The cards are filed according to the names of the articles or classes of material. When the number of classes is limited, it will be satisfactory to index the cards by means of a straight alphabetical index. In this case quotations on bolts and all other articles, the names of which commence with _b_, would be filed back of the _B_ index. If the number of articles is large, it is advisable to use blank index guides and write the names of classes of material. As an illustration, in some lines of manufacture, bolts will be used in all sizes. On the index would be written the word _Bolts_, and back of this the cards would be filed according to sizes, one card being used for each size of bolt. The same plan can be carried out for each class of material. It is also advisable, in a manufacturing business, to subdivide the file as, between materials──representing materials which actually enter into the construction of the product manufactured──and supplies──representing all classes of factory supplies. A card especially designed for a record of quotations on articles which are listed in several sizes is shown in Fig. 4. The special feature of this form is the inclusion of several columns in which to record prices on a number of different sizes of the same article. This form would be especially applicable in recording prices on such articles as bolts, mentioned in the preceding paragraph. [Illustration: Fig. 4. Quotation Card for Records of Prices of Several Sizes] ORDERS PLACED =7.= Of equal importance is a record of orders placed. A purchasing agent needs to know where orders for a given article have been placed in the past, prices paid, promptness of delivery, and general character of goods received. A convenient method of recording this information is to use a card similar to the illustration, Fig. 5, which shows a form used for recording purchases of a given article between specified dates. The record itself shows the order number, quantity, name of vendor, and full information about prices, including total cost per unit. These cards are filed alphabetically, according to the name of the article, exactly as described for the records of special quotations. Fig. 6 omits some of the details, but provides for notations relative to quantities, etc., under the heading, _description_. This form also shows total amount, thus furnishing a record of the gross investment in material of a given class. [Illustration: Fig. 5. Detailed Record of Orders Placed] [Illustration: Fig. 6. Record of Orders, Including Price and Amount]