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 |
| | | Author: | SimplyBricks  | | Posted: | Aug 15, 2013 15:08 | | Subject: | (Cancelled) | | Viewed: | 237 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | | Status: | Discarded | |
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| | (Cancelled) |
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| | | | | Author: | QCBricks | | Posted: | Aug 15, 2013 15:45 | | Subject: | Re: BL2 Inventory Improvements | | Viewed: | 99 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, SimplyBricks writes:
| | Hazel and I were discussing things we'd like to see changed for BL2 and inventories
and I've already submitted this suggestion privately, but I'd like to
gauge the opinions of the inventory submitters on it.
When LEGO bring out new themes and sets, there are very often a lot of new parts
and figs that go along with it. At the moment the inventory submitters adds
the new parts to the catalog and then completes the inventory and should make
a note of all the missing pieces pending approval in the catalog in the notes
section.
However, completing the inventory then relies on the manual process of the submitter
or the IA keeping an eye out for when those parts are approved and then completing
the inventory.
I propose the following:
When new parts are pending approval into the catalog they CAN be included in
the inventory, but the system recognises them as not approved and consequently
disables the function to approve the inventory. The inventory can be updated
still by the submitter or IA but until all of the parts are approved (or the
non-approved ones deleted from the inventory); the inventory can not be approved.
To go with this where will also be a count of how many pending approval parts
there are for a particular inventory which will update when a part is approved.
If a part in the inventory is then rejected from the catalog a message to the
IA and submitter is auto generated by the system so that we can follow up on
it.
I have also requested that a flag be added to inventory submissions form to show
whether the inventory is complete or incomplete and if incomplete then the submitter
MUST add information to the notes field detailing why it is incomplete and if
they are still working on it.
Incomplete entries will automatically be disabled from being approved until flagged
as complete.
Inventories with items pending approval into the catalog will automatically be
flagged as incomplete.
Looking at my list of pending approval inventories, the sets with items pending
approval for the catalog appear to be the biggest reason for being not approved
so I think if we can have these new features this will help us all a bit.
Emma
|
Seems reasonable given the large amount of new molds. If 500 new molds are being
released a year, it is tough to allow all of that to jam up the inventory submission
process.
I think that another important component is that some of this is going to need
to be crowdsourced. As it stands now some of the inventories and part approvals
sit waiting for the submitter to make changes and updates or to add photos, but
there is no real reason that everyone shouldn't be able to chip in if possible.
I understand the "credit" issue, but BL may have to move away from that system
(or allow for dual/partial credit).
IA's would still make final approvals, but allow the community to get the
items and inventories to that point.
Scott
|
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| | | | | | | Author: | greenman | | Posted: | Aug 15, 2013 17:46 | | Subject: | Re: BL2 Inventory Improvements | | Viewed: | 45 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, QCBricks writes:
| | In Suggestions, SimplyBricks writes:
| | Hazel and I were discussing things we'd like to see changed for BL2 and inventories
and I've already submitted this suggestion privately, but I'd like to
gauge the opinions of the inventory submitters on it.
When LEGO bring out new themes and sets, there are very often a lot of new parts
and figs that go along with it. At the moment the inventory submitters adds
the new parts to the catalog and then completes the inventory and should make
a note of all the missing pieces pending approval in the catalog in the notes
section.
However, completing the inventory then relies on the manual process of the submitter
or the IA keeping an eye out for when those parts are approved and then completing
the inventory.
I propose the following:
When new parts are pending approval into the catalog they CAN be included in
the inventory, but the system recognises them as not approved and consequently
disables the function to approve the inventory. The inventory can be updated
still by the submitter or IA but until all of the parts are approved (or the
non-approved ones deleted from the inventory); the inventory can not be approved.
To go with this where will also be a count of how many pending approval parts
there are for a particular inventory which will update when a part is approved.
If a part in the inventory is then rejected from the catalog a message to the
IA and submitter is auto generated by the system so that we can follow up on
it.
I have also requested that a flag be added to inventory submissions form to show
whether the inventory is complete or incomplete and if incomplete then the submitter
MUST add information to the notes field detailing why it is incomplete and if
they are still working on it.
Incomplete entries will automatically be disabled from being approved until flagged
as complete.
Inventories with items pending approval into the catalog will automatically be
flagged as incomplete.
Looking at my list of pending approval inventories, the sets with items pending
approval for the catalog appear to be the biggest reason for being not approved
so I think if we can have these new features this will help us all a bit.
Emma
|
Seems reasonable given the large amount of new molds. If 500 new molds are being
released a year, it is tough to allow all of that to jam up the inventory submission
process.
I think that another important component is that some of this is going to need
to be crowdsourced. As it stands now some of the inventories and part approvals
sit waiting for the submitter to make changes and updates or to add photos, but
there is no real reason that everyone shouldn't be able to chip in if possible.
