"The Bullet", August 2021
- Aug 27, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 28, 2021
Better late than never? This month's newsletter is a little late, but we did say they'd be monthly-"ish". 😜 You can always view prior issues by clicking HERE.
In This Issue
Online Clearance Section (New)
From The Floor
A reminder from David Yule that store attire (red shirt), and PPE (safety shoes) must be worn by all staff during their shifts.
Also, all window air conditioners are now 20% off, so if you have friends or family who could use one (or two!) to help them cool down during this heat, be sure to let them know.
Warehouse Management System (WMS)
As you know, issues continue with the new Warehouse Management System (WMS) at the St. Jacobs distribution centre. Please refrain from making delivery promises until the bugs have been worked out.
FROM HHSL - August 27th:
The Distribution Team continues to work hard to address the systemic issues impacting deliveries and order processing. At this stage in the WMS implementation process, our most significant challenges are with the Manhattan technology. It is not releasing replenishments and orders to pickers on a consistent and priority sequenced basis. We have escalated this issue with our Supplier-Partner to expedite a solution.
For the last few weeks, we have been picking at the rate of 40 thousand - 50 thousand pick lines per day, compared to a Dealer order rate of 80 thousand - 90 thousand pick lines.
We are, however, pleased to report that in the last few days we have made great progress. Stores receiving their weekly deliveries for orders placed with the deadline of Tuesday, August 17 and onward will see more of their order lines filled. These stores can expect to receive a large number of items that have not been processed over the last couple of weeks. These deliveries have started to arrive at stores and will continue with deliveries out to Saturday, September 4.
Please note that for select late freight that may have missed your regular trailer we will be shipping these products to your store by prepaid courier beginning next week.
We anticipate continued improvement and expect to be picking at a rate of 55 thousand - 60 thousand lines per day next week. We will continue to work closely with Manhattan and Dematic to remove the glitches in the system and improve our productivity to the 80 thousand - 90 thousand lines required.
While we've hit a few unexpected bumps in this journey that have taken us longer than anticipated to overcome, we have successfully stabilized a number of issues in the background. Improving the productivity of the new system and returning to on-time deliveries remains our highest priority and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this large-scale project.
You can read the WMS FAQ's and learn more about the issues involved in implementing the new system by clicking on the pdf below (it will open in your browser).
Product Showcase
We have a new luxury vinyl flooring product from Shnier, called Richmond "Omega". This product is quite unique in it's design, with air channels in the centre that allow for air flow and create additional insulation. The locking system is also substantially more robust than other systems. And it has a lifetime warranty. We have a small sample set here in the store and will be getting a floor display soon, so watch for that.
Product description from their website:
Omega Plank’s 10.2mm overall thickness provides the ultimate in rigid core strength and stability. Air channels in the Omega core provide acoustic and thermal properties creating a warm, quiet and comfortable floor. Omega Plank offers Unilin drop lock fastening system for ease of installation and unparalleled joint integrity. A commercial wear layer and enhanced urethane coating provides wear, scuff and scratch resistance. Antimicrobial surface provides health and safety by reducing growth of harmful bacteria.
New Online Clearance Section
We now have a new Clearance Section on our website. You can view it at www.portelginhomehardware.ca/clearance. The section contains items that have been discontinued, may be slightly damaged, and/or just outdated stock. Many items are several years old and we're just looking to get rid of them. Prices have been reduced accordingly. All have been catalogued and put on Layaways, with copies in a kept a binder in the Flooring Department. Most items are located in the outdoor warehouse in the yard and have the green tape with identifying numbers on them that correspond with the Layaways. If you receive a call or someone comes in to the store inquiring about something they saw in the Clearance section, please have Peter, Mike, David or John deal with them, as they know where the items are located.
2022 Ontario Tankard Sponsorship
This February 9-13, the Port Elgin Curling Club is hosting the '22 Ontario Tankard at The Plex in Port Elgin. We have sponsored the event, and our store logo will appear on the rink boards as well as the ice during the event. You can read more about the Tankard at www.portelgincurlingclub.com
Getting to Know You
This month's profile is Jenny Sanderson, Office Admin and Head Cashier.
I have been working here at Port Elgin Home Hardware since 2008 after moving to Port Elgin from Kincardine. I started as a part-time student cashier and now I cover a variety of administrative roles and hope to continue growing my knowledge and experience with the company. I am grateful to work for a family owned and operated business in my home county.
I have 2 kiddos, Cahlee, 11 – going on 18 and who will soon tower over me, and Owen, 8 – the sports crazy one. Darcy and I will celebrate 15 years this October. We met at the barn (shocker!). When we can escape work commitments we love the outdoors – hiking, canoeing, camping, exploring our community and others. It's not uncommon for us to drive 8 hours to go to our favourite oasis, Manitoulin Island. The kids and I are a little more thrill seeking – CN tower, roller coasters etc.. Darcy prefers to go "check on the car"...
Outside of my position here I am heavily immersed in the equestrian community – YES, horse back riding is a sport! NO, the horse does not do all the work! I enjoy bringing humans and horses together in a fun, educational environment with a strong emphasis on safety. I actively coach therapeutic riding under CANtra Instructor Certifications, beginner – advanced riders through Equine Canada Competition Coach Certification, and I am the Equine Specialist, teaming up with a Social Worker to provide Equine Assisted Therapy sessions. Currently my horse, Rolex, and I are competing in a provincial jumper circuit and entry level eventing (this is essentially a horse triathalon). When I'm not jumping, I am working with our local Icelandic herd, developing their training, and my own! Gaited horses require a whole new skill set, which has been new to me over the last year. There is never an end to the learning opportunities in this sport!
I look forward to continuing to work with all of you, new and experienced, and reading somebody else's "Get to Know You" next month!
Staff
Please welcome to the store, Cecylia (cash) and Addison (cash/lumber).
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Gloria's last day with Port Elgin Home Hardware will be September 15th. Gloria has made the decision to resign and continue to focus on her health and recovery.
Gloria will be coming into the store September 15th to bid farewell to everyone, and we will be having a staff function, possibly a bbq, as a send-off. Stay tuned for an announcement on that.
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