Efficiency Methods
An Introduction to Scientific Management

70 EFFICIENCY METHODS for years past the most scientific and expert know- ledge has been brought to bear on works problems. However, the duties of its various officials may have to be more clearly defined, if not increased, and also their relations to other officials. The use of a symbolization well known throughout the works will help the designers very much in making specifications, but standardization will help them more. It has been said by writers urging stan- dardization of the ordinary kind as an aim in itself, that lack of uniformity in specification is often the chief factor accounting for delays in production. If those individuals responsible for the designs have no clear list of the standard finished parts used in the works, they are likely to issue instructions for the execution of which special work is required, while stock sizes and types might perfectly well have been used with a little adaptation. The drawing depart- ment should also have a list of the appliances available, and keep as far as possible to those in general use. When small parts, such as bolts and nuts, have been properly standardized, they need not be fully drawn, or described on the specification at all, but expressed briefly by their symbols. For castings of all kinds in an engineering shop the work is greatly facilitated by standardizing, so that stock patterns, or stock parts of patterns, can be made in good time ahead, and stored for future use. An order is very often delayed by the casting not being ready, as that operation in the foundry is liable.to take more time than anything in the shops