I understand the "credit" issue, but BL may have to move away from that system
(or allow for dual/partial credit).
IA's would still make final approvals, but allow the community to get the
items and inventories to that point.
Scott
|
I agree very much with both of you. Emma and I discussed this already in person.
The credit issue should not be an ´issue´ at all:
This whole fantastic Database is a community thing, created by ´us´ for everyone.
Having personal ´credits´ has nothing to do with ´community´...
For me personally it´s quite simple: I am a parts seller, and if I have an early
copy (well, many...) of a set, I want to sell the parts a.s.a.p.
That means I put some time and effort in it to get the new parts inventoried
and pictured as fast as possible.
Credit for that work? Who cares? The pics and parts must be visible and known
because I want to sell them!
So, at the bottom line I inventory sets for ´myself´ first, which benefits the
community too.... be all honest and think about that....
Klaas
|
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| | | | | | | | | Author: | Pokernut | | Posted: | Aug 15, 2013 17:56 | | Subject: | Re: BL2 Inventory Improvements | | Viewed: | 43 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, greenman writes:
| | In Suggestions, QCBricks writes:
| | In Suggestions, SimplyBricks writes:
| | Hazel and I were discussing things we'd like to see changed for BL2 and inventories
and I've already submitted this suggestion privately, but I'd like to
gauge the opinions of the inventory submitters on it.
When LEGO bring out new themes and sets, there are very often a lot of new parts
and figs that go along with it. At the moment the inventory submitters adds
the new parts to the catalog and then completes the inventory and should make
a note of all the missing pieces pending approval in the catalog in the notes
section.
However, completing the inventory then relies on the manual process of the submitter
or the IA keeping an eye out for when those parts are approved and then completing
the inventory.
I propose the following:
When new parts are pending approval into the catalog they CAN be included in
the inventory, but the system recognises them as not approved and consequently
disables the function to approve the inventory. The inventory can be updated
still by the submitter or IA but until all of the parts are approved (or the
non-approved ones deleted from the inventory); the inventory can not be approved.
To go with this where will also be a count of how many pending approval parts
there are for a particular inventory which will update when a part is approved.
If a part in the inventory is then rejected from the catalog a message to the
IA and submitter is auto generated by the system so that we can follow up on
it.
I have also requested that a flag be added to inventory submissions form to show
whether the inventory is complete or incomplete and if incomplete then the submitter
MUST add information to the notes field detailing why it is incomplete and if
they are still working on it.
Incomplete entries will automatically be disabled from being approved until flagged
as complete.
Inventories with items pending approval into the catalog will automatically be
flagged as incomplete.
Looking at my list of pending approval inventories, the sets with items pending
approval for the catalog appear to be the biggest reason for being not approved
so I think if we can have these new features this will help us all a bit.
Emma
|
Seems reasonable given the large amount of new molds. If 500 new molds are being
released a year, it is tough to allow all of that to jam up the inventory submission
process.
I think that another important component is that some of this is going to need
to be crowdsourced. As it stands now some of the inventories and part approvals
sit waiting for the submitter to make changes and updates or to add photos, but
there is no real reason that everyone shouldn't be able to chip in if possible.
I understand the "credit" issue, but BL may have to move away from that system
(or allow for dual/partial credit).
IA's would still make final approvals, but allow the community to get the
items and inventories to that point.
Scott
|
I agree very much with both of you. Emma and I discussed this already in person.
The credit issue should not be an ´issue´ at all:
This whole fantastic Database is a community thing, created by ´us´ for everyone.
Having personal ´credits´ has nothing to do with ´community´...
For me personally it´s quite simple: I am a parts seller, and if I have an early
copy (well, many...) of a set, I want to sell the parts a.s.a.p.
That means I put some time and effort in it to get the new parts inventoried
and pictured as fast as possible.
Credit for that work? Who cares? The pics and parts must be visible and known
because I want to sell them!
So, at the bottom line I inventory sets for ´myself´ first, which benefits the
community too.... be all honest and think about that....
Klaas
|
I agree its not about the " credit ". We need these inventories approved asap
so that part sellers can get these parts out there.
I dont really know how the IA approves a set, unless they actually get a set
and confirm the submitters inventory so I can understand that it takes a while.
I understand that a set cannot be inventoried unless soemone has it in hand.
Once a person starts to inventory the set, or reseve it, then that set cant be
worked on by anyone else. Should that person take a while or have a problem then
that set could take weeks to appear.
