location number and view of a typical warehouse floor plan and storage area. LOCATOR FILES.— Automated shore and afloat activities maintain stock location data files in the computer system. This type of operation provides accuracy and speed. Automated systems can provide a printed listing of stock location information, from the computer data file, for manual use. Only authorized personnel should have access to computer files. The Shipboard Uniform Automated Data Processing System—Real Time (SUADPS-RT) uses the material location files (MLF). The MLF is capable of recording more storage locations in addition to the four locations in the basic material file (BMF). Refer to SUADPS-RT Support Procedures, volume 1, chapter 2, for more information. In the manual stock locator file, all work is performed by hand. The manual system uses related stock records or the Afloat Locator/Inventory Record (NAVSUP Form 1075) for recording the location of each item of stock. An activity uses this type of locator file for managing a few items of stock. Some activities use this system particularly for high-demand or for slow-moving items. Location Systems Afloat Ships use either automated or manual systems to maintain files and records. This includes updating the location of each item in stock. There are several factors that you must consider in assigning a location for an item. Stowage of materials depend on the types, quantities, and characteristics of the materials. Other factors for stowage include security and safety require- ments for storing the material. There are other factors that you must consider before assigning available stowage space for the material. You must give consideration to the class of material and the volume of needed stowage space for each class. Some of these materials are bulk items, tires, aviation repairable, and electronic modules. Con- sideration must also be given to the physical characteristics of the material. Characteristics of the material include the weight and size. Some materials are fragile, flammable, susceptible to damage or theft, or have other properties that may affect the safety of the crew or ship. In addition, consumable and repair parts should be segregated to ease issue and inventory processing. As an example, the location for fast-moving items should be in an area with easy access for issues and replenishments. The number, location, shape, and size of storerooms vary in each type of ship. The supply officer studies the configuration and capacities of all stowage space to determine the types and quantities of material to be stowed in each. Things to consider in planning the storeroom layout are location of storeroom doors, hatches, stanchions, ventilation ducts, overhead fixtures, and other structural aspects. The first element of a location system is a logical and systematic numbering system. The storerooms are identified by number (or letter), beginning from the forwardmost and uppermost level on the starboard side. This numbering progresses from the starboard to the port side and from the upper level to the lower level of the ship. The first two digits of the location number contain the storeroom number. Other characters of the location number are the row, stack level, or bin number. You should familiarize yourself with the location system used in your ship. Under the Shipboard Uniform Automated Data Processing System (SUADPS), you can query the location of an item from the computer. Also, you can find the location of an item in the Master Stock Status and Locator Listing (MSSLL). The MSSLL is a printout of certain essential data elements from each stock record in the basic material file (BMF). STOWAGE AIDS The ship’s storerooms may contain bins, racks, shelvings, lockers, drawer cabinets, deck gratings, battens, and other stowage aids for storing material. Warehouses ashore have bigger storage spaces and can accommodate other storage aids. These aids include pallet racks, pallet support sets, dunnage, cantilever racks, and box pallets. Pallets A pallet is a low portable platform constructed of wood, metal, or fiberboard. Its standard measurement is 40 by 48 inches, and it is manufactured with flushed or winged ends. Pallets may afford a two-way or four-way entry. The construction of a two- way entry pallet allows the forks of a forklift to enter either the front or rear of the pallet. The four-way entry pallet allows entry of forks from any of the four sides of the pallet. Pallets help to move a greater number of material pieces at one time. Also, it speeds up handling and reduces higher stacking. There are several factors that determine the number of containers that can be stacked on a pallet. These factors include size of the pallet, size and shape of the material, and weight of the item. Also, you must consider the 6-6