
6038 ONE e-mail for multiple invoices sent to customer (also see #6027)
6039 Cash Customers - track & manage better (also see #6006 ឍ))
6040 Making move ups easier & smarter
6041 Script to auto delete B/O's over 60 days
6042 Managing the impact of price overstrikes ( also duplicated on #6016)
6043 Number the menu options in Exploris
6044 Multi-store Inventory Display ( or the lack thereof )
6045 Using Stats info for Sales by Line (also see #6022)
6046 Flag parts that have been changed in price(let us see parts that did NOT change ) (also see #6028)
6047 Show credits as APPLIED - simplify this
6048 Flag parts stocked (& not) by the warehouse (duplicated on #6010)
6049 Multi-store inventory reports ( lacking )
6050a Require options for UGLY reports into Excel
6050b More Improvements into Forecasting screen (also see #6013 & #6050b)


and the list goes on ... but the question remains -- when will we see some IMPROVEMENTS that are geared for the Jobber ?

How many E-cat options are TOO MANY ??

In USA if you look up a Lexus LS430 2006 -- you will get 4 options -- if you look up the same car in Canada -- you get 11 options -- had a conference call with Brian Wiggs ( Raleigh ) and Don MacFarlane ( East Penn Canada ) to try to solve this problem -- the US had a meeting a year and a half ago --to get it fixed--the Cdn side has yet to do anything ( that we are aware of )

Issue--why does Canada use a different part # than the USA -what is gained

Issue -- so long as Canada uses the different part # - they have to DUPLICATE efforts to solve this type of stupidity in E-cat.

11 units is FAR TOO MANY for our customers to wade thru .... who will fix this for ALL batteries - for all vehicles ??? Peter McNally --where are you

is Exploris ( Nexpart ) ready for Multi-store

Always surprised at how FEW Multi-store jobbers complain about Exploris ( WHI's version of Nexpart ) ... there are so many productivity wasting steps in Exploris -- as seen from the eyes of a multi-store jobber --where to begin ... wel ..how about re-visiting wish #6002 -- a really OLD wish that we still have outstanding ( let the truth be known --almost all wishes are still outstanding since the lead time from suggesting them to the final roll out is measured in YEARS - that is NOT GOOD for something based upon cloud computing )

Lets re-visit wish # 6002 -- make a common file for ALTERNATES .... click here for #6002

If you have 5 stores --you have to do this five times -- where is the savings in that ? The image used here -- of 12 century monks copying --- well - welcome to Exporis ( Nexpart ) ... were cane I get a couple of these guys to do the job of keeping alternate data up to date in store files ???

A common file --do it ONCE -- would have been so much easier and simpler ??

Add vehicles -- HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT

recently we called to find out why we could not add vehicles for CHARGE ACCOUNTS ( like we can in Retail cash customers )

Well - guess what -- only a handful of people know this -- and you are now one of a few --it has been hiding in plain sight overlooked by all of us ... one of many features you would think Exploris ( Nexpart ) would want to remind the users of in regular and routine training ... but we will save that for another post

See images and try it on a charge account -- like a farmer or commercial customer --where you can track his vehicles and give that little extra in service. Obviously this doesn't work for garages - but for charge accounts who OWN their cars & trucks

LASER Invoices - how many are DEFECTIVE ??

at a staff meeting yesterday Ken showed us an example of DEFECTIVE Exploris ( Nexpart ) invoices used by the laser printer ... if we have had several boxes of these -- HOW MANY DEFECTIVE boxes are in the system ???

HOW do you tell if you have a defective invoice -- pull out the 8 1.2 x 11 inch piece of paper -- and fold it on the perforation --if it doesn't FOLD EXACTLY into two EQUAL parts -- you have a defective box. The UNEQUAL lengths will cause your printing problem.

Wish #6050 -- stop the dumb tasks - example

Wish #6050 --stop the dumb tasks - the example used here is the moveup in Inventory Forecasting. Click on the image and you will see the PLUS ( + ) sign and the expanded listings showing each store -- to open these you have to click ONE AT A TIME. On a longline like RBR Gates Rubber this is very repetitive - very dumb task. We need an optional button to OPEN ALL.