So rather than ONE person reseve it or works on it why not allow 3/5/7 folks
to submit an inventory for the same set therby getting confirmation of the actual
parts in that set.
|
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | Nikilyn | | Posted: | Aug 15, 2013 18:17 | | Subject: | Re: BL2 Inventory Improvements | | Viewed: | 31 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| | |
I agree its not about the " credit ". We need these inventories approved asap
so that part sellers can get these parts out there.
|
For me it is about the credit. I inventory sets to be an honored store and to
make the stuff available in my store as fast possible. I think if you remove
the credit feature, then people might not be as enthusiastic about doing inventories.
I would vote for dual credit. One person reserves the set, AFTER the first draft
of the inventory is submitted, then ANYONE can go into the inventory and Add
or Delete, nothing else. The notes section can be utilized here to say what is
missing or needed for the set.
| | I dont really know how the IA approves a set, unless they actually get a set
and confirm the submitters inventory so I can understand that it takes a while.
|
This can be faster if inventory submitters scan a copy of the parts list and
make it available to the cat admins
| | I understand that a set cannot be inventoried unless soemone has it in hand.
Once a person starts to inventory the set, or reseve it, then that set cant be
worked on by anyone else. Should that person take a while or have a problem then
that set could take weeks to appear.
|
This is my biggest issue with the catalog. I think Emma's suggestions will
make it easier to see what sets are waiting on, but slow submitters and people
who reserve sets and then forget about them are not fun. When I reserve a set
I give myself 2 days max to get the first draft up and submit as many of the
new pieces as I can to the catalog. For set approvals to drag on is just silly,
for example the friends bakery seems to be pending for a long time now. I believe
all the parts are approved and figures, so what the hold up? Seems the submitter
just disappeared and no one else can finish the set while under his name. If
it needs something then we need to know what so we can help get it approved.
For the cat admins, and I think Emma's suggestions would help with this as
well, I think that a first in, first done policy would be very helpful. If we
can list pending items in a pending inventory, then admins can go by date and
maybe focus their approvals on what has been sitting the longest or group stuff
together easier to get say, all of this sets items done at once instead of an
item here and then 2 days later another. (I am sure they can already look by
date and such, but this might make it easier if they can see it in the set and
all at once)
Nicole
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| | | | | | | | | Author: | Made_In_Bricks | | Posted: | Aug 15, 2013 19:51 | | Subject: | Re: BL2 Inventory Improvements | | Viewed: | 39 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| its not the credit
IT's about the Benjamins baby!
or, in your case the funny multicolored and multisized currency notes that vary
within your union!
|
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| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Author: | therobo | | Posted: | Aug 15, 2013 17:59 | | Subject: | Re: BL2 Inventory Improvements | | Viewed: | 44 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, QCBricks writes:
| | In Suggestions, SimplyBricks writes:
| | Hazel and I were discussing things we'd like to see changed for BL2 and inventories
and I've already submitted this suggestion privately, but I'd like to
gauge the opinions of the inventory submitters on it.
When LEGO bring out new themes and sets, there are very often a lot of new parts
and figs that go along with it. At the moment the inventory submitters adds
the new parts to the catalog and then completes the inventory and should make
a note of all the missing pieces pending approval in the catalog in the notes
section.
However, completing the inventory then relies on the manual process of the submitter
or the IA keeping an eye out for when those parts are approved and then completing
the inventory.
I propose the following:
When new parts are pending approval into the catalog they CAN be included in
the inventory, but the system recognises them as not approved and consequently
disables the function to approve the inventory. The inventory can be updated
still by the submitter or IA but until all of the parts are approved (or the
non-approved ones deleted from the inventory); the inventory can not be approved.
To go with this where will also be a count of how many pending approval parts
there are for a particular inventory which will update when a part is approved.
If a part in the inventory is then rejected from the catalog a message to the
IA and submitter is auto generated by the system so that we can follow up on
it.
I have also requested that a flag be added to inventory submissions form to show
whether the inventory is complete or incomplete and if incomplete then the submitter
MUST add information to the notes field detailing why it is incomplete and if
they are still working on it.
Incomplete entries will automatically be disabled from being approved until flagged
as complete.
Inventories with items pending approval into the catalog will automatically be
flagged as incomplete.
Looking at my list of pending approval inventories, the sets with items pending
approval for the catalog appear to be the biggest reason for being not approved
so I think if we can have these new features this will help us all a bit.
Emma
|
Seems reasonable given the large amount of new molds. If 500 new molds are being
released a year, it is tough to allow all of that to jam up the inventory submission
process.
I think that another important component is that some of this is going to need
to be crowdsourced. As it stands now some of the inventories and part approvals
sit waiting for the submitter to make changes and updates or to add photos, but
there is no real reason that everyone shouldn't be able to chip in if possible.
|
Hi,
for pending items it's already possible for anybody to add images to speed
up the approval process.
For inventories this would be an improvement.
One of the biggest problems at the moment is that the submitting and approval
system is broken (for the catalog and inventories). CAs and IAs have to use a
lot time consuming workarounds to get the basic things done and submitters are
discouraged.
