stock control

Often a technician will collect the items they need for a prep/process/test from a store, and shy away to small minded thinking when an item is nearly out of stock.

If supplies of an item are running low, the designated purchaser should be immediately informed, such that a mad flap over pieces of plastic is not necessary in a few days or weeks. The problem is mainly solved by vigilant operators.

A minor consumable, if out of stock, can suspend a process or more, and cause untold financial damage if a product cannot be made, both in sales and reputation.

Stock management is of little interest to the technician. It is a thankless task, is boring and requires an unnaturally anal and methodical mind to be effected well.
Poor stock management can cause a whole department to grind to a halt.