Hey --since we are in the Forecasting page - lets do the following
-eliminate the wasted border - so we can see all the data - like the warehouse sales stuck to the extreme right
-eliminate the order point column --we don't use - make more room for other fields
-allow us to SORT on any column --for example in PN Code ( sub line ) order - we can't do any of this now
-give us the option for FULL SCREEN ( as seen in other areas ) - so we can see more data for more stores - as it is now you can only see THREE part sku's if you have 3 stores ... not big enough
-no option for DESCRIPTION - what a pain in the ass - some lines REALLY need the description for a better job
-when you open just one part -- have the screen STOP pushing that part number to the bottom when it re-draws the page - really dumb - center the part or better yet -- position that part at the upper part of the re-dwawn screen --so if you have 10 stores -- you can see all 10

A lot of common sense is missing in this screen - thank goodness we only have 3 stores -- if you had 7 - you would really find it awkward.

How to other users running WHI Nexpart feel about these clunky things ??

follow up to wish # 6049

Should your sales by line code report -- show sales WITH Cores included ??

J-Con didn't

In fact every computer system we have ever had has NEVER included cores into this sales number.

Why would Exploris add cores into this number ???

Be nice to have an option to EXCLUDE CORES from this data ( you call it a enhancement -I call it a bug fix )

Wish # 6050 EXPLORIS Reports should have OPTIONS

Wish $# 6050 --if for some reason Exploris has to make a report that SUCKS --they should also have an option to STREAM that same report to Excel - where we can sort it and quickly handle the issues. Click on the image - boy --does someone miss their MAINFRAME programing days to make a report that looks like this.

Sure - we can spend $700 and buy a program like Monarch to strip out data -- but why should we- and at that expense - come on - give me a break.

Dane & Normand - please give these types of reports an option to export to excel - in a clean standard way. Tomorrow would be OK ...

Should EXPLORIS all you to make a part with NO PN Code ?

As a follow up the Wish # 6049 - should EXPLORIS allow users to add a part # with a BLANK PN Code ( Sub Line ) ?? As parts are added and sold - the sales by PN Code report is getting larger as many lines are showing sales of these hastily added parts - with no PN code.

Worse --there is NO WAY to get a report of all parts with JUST a BLANK PN Code - call # 1234750 to Claudis.

Multi-Store Reports - follow up to Wish # 6049

Any J-Con users out there - it was a snap to take the sales By Line Code ( # 6-4 report ) report and 'join' them together to get a clean multi-store report with the 3 stores - and one line of the report per LINE of product.

Well- In Exploris that is not the case: Look at your sales by PN Code.

1) if one stores added a PN Code -- in Multi-store the system should be smart enough to add in all related stores

2) if a store has a sales from a NIF part using the line code - have that sales go into the first PN Code -- instead of making a BLANK line entry - you can see ALL THE WORK that is required to get the data to 'line up' by line & PN code .... damm .... how will you do this in Multi-store ?????? Or will you ignore this report ? We LOVE this report ... it is critical to us looking at what we do and plan action accordingly.

Have written Dane to lobby for this report to NOT be ignored...

A case of beer and a couple of programers - damm - could we ever have a tremendous report ... for multi-stores. Who needs ugly reports ???

Exploris Wish #6049 >> consolidate multiple stores on inventory control info

Hello Dane

I posted this on MS Excel help forum .... ...click here to see or reply ....

Is there an easy way to do this ? I have a 3 lists of part numbers - some vary on one or more of the lists ... how can I create a 'master list and show which part number is on which list. These lists need to be done regularly -

Thinking I could grab a copy of all parts from all lists -- and filter out duplicates - that gives me a 'complete' series of all numbers. Then I can use a function like VLookup ( I use a Match(Index)) I picked up years ago) to bring the data from each separate list over to the 'master list in the columns that represent which original list they came from.

Wow - that is a lot of work - is there an easier way ? Given this will be an ongoing job and the 3 lists just keep coming.

Any help offered is appreciated.



Do you see the HUGE problem --that Exploris gives me -- in J-Con in multi-store if any one store added the part --it got added to all stores. Not so in Exploris. How do I consolidate these lists into something that looks like this .....


HELP ?? leave a comment ... or e-mail info at dtauto dot ca or call me at 519-322-2558 ... Greg

Note - many jobbers DO NOT do this - but they loose a valuable tool in comparing what ONE store does against another store sales - we can often learn good lessons when we see one store outsell another.