TABLE OF CONTENTS When parts are issued to a work order, and the technicians remove the spare parts from the storeroom and take them to the job site, there are occasions when some spare parts are not used. How are the technicians to return the items to the storeroom? There needs to be a process in place to allow excess items to be returned to the storeroom. Furthermore, these items must be properly credited to the work order and, ultimately, the equipment to which they were charged when they were issued.
Figure 6-1 highlights a return-to-stock process. This process begins when an unused part is identified to be returned to stock. The item is brought back to the storeroom attendant, who will need to know the work order the item was issued to. This step allows the attendant to adjust the work order so that the cost is properly reflected.
The overage issued to the work order can create a cost problem in the storeroom. For example, if the item is returned, and a part is already on order, then the on-hand quantity will likely be over the maximum. If the item is returned and a part is already on order, the status of the outstanding purchase order should be examined. If the part is on order, but has not been shipped by the vendor, the order should be canceled unless unreasonable charges will be incurred for canceling the order.
