The relocation of the Computerstore@Emory is complete, with
the new facility in the bookstore now open for business.
The
University announced in May that it was outsourcing management
of the computer store to Follett, which also administers the Emory
Bookstore. Along with the change in management came a change in
location; the modular unit behind the Dobbs Center has been closed
and removed. Also different is the process for institutional purchases
of Dell hardware above $1,500.
A
new, online "self-service" ordering system, directly interfaced
with the Dell/Emory Premier website, has been developed for placing
institutional Dell orders valued at less than $1,500. Authorized
users may convert quotes for configured systems into orders using
either an FAS number or an Emory Purchasing Card. The technical
support staff, a group involved in the ordering process, have been
trained on use of the new ordering system.
University
Purchasing will continue to place orders for all Dell systems $1,500
or more, along with orders for Apple, Gateway and IBM machines.
Plans are in the works to expand the self-service network to include
all of the major hardware vendors, though as of Aug. 1 only Dell
is enabled as a self-service solution.
Follett
will continue to stock the full range of peripherals formerly available
in the computer store's standalone location (Purchasing also maintains
a number of volume contracts with vendors that provide discounts
on higher volume peripherals). Computer hardware purchases, by
faculty, staff or students, still can be made in person at the
new location.
"Follett
has experience with computer centers at other universities, including
Stanford and George Washington, and we have every confidence that
the high level of service and support previously offered by the
computer store staff will continue," said Mike Mandl, executive
vice president for finance and administration, and John Ford, senior
vice president for Campus Life, in a joint memo. Mandl and Ford
are cosponsoring the change in the computer store's management.
"This
move allows us to continue to provide personal service at the store's
new location while taking advantage of economies of scale for institutional
purchases," said Rex Hardaway, director of University Procurement. "We're
making every effort to inform people of the change and explain
to them how this move and the new ordering procedures will make
life easier for staff who make these kinds of purchases."
Some
personnel changes were necessitated by the transition; some computer
store employees in liaison roles between Emory and vendors were
moved to Purchasing, while others were moved to the new location
in the bookstore. All full-time regular employees of the computer
store were offered positions, though some temporary and part-time
positions were eliminated.
Hardaway
said he plans to survey Emory technical staff after the transition
has had time to "take hold" to determine how the new processes
are working and whether changes need to be made.
Information
about the transition--and instructions for institutional purchasers--can
be found at http://epic.emory.edu/cae/main-cae.htm.
|
