[Rhodes22-list] Parts Catalog

Sat Aug 27 12:16:24 EDT 2005

Bill and Others,

A DIGRESSION PEHAPS...

I have been lurking here enjoying the conversation about manufacturing
accessories.  This latest post starts to get into an area where I have some
experience.  For the past 19 years I have worked in manufacturing dealing with
inventory, costs, etc.  I have also implemented part numbering systems, bills of
materials, and an engineering change system.  My point is (and this is a very
narrow focus) that creating item numbers and bills of materials is very straight
forward.  Don't worry about the computer aspect, be concerned about the human
interaction.  For instance, use a simple numeric only part number system.  Seven
digits is an excellent example.  Treating the numbers like phone numbers (i.e.
9312564) with a significant block of 3 digits allows categorization by type of
part.  The last four digits are a non-significant, sequential number.  Try to
limit use of alpha characters and special characters like dashes (-).  All this
makes for simple reading by people who may not speak English.  Also, an item only
gets a number once.  You don't want the  same snap to have two different part
numbers.  That just increases your inventory and creates confusion.  

You have stumbled upon a subject I have some knowledge and interest in.  If I can
help in any way, I certainly will.

On a slightly different note, the company I work for has offices around the
world.  We are currently investigating a partnership with a Chinese company to
build our equipment in Asia.  If it would  help, I can contact some of our people
to tap into their network of Chinese contacts.

Todd Zumach
Phillips, WI

P.S.  I have had the boat out sailing three times since I got her.  This is an
awesome sailboat.  I am looking forward to weekends in the Apostle Islands next
Summer!

On Sat Aug 27  9:22 , Bill Effros bill at effros.com> sent:

