Efficiency Methods
An Introduction to Scientific Management

THE STORES DEPARTMENT 75 stores ; also whether the storage includes finished parts which are manufactured on the spot, finished parts which are purchased ready made, or consists of unworked materials only. Where a concern is very large there may be three separate store-rooms for these divisions. With regard to the location of the articles in the stores it may be remarked that a good system of classification facilitates arrangements very much, and makes it easy to find an item quickly, as there will be some logical sequence in the distribution of the articles stored. When one comes to the last sub-divisions, size or length will make better criteria under which to arrange than quality, if space has to be considered. There seems to be real unanimity among works managers as to the advisability of a carefully-kept store-room (to which few people have access), while they differ on other essentials urged by efficiency engineers. It is now admitted on all hands that there is most inexcusable waste of time if a foreman or workman has to hunt for material when he wants it, and is tempted to make any wrong sort “ do,” rather than prolong his search so as to get exactly the right kind. Also that a management which is careless in keeping account of its own material cannot expect workmen to have much concern about wasting it. And, further, that the practice which grows up so naturally when stores are difficult to obtain quickly, of keeping back all sorts of materials or stock~parts in the shops so that they shall be at