Table of Contents:
- New Resource Available: How to Buy website
- APSS News: Customer Service Survey
- Training News: Options for FY21
- Non-PO Voucher News: Non-PO vouchers set to Net 30 pay terms
- Tech Tip: Microsoft Teams
New Resource Available: How to Buy Website
This web-based tool functions as a guide to the correct procedures for purchasing goods and services. Use the search function or scroll through the A-Z index to quickly locate a commodity group. Clicking the commodity will reveal additional details, including:
- campus specific requirements
- commonly used PS Account numbers
- specific sourcing contacts to contact with questions
- and other policies/procedures
Example Commodity: Photo and Video Equipment & Supplies
The website also provides access to definitions, forms, and instructions, as well as additional information on processing a variety of payments.
This website will replace the commonly used Payment Reference Guide and we encourage you to bookmark the How to Buy website and refer to it as needed. This webpage will be continually updated with new information as needed.
APSS News: Customer Service Survey
Earlier this year, we reached out to you for feedback on our customer service and after almost 500 total responses, we were blown away and humbled to receive favorable ratings over 80% in each measured category.
Although the American Customer Satisfaction Index does not benchmark our specific industry, our scores make us comparable to many customer service focused industries such as retail, banks, etc.
Even during these unprecedented times with our communities and the university experiencing sudden change, we will not be satisfied with benchmarking at the expected average. Our plan in the upcoming months is to develop additional training to continue to raise our scores by focusing on customer service, policy & procedure review, and more.
Thank you again to everyone who participated.
Training News: Options for FY21
This year’s curriculum will begin with a Zoom format allowing you to take a refresher class no matter where your work environment is located! Starting in February, classrooms have been booked in hopes we’ll be able to resume in-person classes, while maintaining social distancing. Additionally, we have an on-demand format in the works to allow professional development to fit your busy schedule.
Review our APSS training calendar and sign up today by clicking on the Webinar option.
Non-PO Voucher News: Non-PO vouchers set to Net 30 pay terms
What is Net 30?
Net 30 is an industry standard pay schedule that guarantees a payment is released on or before the 30th day after the invoice date. This means that a payment is generated the pay cycle on or before the due date to ensure payment is made in a timely fashion.
When should the payment be generated?
It depends if the payment to the supplier is via ACH or check and what the pay terms are. PeopleSoft is programmed to process payment on the Tuesday check cycle prior to the due date selected.
What should I do now?
Most suppliers do not expect payment earlier than a net 30 schedule. However, it may be beneficial to reach out to the non-PO suppliers you commonly work with and let them know that payments will now be issued under this new guidance.
What level of Approval is Needed over $10K? Over $100K?
Additional approvals are required for dollar amounts over $10K. For more information on this, please review the guidance issued earlier this year.
Tech Tip: Microsoft Teams
Using the search bar located at the top center of Microsoft Teams, you can find several shortcut commands.
- How this helps: Increase your app navigation speed and get through Teams more efficiently with shortcuts.
- How to do this: If you type in “/” into the search box, all of the available shortcuts & commands will show up!
Example: Typing “/dnd” to automatically set yourself to do not disturb.
- How this helps: Stop the noise and stay focused by setting your status to “Do not disturb.” Prevent pop-ups and other distractions so you can get work done.
- How to do this: Type in “/dnd” (do not disturb) in the search box. To switch off /dnd, type in the command “/available.”
Marking Messages as Unread
Help yourself remember to take action on a specific message by keeping it marked as unread.
- How this helps: See something but can’t act on it right away? Marking a message as unread will help you remember to go back to it at a later time and take action.
- How to do this: In your message, click on the ellipses then in the pop-up window click “Mark as unread.” You can also right click the message and choose “Unread.”
Using one of the /Shortcuts, type “/unread” into the search box to pull up any chats that need attention.
Adding GIFs
- How this helps: Lighten up and have some fun! Share feelings, moods, wins, and lessons in a short expressive clip.
- How to do this: 1) Click on the GIF symbol. 2) Use the Search bar to type key words to express what you are going for, click on your favorite, and send!
Reviewed 2020-09-30
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