>Ed,
>
>At this point you clearly know more about this than anyone in the world 
>except Stan.  We computer guys can help, but we can't work around if we 
>don't understand the work.
>
>There should be a parts catalog.  Can you help develop one?  Some of the 
>parts are obvious -- Hull; Pop-Top; Cleat; etc.  Some are so obscure we 
>won't even know how to name them (Spring Inside Thingy that Locks 
>Pop-Top in Open Position).
>
> From a computer point of view, I suppose we should give a prefix number 
>to every major item (Hull=001; Pop-Top=002; etc.)  Stan speaks of 
>multiple molds required to fabricate an R22.  Each should have its own 
>prefix number.  Then the parts attached to it should have sub-numbers, 
>so a cleat attached to the hull might have a different number than a 
>cleat attached to the cabin--even if it were the same cleat.
>
>I haven't done this in a while, so the science may have leap frogged 
>beyond what I know.  We have no shortage of computer guys on the list 
>who can help.
>
>Starting with just the Boom Room, what are the parts?  I assume each 
>sub-assembly will get its own part number (the computer can figure out 
>that a snap on the end of a strap, attached to a screen, sewed onto a 
>Velcro frame cut out of the main boom room assembly; is the same snap as 
>the snap on a pop-top enclosure where it attaches to the sloping portion 
>of the bow--even though they have 2 different part numbers so the 
>Bulgarian will know that the snap is used for one purpose in one 
>sub-assembly, and another purpose in the other sub-assembly.  The 
>computer will allocate the inventory properly, and reorder pieces before 
>they are needed.)
>
>Ed, returning to the central point, would you be able to spec all the 
>parts needed to assemble just a boom room?  (English will be fine for 
>this exercise.)  If we can find the Chinese to do the job, we will have 
>to be able to provide all of this information.  We should develop our 
>parts numbering system for the Boom Room so we can fool the Chinese into 
>thinking we have even the slightest idea of what we are talking about.
>
>Bill Effros
>
>
>ed kroposki wrote:
>
>>	You guys miss a very important point.  On line ordering requires
>>that the recipient of your order understands what you want.  That takes time
>>and experience.  It takes understanding the language that you are speaking
>>in.
>>	All parts orders from GBI need to be written clearly in three
>>languages at this time.  They need to be in English, Bulgarian, and Spanish.
>>Orders written in English only can languish until the maestro has time to
>>decipher them and translate to Spanish and Bulgarian.  When translating to
>>Spanish, a detailed engineering drawing and photo are required.  A digital
>>picture enhances the probability of an accurate exchange of information.
>>	These requirements can change Monday morning when Stan hires a new
>>guy from Turkey or Vietnam.  Always keep in mind that many parts for a
>>Rhodes 22 are unique, and that year of manufacture has relevance to part
>>needed.  There is no master catalog of Rhodes 22 parts. Each boat is hand
>>crafted, and boats vary depending on the availability of each part and
>>Stan's penchant for innovation.  The computer experts are familiar with the
>>phrase 'work around'.
>>
>>Ed K
>>Greenville, SC, USA
>>Addendum:  You can tell it is 2005 when you have 15 cell phone numbers for
>>three people.
>>
>>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
>>[rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org','','','')">rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org]
On Behalf Of Bob Keller
>>Sent: Sunday, August 21, 2005 2:05 PM
>>To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
>>Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Re: Stan's lament - and decision
>>
>>Great idea Stan.  Should help everyone.  Now, how about an on-line parts 
>>catalog...
>>Bob K
>>
>>
>>
>>  
>>
>>>From: "stan" stan at rhodes22.com>
>>>Reply-To: The Rhodes 22 mail list rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>>>To: "Peter Thorn" pthorn at nc.rr.com>,"The Rhodes 22 mail list" 
>>>rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>>>Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Re: Stan's lament - and decision
>>>Date: Sun, 21 Aug 2005 12:12:57 -0400
>>>
>>>Peter,
>>>
>>>granted they are not mind readers but hopefully they are e-mail readers and
>>>    
>>>
>>
>>  
>>
>>>I had thought we were pretty clear.
>>>
>>>up to this point we had not told anyone what to do - we just wanted to 
>>>explain how the wind was shifting and wanted to see if any of the brain 
>>>trust had some interesting thoughts and you in particular certainly did.
>>>
>>>in the final analysis it was clear we had to make a decision and we have 
>>>come up with a simple one.
>>>
>>>We think the Rhodes-list is wonderful and we will do everything in our 
>>>control to help it expand by recommending to everyone we sell a Rhodes to 
>>>that they immediately join this great group.
>>>
>>>At the same time we decided that we will no longer direct Rhodes prospects 
>>>or Rhodes sellers (that approach us) to the List.  .Instead we will open a 
>>>second web site which will be the place to go for anyone who wants to buy 
>>>or sell a Rhodes and is agreeable to the terms. This site will be the 
>>>Rhodes Buying and Selling Exchange, strictly business and humorless.
>>>With practically no 22 size competition left on the market, this will be a 
>>>highly specialized place to go for sellers and buyers.  And this will 
>>>expand GB's selling of new Rhodes and Recycled Rhodes to now also include 
>>>GB's help in the selling of Used Rhodes of any vintage.
>>>
>>>When anyone on the Rhodes-List wants to sell their boat they can take 
>>>advantage of the "Rhodes Buyers and Sellers Exchange" or any other media 
>>>they wish.  They just no longer will be having their List clogged up with a
>>>    
>>>
>>
>>  
>>
>>>flow of Rhodes wannabes from GBI's web site links or literature or sales 
>>>force.
>>>
>>>We see it as a win/win solution that will be universally beneficial.
>>>
>>>stan/gbi/ec
>>>
>>>
>>>----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Thorn" pthorn at nc.rr.com>
>>>To: "The Rhodes 22 mail list" rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>>>Sent: Sunday, August 21, 2005 7:37 AM
>>>Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Re: Stan's lament - and decision
>>>
>>>
>>>    
>>>
>>>>Stan,
>>>>
>>>>The members of the list are not mind-readers. (At least, I think there are
>>>>none).  If you want your friends, supporters and good customers on the 
>>>>list
>>>>to do something specific to help GBI react to tough times you must tell us
>>>>clearly how to help.   Many or most are quite willing.  Give us something
>>>>simple and effective to do.
>>>>
>>>>What's the plan Stan?
>>>>
>>>>PT
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>----- Original Message ----- From: "stan" stan at rhodes22.com>
>>>>To: "The Rhodes 22 mail list" rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>>>>Sent: Saturday, August 20, 2005 2:42 PM
>>>>Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Re: Stan's lament - and decision
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>     ----- Original Message -----      From: stan
>>>>     To: stan
>>>>     Sent: Saturday, August 20, 2005 10:29 AM
>>>>     Subject: Stan's lament - and decision
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>         Dear Rhodies
>>>>
>>>>     Thanks to the handful who found time to contribute your thinking -
>>>>some interesting thoughts to mull over.
>>>>
>>>>     We do not have trouble selling Rhodes - it is just that we are not
>>>>selling them for our own account - not a problem when new boats were the
>>>>mainstay but with recycled sales now the bill payers, even I can see the
>>>>writing on the wall as a gowing % of our promtional outlays gets posted
>>>>under the expense item: charity.    As not a perfect past experience
>>>>example, owners would go to Triad to bypass GB for their trailers (if you
>>>>read our two page report on developing the Rhodes Unit-matic trailer
>>>>features  - radical in those days - you can appreciate our investment 
>>>>here)
>>>>and Triad sold direct and we switched builders.  When Triad asked us to 
>>>>come
>>>>back they agreed to send all inquiries to us and that has worked to the
>>>>bigger advantage of both sides ever since.
>>>>
>>>>     As for the "List", we have decided to turn off the faucet, for now.
>>>>We will work on what would be best for all those concerned, in the longer
>>>>run.
>>>>
>>>>     stan for general boats
>>>>__________________________________________________
>>>>Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>>>>
>>>>__________________________________________________
>>>>Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>      
>>>>
>>>__________________________________________________
>>>Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>>>    
>>>
>>
>>
>>__________________________________________________
>>Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>>
>>__________________________________________________
>>Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>>
>>  
>>
>__________________________________________________
>Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>