Inventory control and efficiency in storerooms is something that is often overlooked throughout the UK manufacturing industry. 

This is according to the findings of a new study into the industry carried out by industrial services company Eriks in collaboration with the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

It is acknowledged in the report that the UK industry is one of the most competent in the world, but that it falls considerably short when it comes to inventory - to the extent that it sometimes seems to be badly managed. 

Just 23 per cent of businesses were found to conduct annual stock takes, with just 16 per cent doing this once a month. 

Some 36 per cent of respondents added that it takes more than 30 minutes to locate spares in stock rooms, suggesting a lack of organisation. 

Customer service director at Eriks Andy Silver said: "It is vitally important that the [industry] implements measures to ensure factory stores are dynamic and able to constantly assess the needs and requirements of their engineer partners."