Tools and Equipment Control, Procurement, Storage, Stocking and Issuing for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: 17 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Upholstery
Previous Lesson: Workshop Records, Job Records, Maintenance Records and Tool Cards
Topic: TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT CONTROL
Subject Matter: The concept of tools and materials control: Sources of tools and equipment and Method of market survey; Procedures of procurement; storage, receiving, stocking, issuing etc

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Define tools and equipment control.
• Identify various sources of tools and equipment.
• Explain different methods of market survey.
• Describe the procedures for procurement of tools and equipment.
• Outline the processes involved in storage, receiving, stocking, and issuing of tools and equipment.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of proper control and management of tools and equipment.
• Develop a sense of responsibility towards maintaining upholstery workshop resources.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate the steps for receiving and issuing tools.
• Practice organised storage methods for upholstery tools.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Upholstery textbooks for Senior Secondary Schools
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Charts showing different types of upholstery tools and equipment.
• Sample inventory forms or logbooks.
• Pictures or diagrams illustrating proper storage systems.
• Examples of procurement request forms.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is essential for students to understand the systematic management of tools and equipment, which is crucial for the efficient and safe operation of any upholstery workshop. Proper control, procurement, and storage practices ensure the availability of necessary resources, minimise waste, and extend the lifespan of valuable tools, thereby enhancing productivity and cost-effectiveness.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils/students should have prior knowledge of various hand tools and power tools used in upholstery and their basic functions.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT CONTROL

Concept of Tools and Equipment Control

Tools and equipment control refers to the systematic management of all tools and equipment within a workshop or organisation. It involves a set of procedures designed to ensure that tools are acquired efficiently, stored safely, maintained properly, and issued responsibly to users. The main goal is to maximise tool utility, prevent loss or damage, reduce operational costs, and ensure that the right tools are available when needed.

Sources of Tools and Equipment

Tools and equipment for an upholstery workshop can be obtained from various sources. These include:

1. Local Markets: General hardware stores and specialised craft shops in the community.
2. Wholesalers/Distributors: Companies that supply tools in bulk, often at competitive prices, directly from manufacturers or large importers.
3. Manufacturers: Purchasing directly from the companies that produce the tools, especially for specialised or high-volume equipment.
4. Online Retailers: E-commerce platforms offering a wide range of tools, often with delivery services.
5. Auctions/Used Equipment Dealers: For acquiring used but functional equipment at lower costs, though careful inspection is required.
6. Fabricators/Artisans: For custom-made tools or specialised items that are not mass-produced.

Method of Market Survey

A market survey is a systematic process of gathering and analysing information about the availability, quality, and prices of tools and equipment from different suppliers. It helps in making informed procurement decisions. Key methods include:

1. Online Research: Checking websites of manufacturers, distributors, and online retailers for product specifications, prices, and customer reviews.
2. Visiting Local Stores: Physically visiting hardware shops and upholstery supply stores to inspect tools, compare prices, and speak with sales representatives.
3. Requesting Quotations: Contacting multiple suppliers to obtain formal price quotes for specific tools and equipment.
4. Trade Fairs and Exhibitions: Attending industry events to see new products, compare offerings from various vendors, and network with suppliers.
5. Consulting Experts: Seeking advice from experienced upholsterers, workshop managers, or technical instructors on reliable brands and suppliers.
6. Reviewing Catalogs and Brochures: Collecting and comparing information from supplier catalogs.

Procedures of Procurement

Procurement is the process of acquiring goods, services, or works from an external source. For tools and equipment, it typically involves these steps:

1. Identification of Need: Determining which tools or equipment are required, based on project demands, worn-out items, or new workshop requirements.
2. Specification: Clearly defining the type, quantity, quality, and technical specifications of the tools needed.
3. Market Survey/Supplier Identification: Researching potential suppliers and gathering information on products and prices (as described above).
4. Quotation/Tender Request: Sending requests for quotations (RFQs) or inviting tenders from selected suppliers.
5. Evaluation of Offers: Comparing bids based on price, quality, delivery time, warranty, and supplier reputation.
6. Selection of Supplier: Choosing the most suitable supplier based on the evaluation.
7. Purchase Order Issuance: Formalising the purchase by issuing a purchase order (PO) to the chosen supplier.
8. Delivery and Inspection: Receiving the tools and equipment and inspecting them against the purchase order and specifications.
9. Payment: Processing payment to the supplier after successful delivery and inspection.

Storage, Receiving, Stocking, and Issuing of Tools and Equipment

Receiving Tools and Equipment

This is the process of formally accepting tools and equipment delivered by a supplier. It involves:

1. Verification: Checking the delivered items against the purchase order and delivery note to ensure the correct items and quantities have been received.
2. Inspection: Examining items for any damage, defects, or discrepancies in quality.
3. Documentation: Signing the delivery note, recording the receipt in an inventory logbook, and noting any discrepancies.
4. Tagging/Labelling: Assigning unique identification numbers or labels to new tools for tracking purposes.

