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The University of Maine and the University of Southern Maine should consider closing their computer stores, according to a report commissioned by the University of Maine System.
The report, done by the Huron Consulting Group, evaluates the effectiveness of switching computer sales to an online-only solution.
Vice President for Admission and Finance Janet Waldron said the university has no immediate plans to shut down Computer Connection, but said, “it’s important to take it [the report] seriously.”
The report focused on the procurement policies of the seven state universities.
“In many instances the suggestions were that UMaine has been doing excellent procurement and that it would be to the advantage of others to use our contracts,” Waldron said. “But in the course of that they look at Computer Connection . and USM has a computer store also, and they recommended we look at closing both computer stores.”
According to the report, switching to an online store would save payroll costs and eliminate inventory carrying costs. If the report’s recommendations are followed, buyers will work for the system office, not at USM or UMaine. The report also recommends establishing an Apple storefront in the bookstore to maintain discounts.
Waldron and her counterpart at USM are investigating the suggestions made by the report.
“I’m concerned that Huron did a very quick review, that it wasn’t at the level of detail, that I didn’t see the analysis that really supported the conclusion they came to,” Waldron said. “So before taking any action, I need to spend more time going back, looking at what level of detail they have, not just high-level statements.”
William Wells, chief information officer for USM, has not seen the full report yet, but said the parts he has seen do not accurately reflect the USM computer store.
The report states the store employs three people, but it employs two. Some of the suggestions of the report, such as tight integration with Information Technologies and implementing computer standards are already in place.
Wells said USM already works closely with Computer Connection on contract negotiations with computer companies.
“I don’t really have any problem, in fact I think it’s a very wise idea to have a single or unified contract . for computer purchases for the system,” Wells said.
In the end, Computer Connection does not cost the university anything. The store covers its operating budget and, at the end of the year, puts any excess funds in a reserve account. It has not yet had to draw on the account, according to Derek Husson, a sales manager for Computer Connection.
The store sells 2,500 units a year – including computers to 75 percent of each year’s incoming class. The store also services the University of Maine campuses in Machias, Fort Kent, Presque Isle, Augusta and Farmington and assists many K-12 schools in the state, according to Doug Marchio, manager of Computer Connection.
In addition, the store sells a variety of computer accessories, such as cables and external hard drives. The store worked with a company to develop a unique warranty program for Apple computers the store sells. The warranty program, which is cheaper than Apple’s factory warranty, covers accidents such as spills and drops, as well as manufacturer defects.
The report focused on the needs of departments and faculty, according to Marchio.
“I don’t think the UMS solution is going to address the needs of the students. I think it only addresses the needs primarily of the departments,” Marchio said.
He stressed the personal service employees of Computer Connection provide to customers.
“We ask you what your needs are. Are you a power user, do you need Photoshop, do you do music? So we get an idea of what kind of computer user you are, and then we can recommend a unit to you. And that’s hard to do on a Web page,” he said.
Waldron said she understands the personal service Computer Connection provides but isn’t sure Huron does.
“I also want to make sure that they understood . the level of service that we provide through the Computer Connection and the importance of that service to students, parents and faculty, and how that service will end up being provided absent the Computer Connection,” Waldron said.