Ronald
| | I understand the "credit" issue, but BL may have to move away from that system
(or allow for dual/partial credit).
IA's would still make final approvals, but allow the community to get the
items and inventories to that point.
Scott
|
|
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | Author: | QCBricks | | Posted: | Aug 15, 2013 18:12 | | Subject: | Re: BL2 Inventory Improvements | | Viewed: | 35 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, therobo writes:
| | In Suggestions, QCBricks writes:
| | In Suggestions, SimplyBricks writes:
| | Hazel and I were discussing things we'd like to see changed for BL2 and inventories
and I've already submitted this suggestion privately, but I'd like to
gauge the opinions of the inventory submitters on it.
When LEGO bring out new themes and sets, there are very often a lot of new parts
and figs that go along with it. At the moment the inventory submitters adds
the new parts to the catalog and then completes the inventory and should make
a note of all the missing pieces pending approval in the catalog in the notes
section.
However, completing the inventory then relies on the manual process of the submitter
or the IA keeping an eye out for when those parts are approved and then completing
the inventory.
I propose the following:
When new parts are pending approval into the catalog they CAN be included in
the inventory, but the system recognises them as not approved and consequently
disables the function to approve the inventory. The inventory can be updated
still by the submitter or IA but until all of the parts are approved (or the
non-approved ones deleted from the inventory); the inventory can not be approved.
To go with this where will also be a count of how many pending approval parts
there are for a particular inventory which will update when a part is approved.
If a part in the inventory is then rejected from the catalog a message to the
IA and submitter is auto generated by the system so that we can follow up on
it.
I have also requested that a flag be added to inventory submissions form to show
whether the inventory is complete or incomplete and if incomplete then the submitter
MUST add information to the notes field detailing why it is incomplete and if
they are still working on it.
Incomplete entries will automatically be disabled from being approved until flagged
as complete.
Inventories with items pending approval into the catalog will automatically be
flagged as incomplete.
Looking at my list of pending approval inventories, the sets with items pending
approval for the catalog appear to be the biggest reason for being not approved
so I think if we can have these new features this will help us all a bit.
Emma
|
Seems reasonable given the large amount of new molds. If 500 new molds are being
released a year, it is tough to allow all of that to jam up the inventory submission
process.
I think that another important component is that some of this is going to need
to be crowdsourced. As it stands now some of the inventories and part approvals
sit waiting for the submitter to make changes and updates or to add photos, but
there is no real reason that everyone shouldn't be able to chip in if possible.
|
Hi,
for pending items it's already possible for anybody to add images to speed
up the approval process.
For inventories this would be an improvement.
One of the biggest problems at the moment is that the submitting and approval
system is broken (for the catalog and inventories). CAs and IAs have to use a
lot time consuming workarounds to get the basic things done and submitters are
discouraged.
Ronald
| | I understand the "credit" issue, but BL may have to move away from that system
(or allow for dual/partial credit).
IA's would still make final approvals, but allow the community to get the
items and inventories to that point.
Scott
|
|
Yep.
The issue is probably not with the actual "physical act" of submitting of the
photos, it is probably with how it is tracked or bottlenecks in the follow up
process. Someone has to know that they can go into the pending items and look
for ones were the IA has placed a note about a missing photo, and etc...I'm
sure you get the idea. 
Instead, a system where someone could add themselves or earn an "inventory submitter"
designation where a blast email is sent out or a discussion board is used to
pass along information about what is missing. That way, if someone inventories
a set and it has new part #12345, but they cannot take a photo, then a call is
put out for someone to take a photo rather than relying on the note from the
IA or someone reviewing the Pending items. IAs still approve everything, but
the note and follow up process could be more free or technically friendly.
Not IA related, but it probably would not hurt if Bricklink created some sort
of incentive system for regular submitters like Niklyn or jennifer. At times
they have practically kept the new set inventory/minifig inventory process going
and I think it would be reasonable to reward those folks!
Scott
|
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | piecemeal | | Posted: | Aug 15, 2013 19:35 | | Subject: | Re: BL2 Inventory Improvements | | Viewed: | 33 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, QCBricks writes:
| | Not IA related, but it probably would not hurt if Bricklink created some sort
of incentive system for regular submitters like Niklyn or jennifer. At times
they have practically kept the new set inventory/minifig inventory process going
and I think it would be reasonable to reward those folks!
Scott
|
Down with fees! 
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | jennnifer | | Posted: | Aug 15, 2013 19:43 | | Subject: | Re: BL2 Inventory Improvements | | Viewed: | 36 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
|
I agree with Emma about the pending items being allowed in an inventory, and
a system that marks sets ready for approval would be great. I think we also need
a message system that alert submitters to questions about their items. We also
need a way to take over an inventory if someone has ignored it for too long or
has failed to correct any problems. While credit is nice, it's most important
for items to be accurate, listed with the best quality pictures and entered in
a timely manner.
