I write to you to share information regarding Reed Elsevier’s
acquisition of Harcourt and changes within the Rigby organization. As you may recall Rigby initiated a comprehensive project
study focusing on our Abacus software, new ERP solutions,
and our long term system requirements and capabilities. As it turned out, the fine work that so many people did
on this project did not move to a final solution as it was
placed on hold when Reed Elsevier’s acquisition of
Harcourt was announced. Now with six months elapsed since
the acquisition, it has been determined that Rigby will
transition its systems to be compatible with the other Harcourt
Education companies. This conversion, as is the case with
any conversion, will present challenges, but I am confident
that our Rigby IT team and all others involved will handle
this important project with their considerable talents and
energy to assure minimal or no noticeable business disruption.
With the above information in mind, I must also communicate
to you a decision that has been reached with regard to our
Distribution and Customer Service areas. When Rigby becomes
fully operational with the new COPS, BOSS, and PeopleSoft
systems, it will also initiate a transfer of responsibilities
for the distribution of Rigby products. Rigby’s product
line post-conversion will be housed and shipped from a Harcourt
Distribution Center which is located in Troy, Missouri which
includes other Reed Elsevier and Harcourt publications. The target date for the distribution transition will be
the beginning of May provided essential facets of the project
are ready to proceed. Customer Service will maintain a core
group of staff members through the end of the summer to
receive customer calls and to assist the planned transition
for these responsibilities.
Our Rigby Distribution and Customer Service colleagues
will greatly benefit from your visible support, encouragement,
and appreciation over the remaining months as they continue
to assist our customers with the professionalism and concern
for which Rigby is known.
- Steven
Korte, President
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