Shortcuts

In my job, I like to be efficient. If there's ever a way I can cut down the amount of time I spend on certain tasks, I'll try to implement the process in order to save time. Our accounting software system includes all types of ways you can save time. My one example today is the entry of dates. When I used to input accounts payable invoices, I would simply enter the month & day and then the full date would populate.

For example, to enter January 5, 2009, I would simply key 1/5. By entering those three characters, the system would automatically display 01/05/09. Actually, I could enter just 5 and (since I'm entering the date in the month of January) the same date would be displayed. I hope that makes sense.

So… segue to mere moments ago. Our Accounting Manager, Kathy, comes into my office to ask me a check-run related question. I do my best to help and then decide to mention, "Be careful that Dale isn't accidentally entering invoices from last year and using the wrong year." I explain the way I use the date shortcut and, if Dale does the same, she should remind him to be mindful of entering invoices from last year. If he enters just the month & day, it might turn the invoice date into a November or December 2009 invoice (instead of 2008).

Shaking her head vehemently, Kathy says, “Oh, no. He shouldn’t be using shortcuts.”

I’m like, “Well, IF he does, you should just warn him and make sure he watches out for the year.”

Obviously agitated, Kathy retorts, “Accounts Payable does NOT use shortcuts.”

Shortcuts. She said the word as if it was a bad word… as if though ANY type of shortcut is evil.

I tell her, “Well, okay. But it won’t hurt to just say something him. Just in case.”

She answers back, “I will but he should NOT be using shortcuts. That’s where the two of us are different. I never use shortcuts and A/P should not use them.”

Okay. I’m annoyed. Here’s another situation where Kathy’s imposing her low-tech philosophy & processes on to others. I’m trying to help her out while easing her discomfort with wicked shortcuts. I would have been alright with her if she was talking just about herself. But, nope, she’s completely dictating the law of the land.

I finally say, “That’s not true. Our systems are designed to make us more efficient. It’s okay to use shortcuts as long as you know how to use them. I wouldn’t say you can’t use them…”

At this point, I can see it. She’s done with me. She quickly says, “I guess we’re not going to agree on this…” and walks away from me, basically throwing her hands in the air. Ugh. That was very (VERY) annoying. But, I won’t let her bring me down. For 2009, I’m gonna be a less irritated person. After she left, I smiled, chuckled a bit, took a deep breath, and logged right into my blog.