In defense of TRF,
TRF installed an IBM System 36 many years ago for inventory and accounting.
This was replaced with an AS/400 a few years ago, around the same time that
they installed their Apple based desktop publishing system. I know this
because I have also toured their offices and my company is a IBM Business
Partner and System 3X/AS/400 dealer. While these systems are not web
enabled or "modern" in the usual sense, they are what companies with 3
million dollar inventories install when they need to manage large numbers
of parts, multiple users and the such. Intranets and the like were not even
imagined back when TRF first went into business. Keep in mind that we are
all web enabled and many of us are computer professionals. Creating our own
web sites are just part of the fun. But for a company that has selling
British car parts as their main focus, an investment in the web is a cost
that like many businesses, needs to be considered to remain competitive,
but not necessarily immediately. All of my customers are considering their
web sites carefully. Some have rushed in with basic and simple sites.
Others are waiting to develop a real business tool that will give them a
return, rather than a flashy statement. I'm sure that TRF will consider a
web site and even online parts ordering as business pressures force them in
this direction. But if they deserve criticism, it should be directed
towards their core business (i.e.: providing quality MG and Triumph parts
at
competitive prices), not the fact that they do not have a web site. Some
one else said yesterday, that we are all interested in obsolete automotive
technology and cars, but we condemn TRF for not keeping up with our leading
edge hobby.
Dave Herr
73 Stag
65 TR4A
----------
> From: Peter Mchugh <Peter.Mchugh@faa.dot.gov>
> To: Return requested <triumphs@autox.team.net>; Return requested
<peterz@merak.com>
> Subject: Re: TRF
> Date: Tuesday, July 01, 1997 7:58 AM
>
>
>
> I suspect many of us have been to their "office"...those who attend
> the summer party are encouraged to tour the entire facility, which
is
> remarkably clean and orderly. Can't speak for the level of computer
> technology, but TRF does much of its own desk top publishing...
>
> The parts storage area (which is really large) is neatly arranged
with
> parts organized sort of by frequency of turnover...(which was
> interesting because identical parts for different sides of a car
might
> not be located together in the warehouse). Parts which are one of a
> kind are tagged in a "threatening" way (something like, "sell this
> part and you die!") to preserve an example for possible reproduction
> at some future date/time.
>
> All in all, the whole place is an impressive visit which evokes all
> sorts of nostalgia (seeing 50 or more new TR-6 blocks in
preservative,
> like numbers of new factory original crankshafts, and other rare
pieces
> neatly stored). TRF is a big operation...teamed in an almost family
> way by people who seem to be as enthusiastic about our hobby as we
> are...I think many of the employees have LBC...not to mention
rumors
> of Charles' off site collection. (Want to give me a tour next summer
> party, Charles????)
>
> Pete McHugh
> Annandale, VA
>
>
> ______________________________ Reply Separator
_________________________________
> Subject: TRF
> Author: peterz@merak.com at Internet
> Date: 6/30/97 5:18 PM
>
>
> Just finished placing an order at TRF to get the stuff I wanted from
> their Summer Companion Flyer (which I received only last week). As usual
> a bunch of stuff I wanted was not available. That's ok, but here is the
> amusing/intersting part.
>
> When I asked what my total was part way through the order, the sales
> person I was speaking with informed me that he would not be able to give
> me that info. What! I said? Surely your computer must have the running
> total in front of you? No he said the total won't be available until the
> order is input by data processing! Visions of some midnight shift
> operator with a stack of computer punch cards came to my mind at this
> point.
>
> And we wonder why they don't have a web site!
>
> Has anyone actually been to their office? I wonder what it looks like? I
> was quite surprised that the order person was unable to provide me with
> a running total of my order that's for sure.
>
> BTW, before anyone proceeds to shred me for dissing TRF, that is not how
> I meant this observation to come accross. I like their parts (for the
> most part). My beefs with them are:
> 1. Constantly out of stock
> 2. Reluctance to enter the modern age (ie live order system, web site)
>
> Just MHO...
>
> Peter Zaborski
> 76 TR6 (CF58310 UO)
> Calgary AB Canada
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