Efficiency Methods
An Introduction to Scientific Management

THE STORES DEPARTMENT 73 What seems at first to be more a counsel of per- fection than a plan which is easily realized can, in fact, become simple and straightforward if it is part of a large design in which many co-operate, rather than being an isolated effort. Moreover, when all the details of a job are thoroughly planned in advance all the different materials that it requires can be set aside also in advance, and there will be no unexpected run on any particular item. A good deal of sub-classification is advised in storing, e.g., that different sizes of the same article should be carefully sorted out, and have each a separate card or tag recording the quantity, even if this seems rather elaborate. A store-keeper with no other work to do can keep count of a very large number of separate records of the kind. There are two recognized ways of securing a perpetual inventory. The one most in favour is the preparation of a card index with a card for each item. On this is permanently inscribed the sym- bolic description of the article, and the maximum and minimum quantity to be carried. Entries are made on this by the store-keeper or his clerk every time some quantity is issued, and every time some is received.1 The balance is also entered each time ; and all that remains to be done is some simple arrangement, as nearly automatic as possible, to I 1 It is usual for the stores record clerk to make two entries for each item issued, the first being a temporary memorandum that a certain estimated quantity will be required for some order number; the second, a permanent memorandum of the actual quantity which has been issued.