Compare the operating models
In this fictional example, Tailoring job J9 uses four metres of customer fabric CF9 and one shop zip Z1. The supplied job consumes three metres and returns one metre. Fabric belongs to the customer; the zip belongs to the shop until supplied.
| Business requirement | Shop-owned stock | Customer material linked to job |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving CF9 | Would imply a shop purchase | Owner/customer and J9 custody |
| Issuing Z1 | Reduce shop zip quantity | Do not label it customer-supplied |
| Fabric remainder | Cannot sell as free shop stock | One metre returned to customer |
Work through the chosen model
The material sheet records item, owner, job, received amount, used amount and return destination. Track CF9 by the job’s chosen measurement unit; track Z1 in shop inventory. The job connects both without merging ownership.
- Receive and identify customer material
- Issue customer and shop materials to J9
- Return the evidenced remainder
Job-linked custody preserves the customer’s material story but requires received/used/returned quantities. It does not establish legal ownership or resolve uncertain supplied terms.
CF9 shows received four, used three and returned one metre. Z1 shop stock falls by one. No fabric purchase is invented, and the returned metre is not advertised as shop stock.
When the other model fits
The shop instead buys the fabric outright before starting J9. Is it still customer material?
Show the worked answer
No. Record the supplied purchase/ownership change, then issue shop material to the job.