Efficiency Methods
An Introduction to Scientific Management

32 EFFICIENCY METHODS this information has all been recorded when the article in question was originally designed, as it is, for the most part, of permanent value. Therefore in any repetition order the specification sheet is produced by copying, not by working out. It is extremely important that the exact material and required quantity should be specified ; for experience constantly shows that there is waste of material if decisions on the point are made rather hastily in the workshop. Further, the planning clerk can at once satisfy himself that the necessary material will be available, and that there will be no delay owing to its not being in stock. Thus it is the first duty of this clerk to see that all the material needed is ready to be sent into the shops. He proceeds to write on the specification sheet the departments in which each process is to be carried out, and the date by which it is to be completed. This may seem at first sight to take much labour and time, but only a few weeks’ experience in the routine will give a capable man great facility in writing up these sheets, and will enable him to issue them at a rate which would not initially have seemed possible. Facility produces speed without extra effort—a fact which must be remembered constantly when we study any aspect of the discussion of efficiency. But the clerk in this position must have a good deal of technical knowledge and common sense besides his routine facility. Otherwise there is sure to be “ fool-planning," which always causes trouble, and which must of all things be avoided in the