ORDERS PLACED
7. Of equal importance is a record of orders placed. A purchasing agent needs to know where orders for a given article have been placed in the past, prices paid, promptness of delivery, and general character of goods received. A convenient method of recording this information is to use a card similar to the illustration, Fig. 5, which shows a form used for recording purchases of a given article between specified dates. The record itself shows the order number, quantity, name of vendor, and full information about prices, including total cost per unit. These cards are filed alphabetically, according to the name of the article, exactly as described for the records of special quotations.
Fig. 6 omits some of the details, but provides for notations relative to quantities, etc., under the heading, description. This form also shows total amount, thus furnishing a record of the gross investment in material of a given class.
Fig. 5. Detailed Record of Orders Placed
Fig. 6. Record of Orders, Including Price and Amount
Fig. 7 is used in a manufacturing business, and is intended to provide a record of orders placed which will prevent a duplication of orders. At the extreme right of this form is a column headed purpose. In many manufacturing businesses, orders for certain materials are placed after contracts have been received, and the material is specified for use on a certain contract or order. In other establishments several lines of goods are manufactured, but certain materials enter into the manufacture of all lines. The purchasing agent may receive requisitions from different sources for material required in these various lines, and his records should show for what lines or departments orders have been placed. Both of these contingencies are provided for in this form, as the purpose of each order is plainly stated.
Fig. 7. Order Record of a Manufacturer, Showing Purpose for Which the Goods are Required
Fig. 8. Record of Orders Providing for Details of Each Order
Fig. 8 is another special form, designed for use where certain particulars are required. In devising a form, it should be made as simple as possible, but, at the same time, provision should be made for recording all particulars that may be of especial value in the business in which it is to be used. The forms shown are presented, not as being ideal for use in all cases, but for their suggestive value.
It is immaterial whether these forms be on cards or in loose-leaf form. That is a question of individual preference, and can only be decided by the person who is to make use of the system.
A good example of a form designed especially for use in a loose-leaf system is shown in Fig. 9. This gives full information about both orders and receipts, furnishing complete information relative to quantities of any particular line handled.
Fig. 9. A Loose-Leaf Record of Goods Ordered and Received
The manner of filing is the same as with the card system, except that these sheets are arranged between suitable indexes in a loose-leaf binder. If desired, the order records and special quotations can be filed together. By using forms of different colors the two can be filed in the same index. This is a very convenient arrangement, for then all records of both quotations and orders are found together. In some cases all of the information required will be found on the order records. When special quotations are received they can be filed in front of, or immediately back of, this record.
While in some offices other special records may be advisable, all necessary information for the average office relative to sources of supply, prices, etc., are provided by catalogues and records of quotations and prices described. Any other information required can be provided for by a modification of the forms referred to.