Introduction

Storekeeping is a service function which deals with the physical storage of goods under the custodianship of a person called storekeeper or stock-controller.

Functions

Receipt: It receives and accounts inventories. Storage: It stores and preserves the inventories protecting them damage, pilferage and deterioration. Retrieval: It helps easy accessibility to materials and ensure optimum space utilization. Materials can be located and retrieved with ease.

Functions

Issue: It satisfies the demands of consuming departments by proper issue of inventories on receiving the requisitions. Records: It keeps proper records of the issue and receipts. Housekeeping: The space is kept neat and clean so that material handling, preservation, storage, issue and receipts is done satisfactorily.

Functions

Surplus Stock: Scrap and surplus disposal management is a function of stores. Verification: Physical verification and purchase initiation to avoid stock outs. Co-ordination and Co-operation: To interface with production inspection and inspection department.

Importance

Minimum Investment: With the help of good storekeeping system, the levels of material, namely minimum, maximum and reorder level can be determined and investment can be made in the required level of material and extra capital can be utilized for other profitable purposes.

Importance

Continuous flow of Material: Stores ensures continuous supply of materials to various departments without delay causing no stoppage in the production activities. Protection and Preservation: The storage of materials involves not only their custody of safe keeping but also their preservation against deterioration. Preservation involves the use of protective coating of various kinds like proper packing for storage and appropriate storage methods.

Importance

Good Quality at Minimum Cost: Every organization aims to produce quality goods while lowering the cost of production and hence the role of stores department becomes very important. Fewer defectives mean increased production and lower cost per piece produced.

Importance

Fewer Accidents: The stores should have proper layout to avoid accidents. Good layout will lead to fewer accidents and hence less breakage of materials. Proper Storage for improved output. Things kept at appropriate place are conducive to good work flow. As a result of improved flow of work, the cycle time is reduced and output is increased.

Importance

Minimum Wastage: Stores keeps the storekeeper continuously informed about the real position of the materials. As a result no need of counting again and again which saves time and money. Also there also minimum wastage during material handling. Co-ordination and Co-operation: stores department helps in smooth running of an organization by active cooperation with other departments and providing not only services but also gives and receives information to make that service efficient.