MOTM

OK, I survived Littelfuse training in Chicago (www.littelfuse.com, the worlds #1
fuse supplier. One of the products I FAE for in my 'real' job).

I have lots to catch up on, phone messages, email, etc. In general:

a) 5 days to order under the old prices. Thanks to those sending in "last
minute" orders.

b) the '450 FFB has enough pre-orders to *break even* so I will do it, but NOT
until next year. I will decide when and that will be part of the new site
material on July 1.

c) What I'm going to do this week is look at inventory versus orders, and the
assembled backlog. Then, I'm starting a mini-MRP system that tracks the parts
(NOT the orders, the PARTS) and the kit inventory. I'm then going to send out
what's called "blanket POs" for parts: these are Purchase Orders for parts on a
specific delivery schedule, months in advance. This prevents randomly running
around in a panic when I'm low on jacks or whatever.

Just to 'mentally prepare' everybody: the lead times will be long, but the times
are a WORSE CASE wait. For example, if the lead time is given as 6-8 weeks, you
*might* get your order in 2 weeks. But I'm starting a new, strictly-enforced
policy: no more promised delivery dates other than what's published. If you
email "just wondering what the order status is ..." the answer is the delete
key. As Larry can verify: you simply cannot predict when stuff can happen, there
are too many variables (family, real job, 3rd party suppliers).

Also: please keep track of your *own points*. I don't have any formal tracking.
I don't have the time or energy to spend 15 minutes figuring it out. If you've
never redeemed any, the answer is easy. If you have and can't remember but you
think you are correct, go ahead and order and when I ship I THEN will check. As
many have guessed, free stuff takes a back seat to paid-for stuff. MOTM is still
operating 'in the red' for 2004. I'll be 'in the black' by Sept. 1st. I have
several 410/440 freebies going out this week. The MRP will help better track and
expedite shipping of freebies as time goes on. Remember, I can only do MOTM work
an average of 20 hours a week. Let me use my time wisely. Book-keeping is not
wisely. Everyone can whip up an Excel sheet with your modules listed , points,
etc. I don't want to "whip up" 500 of them :(

Change is both good and bad. MOTM has grown now to a point that I simply cannot
keep it all straight in the manner of the past. So, I have to control my time
better. This DOES NOT mean I'm going into recluse mode or to imply I'm ignoring
everybody. Rather, I'm 'setting expectations' as my old boss liked to say in
90s-speak. I've pissed off too many people for too long over lead-times. Now
it's going to be in black and white.

This is all designed for a GOOD thing, to take MOTM forward so ALL may benefit:
me and you :)

Paul S.