The function of store-keeping may be summarized as follows:
- Receipt of Material into Storage: Materials should be received unloaded, inspected and then moved to stores. The storekeeper classifies the materials, stores it in appropriate places and records the receipts in proper books.
- Record Keeping: The stores records should be maintained in an efficient and orderly manner so that materials can be easily located and information can be obtained for various departments.
- Storage of Materials: The stores should provide maximum protection and safety and accessibility and utilize minimum space. Suitable storage device should be installed.
- Maintaining Stores: To keep the stores in the desired condition over a period of time depends on the nature of the material, length of time in storage, rates of deterioration. Special covering or periodic lubrication is necessary to prevent damage due to atmospheric conditions.
- Issuing Stores: This function should be performed most efficiently, promptly and accurately. All issues should be properly recorded. All issues should be duly authorized and procedures laid down should be duly followed.
- Co-ordination with Materials Control: The storekeeper is partly responsible for such co-ordination. Much depends on the type of production, size of the company, the organisation structure, etc.
- Ensure that all transactions are posted in the Bin Card and that the Bin Card is up-to-date.
- All items should be in its proper place.
- Maintenance of stores at required levels.
- Neatness in stores to facilitate physical verification.
- Co-ordination and supervision of staff in the stores department.
- Periodical review of various scales, measuring instruments, conversion ratios etc.
- Protect stores from fire, rust, erosion, dust, theft, weather, heat, cold, moisture and deterioration etc