Lastly, it would be great to have a database where previously asked questions
can be searchable! The forum only saves good info for so long.
Jen
|
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| | | | | |
| | | | | Author: | BLUSER_210488 | | Posted: | Aug 15, 2013 18:43 | | Subject: | Re: BL2 Inventory Improvements | | Viewed: | 33 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, SimplyBricks writes:
| | I have also requested that a flag be added to inventory submissions form to show
whether the inventory is complete or incomplete and if incomplete then the submitter
MUST add information to the notes field detailing why it is incomplete and if
they are still working on it.
|
Everything you mentioned sounds good to me. This stood out to me as the few I
have done, and have pending, I don't think I have said "I am done" or known
who was waiting for who when the inventory gets approved before all the parts
have been. A reminder note for that sounds great.
Reading through this suggestion I see things better and think having a process
for this will only make it clearer for everyone.
Now that I know I can add to the notes at the bottom of edit screen and the last
of the things have been approved I will finish my pending ones and make it clear
when I am done.
Joe
|
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| | | | | |
| | | | | Author: | piecemeal | | Posted: | Aug 15, 2013 19:33 | | Subject: | Re: BL2 Inventory Improvements | | Viewed: | 36 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| Maybe it's just me, but for every inventory I've reserved and submitted,
the very first thing I did was add the new parts or minifigs (with photos)
to the Catalog. Seems like a self-evident requirement. I do like the suggestion
to allow pending items to be added to an inventory. If there are ways to facilitate
their approval, for instance by making it easier to see which items lack photos
so others can jump in, all the better. However, I also think that if one is going
to take on the task of catalog/inventory work, tools of the trade (camera, scanner,
computer...) ought to be presumed. In other words, if you reserve an inventory
it is your responsibility to get the new items and photos added, and in a fairly
timely manner. Which brings me to my next point.
Reserved items should have a built in detonator. A week goes by, a notice (ala
NPB) pops up asking you to hold your reserve or unreserve it; if nothing happens,
24 hours later it gets released automatically.
As far as the notes accompanying an inventory and the ability to modify pending
inventories, aren't those two areas where glitches still linger? Sort of
like the error message you get when doing an inventory change request, even though
the change goes through? But yes, it would certainly be helpful if submitters
and admins had a better method of communication.
In Suggestions, SimplyBricks writes:
| | I have also requested that a flag be added to inventory submissions form to show
whether the inventory is complete or incomplete and if incomplete then the submitter
MUST add information to the notes field detailing why it is incomplete and if
they are still working on it.
|
Such a flag would be set by the submitter or admin? From what Nikilyn has told
me, "back in the day" one could start an inventory and simply include a note
like "still working..." at the end to let the admins know more was coming, then
change the notes when finished. So if a return to this is being considered that's
fantastic. Although the idea of submitting a partial inventory gives me shivers.
Of course I haven't braved the 1000+ piece sets. Yet.
| | Incomplete entries will automatically be disabled from being approved until flagged
as complete.
Inventories with items pending approval into the catalog will automatically be
flagged as incomplete.
|
That sounds great, nice and logical. Keep us posted!
|
|
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Author: | therobo | | Posted: | Aug 16, 2013 01:17 | | Subject: | Re: BL2 Inventory Improvements | | Viewed: | 38 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, piecemeal writes:
| | Maybe it's just me, but for every inventory I've reserved and submitted,
the very first thing I did was add the new parts or minifigs (with photos)
to the Catalog. Seems like a self-evident requirement. I do like the suggestion
to allow pending items to be added to an inventory. If there are ways to facilitate
their approval, for instance by making it easier to see which items lack photos
so others can jump in, all the better. However, I also think that if one is going
to take on the task of catalog/inventory work, tools of the trade (camera, scanner,
computer...) ought to be presumed. In other words, if you reserve an inventory
it is your responsibility to get the new items and photos added, and in a fairly
timely manner. Which brings me to my next point.
Reserved items should have a built in detonator. A week goes by, a notice (ala
NPB) pops up asking you to hold your reserve or unreserve it; if nothing happens,
24 hours later it gets released automatically.
|
Believe it or not, this feature already exists.
http://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=1104
But like many other catalog features, it's currently broken.
Ronald
| |
As far as the notes accompanying an inventory and the ability to modify pending
inventories, aren't those two areas where glitches still linger? Sort of
like the error message you get when doing an inventory change request, even though
the change goes through? But yes, it would certainly be helpful if submitters
and admins had a better method of communication.
