.
.
Living Business Home
Natural Resources
 
Energy
Paper
Water
Waste
Managing materials
Environmental
 
Noise pollution
Air pollution
Workplace
 
Workplace safety
Green purchasing
Living Business Seminars
.
 
Efficient materials management
.
.
Effective materials handling and storage enhances work efficiency and also reduces the chance of generating waste as a result of careless usage or damage. A good inventory helps to avoid surplus and expired goods, which also minimises waste generation and operating costs.
 
Good storage and materials handling helps keep your workplace tidy and safe, enhancing efficiency and safety.
 
  "First-in-first-out" principle is a general concept to avoid the expiry of materials
  Educate staff with good practices for handling and storing materials
  Designate areas for storage of potentially harmful substances (eg chemicals) and establish procedures for maintaining good storage conditions and emergency skills
  Keep proper inventory control
 
What are the benefits of efficiently managing materials?
  Reduced cost - less waste
A good inventory stops the accumulation of surplus or expired materials - greatly saving on costs; proper handling of materials can reduce the amount of waste generated as a result of careless usage.
  Improved employee awareness and efficiency
When materials are properly maintained and stored they are easy to find and use. Employees should be educated regularly on correct handling and storing procedures. Methods such as the "first-in-first-out" principal should be followed to avoid the accumulation of expired materials.
  Enhanced company image and competitiveness
When materials are managed in an efficient and methodical manner the results can be noticed almost immediately. Work efficiency improves and expenses for damaged or lost materials reduce significantly, as do customer complaints.
  A safer and tidier workplace
Once storage areas are designated - especially for potentially harmful substances such as chemicals - the workplace becomes safer and much more conducive to work. Emergency procedures should be developed so that employees know exactly what to do in an emergency.
  Increased customer and employee satisfaction
Employees benefit from an organised workplace where important material and resource items are close at hand. Customers benefit because employees can spend more time seeing to customer needs rather than hunting for materials or working with faulty equipment.
Back to Managing Materials