ORGANIZATION
16. The stores department is properly under the direct supervision of the purchasing agent. In the last analysis he is the man who is responsible for the maintenance of a stock of materials and supplies which will at all times be adequate for the business. It is proper, therefore, that he should have supervision over the receipt, storage, and delivery of the goods which he has purchased.
In the actual operation of the stores department, the purchasing agent will delegate his authority to the chief stores clerk, who will in turn be assisted by the necessary number of stock men and a receiving clerk. It will be the duty of the chief stores clerk to see that all materials are properly stored, to maintain the records prescribed, and to furnish such reports as may be necessary regarding the movement of the stock. He will have general supervision over the entire department. In the actual physical operations of the department, he will be assisted by stock men who are subject to his orders.
In small establishments the stores clerk also acts as receiving clerk, but in the larger enterprises, a separate receiving clerk is required. He will check the receipt of all goods, deliver them to the storage places prescribed by the chief stores clerk, and make such reports as may be prescribed. While he is, generally speaking, under the orders of the chief stores clerk, he also makes certain reports direct to the purchasing agent.