In Suggestions, SimplyBricks writes:
| | I have also requested that a flag be added to inventory submissions form to show
whether the inventory is complete or incomplete and if incomplete then the submitter
MUST add information to the notes field detailing why it is incomplete and if
they are still working on it.
|
Such a flag would be set by the submitter or admin? From what Nikilyn has told
me, "back in the day" one could start an inventory and simply include a note
like "still working..." at the end to let the admins know more was coming, then
change the notes when finished. So if a return to this is being considered that's
fantastic. Although the idea of submitting a partial inventory gives me shivers.
Of course I haven't braved the 1000+ piece sets. Yet.
| | Incomplete entries will automatically be disabled from being approved until flagged
as complete.
Inventories with items pending approval into the catalog will automatically be
flagged as incomplete.
|
That sounds great, nice and logical. Keep us posted!
|
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| | | | | | | | | Author: | RobErNat | | Posted: | Aug 16, 2013 01:32 | | Subject: | Re: BL2 Inventory Improvements | | Viewed: | 33 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
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| In Suggestions, therobo writes:
Well then ask admin to deactivate it. I had to write a person to unreserve a
set, in his overview he didn't have any sets reserved anymore (reserved=0)
and thought the 3 day function still worked. I had to guide him through the whole
blue arrow thing to get him to unreserve the set. It took 24h as we weren't
online at the same time.
If a submittor starts an inventory, then it is locked anyway, so by adding the
easely known parts already into the inventory, the inventory is locked for that
submittor anyway, reserve thing 'solved'...
Eric
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| | | | | Author: | RobErNat | | Posted: | Aug 16, 2013 02:08 | | Subject: | Re: BL2 Inventory Improvements | | Viewed: | 50 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
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| In Suggestions, SimplyBricks writes:
| | Hazel and I were discussing things we'd like to see changed for BL2 and inventories
and I've already submitted this suggestion privately, but I'd like to
gauge the opinions of the inventory submitters on it.
When LEGO bring out new themes and sets, there are very often a lot of new parts
and figs that go along with it. At the moment the inventory submitters adds
the new parts to the catalog and then completes the inventory and should make
a note of all the missing pieces pending approval in the catalog in the notes
section.
However, completing the inventory then relies on the manual process of the submitter
or the IA keeping an eye out for when those parts are approved and then completing
the inventory.
I propose the following:
When new parts are pending approval into the catalog they CAN be included in
the inventory, but the system recognises them as not approved and consequently
disables the function to approve the inventory. The inventory can be updated
still by the submitter or IA but until all of the parts are approved (or the
non-approved ones deleted from the inventory); the inventory can not be approved.
To go with this where will also be a count of how many pending approval parts
there are for a particular inventory which will update when a part is approved.
If a part in the inventory is then rejected from the catalog a message to the
IA and submitter is auto generated by the system so that we can follow up on
it.
I have also requested that a flag be added to inventory submissions form to show
whether the inventory is complete or incomplete and if incomplete then the submitter
MUST add information to the notes field detailing why it is incomplete and if
they are still working on it.
Incomplete entries will automatically be disabled from being approved until flagged
as complete.
Inventories with items pending approval into the catalog will automatically be
flagged as incomplete.
Looking at my list of pending approval inventories, the sets with items pending
approval for the catalog appear to be the biggest reason for being not approved
so I think if we can have these new features this will help us all a bit.
Emma
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No objection at all, very good suggestion but a couple of things could improve
along the way as well:
The possibility for sellers to PartOut even in pending approval status.
I know you wanna take care of correct inventories before you approve them, but
on the other hand, Bricklink still *never* guarantees an inventory to be 100%
accurate, so it remains a sellers duty to inspect his/her sets on part out, so
there is no reason to not offer the opportunity to do partial part outs (and
keep the unknown things aside).
I have 2 inventories pending for over 2 months now, this is holding up the possibility
to part them out for the sellers who have those sets ready to part them.
I'd say, approve them, they are 98% complete, throw out the wrong (aka pending
alternates) stuff and they will get rectified in future.
Messing with pending inventories while a submittor is working on it is tricky,
because there is a time lapse between entering data and pushing the 'submit'
button, particulary for larger sets, so letting 'anyone' touch an inventory
while the submittor is working on it is quite risky, as it might mess up things
even further. This kind of function should be reserved to IA's and/or inventory
verifiers (IMHO) as usually these persons know quite well how to deal with it
and usually follow pending and recently approved stuff as well.
As a side note, the option should be there to work in batches to submit an inventory.
Right now, when a first sumittance is made, any added part must be done one by
one at bottom of page, it would help a lot if one could add any number of inventory
lines in another batch (;select 10-20-30 lines, whatever).
I also believe sumitting inventories should have the possibility to include PCC
codes to submit the inventory.
Sets have PCC codes that are 'known' for around 85% by the system.
