Need help how to respond to boss' email....Quick!

[tiff211]

I maintain a database of all our toy molds that engineers use all over the world. Some other co. borrow them as well This is a work in progress, before there was no set system. . They request them through me and I make sure we have them, note the location, and let the warehouse know to prepare them for shipment/pick-up. I just had to completely update the database because a bunch of molds were scrapped and all the rest were moved to other locations. A lot of the molds didn't have item #'s with them and my boss freaked because that is info is very important. The warehouse manager said the molds were returned without items #'s. Now going forward, when they notify me that the molds were shipped, I record it into the database and also when they are returned. Ok, that's the background.

Yesterday, the guy who works in the warehouse, sent a list of molds that had been picked up and that had been returned. I entered the info into the database but once again the ones that had been returned had no item #'s. Uh-oh! So, I forward the updated data to my boss, the warehouse mgr. and the guy who works in the warehouse and noted that the returned molds were missing the item #'s. My boss sends replies to all saying "the molds that were just returned" also, asking why did this happen and how we need this info to be with the molds. I waited for the warehouse mgr. to reply but she didn't. A couple of hours later, my boss just emails me and says "I ask again.......what molds do not have item #'s" I didn't think he was asking that question because I said which ones in my first email. I thought he was asking why. So, I replied, that I misunderstood his ? and that it was the molds that had just been returned and maybe the warehouse mgr. had more info. He replies she is in Mexico. Now, the guy in the warehouse just sends the info about the molds but never replies to anything. The mgr. always does. But my boss me to ask him anyway. So I sent the guy and email and never heard back. So this morning, I get to work and there is an email from the boss to all saying "All......I am still waiting to get the item #'s from the returns." Ok, mgr. is in Mexico, warehouse guy NEVER replies, so that leaves me who has no frigging idea why or how to get these item #'s!!!!! But I send an email saying maybe they were return that way the same as the previous time. So he sends back another email again to all "They are worthless to us without item numbers. Someone needs to call (said co.) and ask them what the heck they returned." So, does he mean me?! I have nothing to do with returns, shipping, the warehouse, said co!!!! I have no idea how to respond!! HELP!!!!

 

[liamsaunt]

Can you phone the warehouse person and ask him to call the company for the item numbbers? Some people just won't reply to email (annoying, I know). Then you can tell your boss about the conversation you had with the warehouse guy, so he knows you are helping to find a solution.

 

[RUDisney]

He's asking you to step up to the plate and make the phone calls that are needed to jump start this fact-finding, number-requiring mission.

Email him back and tell him that you understand the importance of this information and you will personally make the calls to find out what is happening and why it is happening.

You'll score some points with your boss when you get to the bottom of things, even if he doesn't like what you report back. You'll prove your value to your boss and to the organization.

You've been provided an opportunity to shine. Go ahead and take it!

 

[Maleficent13]

I agree; time to stop the emails and pick up the phone. Call the warehouse guy, and if he's no help, call the other company. Your boss apparently has put this in your lap, and you need to make him happy.

 

[horseshowmom]

He's asking you to step up to the plate and make the phone calls that are needed to jump start this fact-finding, number-requiring mission.

Email him back and tell him that you understand the importance of this information and you will personally make the calls to find out what is happening and why it is happening.

I agree with this completely...

 

[tiff211]

Well, someone is looking out for me!!!! The warehouse guy who is actually a building facilities guy, just happens to be in my area doing some office moves. So, he comes to my cube and asks me if I got the last email, which was really not the last email. He says he can't help because when the molds are returned they are returned with no paperwork. He said we are lucky that we have the mold #'s. Ok, that whole system needs to be revised!!! I happened to have an email address from a guy at said co. from an email I was cc'ed on a while back. I emailed him acting for needed info and asked if he could help or tell me who can. I sent boss an email stating that I working on getting the info from said co and would keep him posted. I also mentioned what warehouse guy. I know going forward this problem will be eliminated because all molds are recorded going out and coming in. I can't believe this hasn't always been the case. Oh well, thanks for the advice. Still learning my boss's mgmt style.