And then, of course, there is money. There is no budget for training the 100 new hires joining the company everyday. However, these employees will be using computers and customer service applications to look up products and take returns. So, the real task facing Mike Anderson, vice president of information technology, is to make computing in Home Depot's stores so easy that any employee can do it - without training. It's no small order, given that most workers have construction and trade backgrounds.
Many associates panic when faced with a keyboard.
As a result, Anderson decided to use Java and an object programming method for a new series of customer service applications. Planning started last October, products were acquired in December and software testing began in early summer. About 40 locations use the software today. Among the biggest obstacles were the objects themselves. But because the best Home Depot associates are experienced carpenters, electricians, painters, plumbers and other trade professionals, the applications needed to be designed visually.