The MBS Systems Training Spring Forums was held at MBS Textbook Exchange in Columbia, Missouri, April 18-20. More than 30 attendees from 19 schools learned from the MBS Systems experts about Arc, inSite, security enhancements, networked with peers and discovered how to make the most of their MBS System. This year’s forums attracted guests from Rhode Island to California, Oregon, and points in between.
Robert Adams, bookstore director from New Mexico Junior College, was attending spring forums for the first time and had a specific topic he was seeking to learn more about.
“I came here to concentrate specifically on Arc,” Adams said. “I buy all the books, so I like having one password. It’s a better process.”
Historically, Adams had an assistant come in his stead. However, the opportunity to network with others who do the same type of job enticed him to make the trip.
“I’ve only been doing this for five years, so it’s great to get some business cards from those who have been doing this for a long time.”
Lauren Gorman, bookstore clerk at the Community College of Rhode Island, was also making her first trip to MBS Systems Forums. She said her focus was learning as much as she can about MBS Systems inSite.
“We do a lot of website and CCI orders, so anything I can learn is extremely helpful,” Gorman said. “I’ve taken 16 pages of notes.”
Gorman has a passion for learning, and when she had to opportunity to make the trip and bring home knowledge from others in the industry as well as the MBS Systems team, she jumped at the chance.
“There is always something new to learn,” she said. “I like hearing stories from other schools. North Dakota State does mobile approvals. I’ll be taking that idea back to my store.”
The friendliness, humor and expertise of the training team helped this year’s attendees get the most from the event.
“The instructors are very knowledgeable,” said Tom Lucero, online retail manager for Colorado State University. “I feel fortunate they took the time out of their busy schedules to teach us.”
Lucero said he learned a lot about his store’s MBS Systems that will save his store time and money.
“Great learnings about inSite,” he said. “I’ll be able to get our website to be a more viable eCommerce operation.”
Outside of the classroom, attendees were able to see the MBS Textbook Exchange distribution facility and further understand the process a textbook goes through from buyback back to another student.
“I’ve seen pictures, but they don’t do the facility justice at all,” Lucero said.
Attending forums is free for MBS Systems partner stores. Two forums are scheduled for the fall of 2017:
- October 3-5, 2017
- October 31-November 1, 2017
More details and registration information is coming soon.
“I had a great time,” Lucero said. “There was a lot of learning and great opportunities to network with others who do my job; people I can lean on.”
Arc: the All-new Browser-based Retail Management Suite from MBS from MBS Textbook Exchange, LLC on Vimeo.