So if there was a field for it, one could enter the PCC code and the system would
automaticly know the partnumber and color for that line, so only quantity needed
to be filled in. This would simplify a lot (now one has to open 2 pages and switch
back and forth to search for the partnumbers). Offcourse the option to add a
partnumber in stead of a PCC code must remain. So basicly either one fills in
the PCC code, or one indicates using the partnumber itself. Upon submittance
the system would then 'translate' all that into actual partnumbers and
colors, so the overview before sumbitting the inventory would be like it is now.
As buildinginstructions always show those numbers, it would be a lot easier IMHO
to just enter the PCC's and use the 'partnumber' for the more akeward
parts (parts with possible alternates) or new colors. As a matter of fact, reading
the suggestion, it would even improve the *incomplete* pending inventory, as
another submittor can add the PCC to a new entry and it would automaticly 'update'
the inventory without having anyone actually touching it. During the 'in
between' time, the inventory would simply say 'part unknown'. Or
the option offcourse to be able to add a PCC code while an item is pending approval
status, that would help a lot as well (but that's on catalog sumbission level).
Just some toughts
Eric
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| | | | | | | Author: | connie | | Posted: | Aug 16, 2013 02:54 | | Subject: | Re: BL2 Inventory Improvements | | Viewed: | 52 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
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| In Suggestions, RobErNat writes:
| | In Suggestions, SimplyBricks writes:
| | Hazel and I were discussing things we'd like to see changed for BL2 and inventories
and I've already submitted this suggestion privately, but I'd like to
gauge the opinions of the inventory submitters on it.
When LEGO bring out new themes and sets, there are very often a lot of new parts
and figs that go along with it. At the moment the inventory submitters adds
the new parts to the catalog and then completes the inventory and should make
a note of all the missing pieces pending approval in the catalog in the notes
section.
However, completing the inventory then relies on the manual process of the submitter
or the IA keeping an eye out for when those parts are approved and then completing
the inventory.
I propose the following:
When new parts are pending approval into the catalog they CAN be included in
the inventory, but the system recognises them as not approved and consequently
disables the function to approve the inventory. The inventory can be updated
still by the submitter or IA but until all of the parts are approved (or the
non-approved ones deleted from the inventory); the inventory can not be approved.
To go with this where will also be a count of how many pending approval parts
there are for a particular inventory which will update when a part is approved.
If a part in the inventory is then rejected from the catalog a message to the
IA and submitter is auto generated by the system so that we can follow up on
it.
I have also requested that a flag be added to inventory submissions form to show
whether the inventory is complete or incomplete and if incomplete then the submitter
MUST add information to the notes field detailing why it is incomplete and if
they are still working on it.
Incomplete entries will automatically be disabled from being approved until flagged
as complete.
Inventories with items pending approval into the catalog will automatically be
flagged as incomplete.
Looking at my list of pending approval inventories, the sets with items pending
approval for the catalog appear to be the biggest reason for being not approved
so I think if we can have these new features this will help us all a bit.
Emma
|
No objection at all, very good suggestion but a couple of things could improve
along the way as well:
The possibility for sellers to PartOut even in pending approval status.
I know you wanna take care of correct inventories before you approve them, but
on the other hand, Bricklink still *never* guarantees an inventory to be 100%
accurate, so it remains a sellers duty to inspect his/her sets on part out, so
there is no reason to not offer the opportunity to do partial part outs (and
keep the unknown things aside).
I have 2 inventories pending for over 2 months now, this is holding up the possibility
to part them out for the sellers who have those sets ready to part them.
I'd say, approve them, they are 98% complete, throw out the wrong (aka pending
alternates) stuff and they will get rectified in future.
Messing with pending inventories while a submittor is working on it is tricky,
because there is a time lapse between entering data and pushing the 'submit'
button, particulary for larger sets, so letting 'anyone' touch an inventory
while the submittor is working on it is quite risky, as it might mess up things
even further. This kind of function should be reserved to IA's and/or inventory
verifiers (IMHO) as usually these persons know quite well how to deal with it
and usually follow pending and recently approved stuff as well.
As a side note, the option should be there to work in batches to submit an inventory.
Right now, when a first sumittance is made, any added part must be done one by
one at bottom of page, it would help a lot if one could add any number of inventory
lines in another batch (;select 10-20-30 lines, whatever).
I also believe sumitting inventories should have the possibility to include PCC
codes to submit the inventory.
Sets have PCC codes that are 'known' for around 85% by the system.
So if there was a field for it, one could enter the PCC code and the system would
automaticly know the partnumber and color for that line, so only quantity needed
to be filled in. This would simplify a lot (now one has to open 2 pages and switch
back and forth to search for the partnumbers). Offcourse the option to add a
partnumber in stead of a PCC code must remain. So basicly either one fills in
the PCC code, or one indicates using the partnumber itself. Upon submittance
the system would then 'translate' all that into actual partnumbers and
colors, so the overview before sumbitting the inventory would be like it is now.