Storage of Tools and Equipment

Proper storage is essential to protect tools from damage, loss, or theft, and to ensure they are easily accessible. Key considerations include:

1. Organisation: Storing tools in designated places, such as tool boards, cabinets, drawers, or shelves, with clear labels.
2. Protection: Protecting tools from rust, dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures. This may involve using rust inhibitors, covers, or climate-controlled storage.
3. Safety: Storing sharp or heavy tools safely to prevent accidents.
4. Accessibility: Arranging tools so they can be easily retrieved and returned.
5. Security: Keeping valuable tools in locked cabinets or secure areas to prevent theft.
6. Maintenance: Ensuring tools are cleaned and lightly oiled before storage.

Stocking Tools and Equipment

Stocking refers to the process of arranging and maintaining tools in the storage area. It involves:

1. Inventory Management: Keeping accurate records of all tools in stock, including their location, quantity, and condition.
2. Minimum/Maximum Levels: Setting reorder points to ensure tools are replenished before they run out and avoiding overstocking.
3. First-In, First-Out (FIFO): Using older stock first, especially for consumables or items with a shelf life, to prevent obsolescence.
4. Regular Audits: Periodically checking physical stock against inventory records to identify discrepancies.

Issuing Tools and Equipment

Issuing is the process of releasing tools to users for specific tasks. It requires a controlled system to track usage and ensure return. Key steps include:

1. Request: Users formally request tools, often by filling out a tool request form.
2. Verification: Checking the user’s authorisation and the availability of the requested tool.
3. Recording: Documenting the tool issued, the date, the user’s name, and the expected return date in a logbook or on a tool tag.
4. Inspection (before issue): Briefly checking the tool’s condition before issuing it to ensure it is in good working order.
5. Return and Inspection (after use): Receiving the tool back from the user, inspecting it for damage, and recording its return.
6. Maintenance: Cleaning, sharpening, or repairing tools as needed after return before re-storage.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Questioning

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them about the importance of having the right tools for a job. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Tools and Equipment Control” and explains that it covers how we get, keep, and give out tools in a workshop.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Importance of tool management

Step 2: Explanation of Tools and Equipment Control

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the concept of tools and equipment control, defining it as the systematic management of tools from acquisition to disposal. The teacher highlights its importance in preventing loss, damage, and ensuring availability.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and take notes.

Learning Point: Definition of tool control

Step 3: Sources of Tools and Equipment

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Listing/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses various sources from which upholstery tools and equipment can be acquired, such as local markets, wholesalers, manufacturers, and online retailers. The teacher encourages students to share any sources they know.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and discuss different sources of tools and equipment.

Learning Point: Identifying tool sources

Step 4: Market Survey Methods

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Examples

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the methods of conducting a market survey for tools and equipment, including online research, visiting local stores, requesting quotations, and attending trade fairs. The teacher provides practical examples for each method.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and note the different methods of market survey.

Learning Point: Market survey techniques

Step 5: Procurement Procedures

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Step-by-step explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher outlines the step-by-step procedures for procuring tools and equipment, from identifying needs to making payments. The teacher may use a sample procurement form to illustrate the process.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils follow the steps, ask questions, and understand the procurement process.

Learning Point: Procurement process steps

Step 6: Storage, Receiving, Stocking, and Issuing

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates the procedures for receiving, proper storage, stocking, and issuing of tools and equipment. The teacher emphasises the importance of documentation and careful handling. The teacher may use a sample logbook or tool board diagram.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe, listen, and discuss the various procedures.

Learning Point: Tool management procedures

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is tools and equipment control?
2. Mention two sources of upholstery tools.
3. List three methods of conducting a market survey.
4. Outline two steps in the procurement process.
5. Explain the importance of proper storage of tools.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding tool control concepts

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on tools and equipment control, procurement, storage, stocking, and issuing into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson content

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of systematic tool and equipment management for workshop efficiency and safety. The teacher encourages students to apply these principles in their practical work.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and reflect on the lesson’s main points.

Learning Point: Lesson consolidation

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. Imagine you are setting up a new upholstery workshop. Describe the steps you would take to procure a new industrial sewing machine, from identifying the need to receiving the machine.
2. Design a simple inventory logbook for an upholstery workshop. Include columns for Tool Name, Quantity, Condition, Date Received, Issued To, Date Issued, Date Returned, and Remarks.
3. Discuss the potential consequences of poor tools and equipment control in an upholstery workshop.

Lesson Keywords

• Control – Systematic management of resources.
• Procurement – The process of acquiring goods or services.
• Market Survey – Researching product availability, quality, and prices.
• Storage – Keeping tools safely and organised.
• Receiving – Accepting delivered items and verifying them.
• Stocking – Arranging and maintaining inventory.
• Issuing – Releasing tools to users with proper records.

Differentiation

For students who grasp the concepts quickly, provide additional scenarios for procurement challenges or ask them to research advanced inventory management software. For students needing more support, offer simplified checklists for each procedure and provide one-on-one guidance during practical demonstrations of receiving or issuing tools.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For visual demonstrations of tool management and workshop organisation, search on YouTube for:

• workshop tool management SS3 upholstery
• inventory control for small workshop