## Material Storage and the Store Keeper
### Why Storage Matters
Proper storage preserves the quality and usability of materials. Even good-quality materials deteriorate if badly stored — sometimes causing a greater loss than buying poor-quality materials in the first place. Good storage preserves material value, supports smooth production and avoids stockouts or overstocking.
The store-keeper must:
- Ensure safe custody of materials
- Maintain quality through proper storage conditions
- Ensure the right quantity is available at all times
### Duties of a Store Keeper
| Duty | What it involves |
|---|---|
| General control over store | Oversee all store activity; verify GRN quantities against actual materials; arrange proper storage |
| Safe custody of materials | Store materials safely to maintain quality and usability |
| Maintaining records | Record materials received, issued, balance in hand and transfers |
| Initiate purchase requisition | Raise requisitions when stock hits the re-order level for regular items |
| Maintain adequate stock level | Keep stock available to avoid delays; stop purchases at the maximum level; reserve stock when needed |
| Issue of materials | Issue only against approved requisition slips, referring to the Bill of Materials (BoM) |
| Stock verification & reconciliation | Match physical stock with book records; detect pilferage, irregularities or abnormal issues |