As buildinginstructions always show those numbers, it would be a lot easier IMHO
to just enter the PCC's and use the 'partnumber' for the more akeward
parts (parts with possible alternates) or new colors. As a matter of fact, reading
the suggestion, it would even improve the *incomplete* pending inventory, as
another submittor can add the PCC to a new entry and it would automaticly 'update'
the inventory without having anyone actually touching it. During the 'in
between' time, the inventory would simply say 'part unknown'. Or
the option offcourse to be able to add a PCC code while an item is pending approval
status, that would help a lot as well (but that's on catalog sumbission level).
Just some toughts
Eric
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I would like to be able to part out sets even if they are not 100% done and/or
waiting on approval of new parts. It takes a long time to manually put up sets.
This way all one has to do is remove from the box those items not approved yet.
Currently I am sitting on a few sets including the Friends Emma's Sports
Car. Would be nice to just be able to put it up as is and keep the parts not
listed yet in a baggie.
Connie
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| | | | | | | Author: | crazybirdman | | Posted: | Aug 16, 2013 12:02 | | Subject: | Re: BL2 Inventory Improvements | | Viewed: | 33 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
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| In Suggestions, RobErNat writes:
| | I also believe sumitting inventories should have the possibility to include PCC
codes to submit the inventory.
|
A agree with everything mentioned, but I agree with this even more.
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| | | | | | | | | Author: | WoutR | | Posted: | Aug 16, 2013 12:31 | | Subject: | Re: BL2 Inventory Improvements | | Viewed: | 17 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
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| In Suggestions, crazybirdman writes:
| | In Suggestions, RobErNat writes:
| | I also believe sumitting inventories should have the possibility to include PCC
codes to submit the inventory.
|
A agree with everything mentioned, but I agree with this even more.
|
Many of those codes refer to undetermined versions of parts.
I would be great if those parts can be flagged automatically so the person doing
the inventory can specify the details.
Doing things this way might even decrease the number of inventory errors.
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| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | RobErNat | | Posted: | Aug 16, 2013 12:55 | | Subject: | Re: BL2 Inventory Improvements | | Viewed: | 21 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
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| In Suggestions, WoutR writes:
| | In Suggestions, crazybirdman writes:
| | In Suggestions, RobErNat writes:
| | I also believe sumitting inventories should have the possibility to include PCC
codes to submit the inventory.
|
A agree with everything mentioned, but I agree with this even more.
|
Many of those codes refer to undetermined versions of parts.
I would be great if those parts can be flagged automatically so the person doing
the inventory can specify the details.
|
Actually, PCC codes can relate to more then 1 version, rarely an undetermined
version.
So at that point the actual partnumber (version or alternate number) must be
used in stead.
That was kinda explained in my post
When one *now* enters a PCC code to find a partnumber, sometimes 2 or 3 alternates
pop up, so one still needs to choose the correct one...
If PCC's can be used, offcourse the submittor should get a warning of possible
alternates, during the 'submit and recheck inventory'. I didn't imagine
it any other way
| |
Doing things this way might even decrease the number of inventory errors.
|
Agreed.
Usually when a PCC code is typed, it has more digits, so less chance to enter
a wrong one (part unknown in catalog) compared to 4 or 5 digits.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | QCBricks | | Posted: | Aug 16, 2013 13:02 | | Subject: | Re: BL2 Inventory Improvements | | Viewed: | 29 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
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| In Suggestions, RobErNat writes:
| | In Suggestions, WoutR writes:
| | In Suggestions, crazybirdman writes:
| | In Suggestions, RobErNat writes:
| | I also believe sumitting inventories should have the possibility to include PCC
codes to submit the inventory.
|
A agree with everything mentioned, but I agree with this even more.
|
Many of those codes refer to undetermined versions of parts.
I would be great if those parts can be flagged automatically so the person doing
the inventory can specify the details.
|
Actually, PCC codes can relate to more then 1 version, rarely an undetermined
version.
So at that point the actual partnumber (version or alternate number) must be
used in stead.
That was kinda explained in my post
When one *now* enters a PCC code to find a partnumber, sometimes 2 or 3 alternates
pop up, so one still needs to choose the correct one...
If PCC's can be used, offcourse the submittor should get a warning of possible
alternates, during the 'submit and recheck inventory'. I didn't imagine
it any other way
|
It would also be nice if there could be some reminders or context with these.
A notation or popup like "mold not used in a set since 2006" would go a long
way towards cutting down errors where alternates or other choices are involved.
Scott
| |
| |
Doing things this way might even decrease the number of inventory errors.
|
Agreed.
Usually when a PCC code is typed, it has more digits, so less chance to enter
a wrong one (part unknown in catalog) compared to 4 or 5 digits.
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