By comparing the figures for each group the existing relationship leads to valuable conclusions.
The compilation of figures showing receipts per passenger, average journey per passenger, average haul of merchandise, receipts per ton of freight, relation of cars run to business done, proportion of loaded and empty car space, cross hauling of empty cars, percentage of empty to loaded cars, compilations showing cost per passenger mile or ton mile—these are all valuable and pertinent facts about railroad operation. The most significant way of stating some facts is by means of figures. This is especially true of such important and related phases of operation as, for example, the ratio of the pay-roll to operating revenue, a comparison of the pay-roll of engine men and trainmen with the engine and train mile, or a comparison of the business done with the pay-roll at each station.
Manufacturing Statistics
Statistics are being increasingly utilized for recording facts in connection with production, especially in factories where a system of cost-keeping is in vogue. Various forms and cards are frequently used to collect the required data which is then grouped or classified in various ways. The performance of each workman is recorded and the various records are combined into groups and compared. Statistics as to output, orders on hand and in process, figures showing idle time, capacity of machines and actual use, are examples.
Mercantile Statistics
The use of statistics in mercantile establishments is perhaps even more prevalent than in factories. This is chiefly because factories handle comparatively few lines, whereas mercantile houses generally carry or deal in a large number. The figures compiled are generally concerned with one or more of the following:
1. Sales. The comparison here is by totals, departments, cash and charge sales, salesmen, territories, lines, percentages to total, new business, etc.
2. Profits. The same classification is applied as for sales. Generally discounts and profits are compared.
3. Inventory of stock. Comparison made by cost or selling price, purchases, quantities sold, used, balance, percentages of sales, departments, lines, etc.
4. Cost of conducting the business. Comparison made by classes of expense, departments, percentage of sales, etc.