You Want it When?
A Bench Jewelers Guide to Job Scheduling
When Charles M. Schwab started Bethlehem Steel, he called in management consultant Ivy Lee, and asked how management could get more done during their day. Ivy Lee recommended the following.
Each evening before the manager leaves, they should write down the most important things they have to do tomorrow. Then number them in the order of their true importance. The first thing the next morning, they are to start working on item number one, and stay with it until completed. Then begin item number two, then number three, and so on. They should not worry if they do not complete everything on the list. At least they will have completed the most important projects before getting to the less important ones.
Ivy Lee told Charles Schwab to have all his managers do this for one month. Then when the month is over, send him a check for what ever he thought the idea was worth.
At the end of the month, Ivy Lee received a check for $25,000, an enormous amount of money in the early 1900’s. Charles Schwab said that it was the best idea he ever received. It allowed his people to accomplish more during the day then any other single idea.
This was the beginning of the daily To Do list.
Scheduling your work allows you to work more efficiently and productively regardless of the type of work you are doing. When work comes into the shop each jeweler needs to schedule the work given to them. An ideal time to do this is late in the afternoon. After you have finished the day’s work, and it is in the cleaner, take all the new jobs that have come in during the day and schedule them.
Examine the Work
The first thing you need to do is check over the new jobs. One at a time, take each job out of the envelope. Check the descriptions on the envelope and make certain you can later identify the jewelry from this description, as you are responsible for getting the jewelry back into the correct envelope. Add any notes or draw a simple sketch of the jewelry if needed.
Next, examine the stones and the jewelry for any damage that is not listed on the envelope and look for any additional repairs that are needed. If either of these conditions exists, return the job to the salesperson that took in the job, to notify the customer.
Next, check the instructions on the envelope. Make certain you understand exactly what work you are to perform. If you have any questions ask the salesperson who took in the repair. Do this as soon as possible while the information is still fresh in their mind.
Then, check if any parts are needed to complete the job. If parts are needed, take the parts out of inventory and place them in the envelope. If they are not in inventory, make certain the information is on an order log and that they have been ordered. Then place the jewelry back in the envelope.