Introducing Cooper: A Throwback Tale
Welcome to this week’s issue of On Call, the GadgetLad’s Friday column where readers contribute their experiences with challenging tech support situations. This week, let us introduce a reader we’ll refer to as “Cooper” who shared that his workplace utilizes an MS Word document to log incoming orders.
A Traditional Method
“It features a table with two columns: the left column lists the details to be filled in on the right – such as product, SKU, quantity, customer name,” Cooper mentioned. “Our sales team utilizes it to document new orders, and then our fulfillment team checks, validates, and processes them for delivery.” Cooper realizes this is an outdated method, but his employer has maintained this system for years and shows no inclination to change. “This necessitates a lot of training on the process,” Cooper informed GadgetLad.
Introducing Mitch: The Newbie
This system worked adequately for many years, but Cooper’s company recently brought on a new individual named “Mitch” to examine the forms before they’re forwarded to the fulfillment team. “One day, Mitch approached me completely flustered over an issue a coworker encountered with the form,” Cooper recounted to GadgetLad.
The Red Underline Fright
Since the form is merely a form – with users required to fill in the blanks – Cooper found the request odd but appropriately investigated the matter. Mitch’s concern revolved around the red underlines appearing on certain forms – a sign of Word’s built-in spell checker in action. “I don’t get the red lines, what am I supposed to do?” Mitch queried Cooper, adding an urgent plea for “Please HELP!!!”
The Straightforward Reality
Cooper conveyed to GadgetLad that the individual who completed the form was in his 60s, thus a lack of understanding regarding Word’s functionality is conceivable and perhaps understandable. Nonetheless, Mitch was in his 40s, and his lack of knowledge appeared inexplicable. “My response was quite blunt and to the point: I informed Mitch this is simply how MS Word operates, and that an SKU is not a common word in the dictionary so the spell checker was destined to activate. “You can advise the seller to disregard it, or they can disable the spell checker,” he added.
Have a Tale to Tell?
Have you ever been prompted to assist with technology that you believe is universally understood? If so, click here to send GadgetLad an email so we can feature your experience in a future Friday edition. The GadgetLad mailbag is currently a bit sparse, so new submissions are highly encouraged!
Conclusion: Of Spell Checkers and Panic Moments
Ah, the bygone era when red underlines baffled the masses. If only Mitch had been a little more familiar with Word, Cooper wouldn’t have had to assume the role of educator. Remember, everyone, not everything marked in red is a danger – sometimes it’s merely a spelling suggestion!
