Holding goods safely and findably.
WHAT STORAGE MUST ACHIEVE
Goods protected from damage Goods findable Stock rotated correctly Stock counted accurately Security
WHAT DAMAGES STORED GOODS
Water and damp Heat and sunlight Pests Poor stacking Handling Time
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Conditions appropriate to what you store.
WHAT TO PROTECT AGAINST FIRST
Water, from roofs, floors and drainage.
WHY
It is the commonest cause of stock loss.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT STACKING
Height limits Weight on lower items Stability Access
WHY
Collapsing stacks cause injuries and destroy stock.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT LOCATION
That every item has a defined place.
WHY
Time spent searching recurs constantly and it is never counted.
WHAT TO RECORD
Where each item is stored.
WHAT TO ORGANISE BY
Frequency of movement, with fast-moving items most accessible.
WHAT ROTATION REQUIRES
Older stock used first.
WHY
Otherwise old stock remains until it is worthless.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Physical arrangement that makes rotation automatic.
WHAT TO MARK
Receipt dates, or expiry where applicable.
WHAT SECURITY REQUIRES
Controlled access Recording of what enters and leaves Separation of high-value items
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That stock does not leave without a record.
WHAT TO COUNT
Stock, regularly, and reconcile to records.
