The punched card for each order shows the catalogue number of the product called for by that order, ^^^lenever desired, cards for a definite length of time can be run through the machines so as to sort out all the cards for any catalogue number of product on which a study is to be made. The resorting of these cards by sales districts shows the distribution of the total sales of this particular product by distinct districts, or States, and, if desired, by different salesmen. The sales for the various months or seasons of the year may be had if wanted. Though the data relating to the many kinds of product need not be regularly tabulated, the facts are nevertheless preserved so that tabulation for any particular class of goods or any territory can be made whenever a study seems desirable.

The multitudinous uses to which these card-sorting and tabulating machines can be put are far beyond any possibility of naming here. The very great flexibility, speed, and accuracy of the machines make

GENERAL METHODS

Courtesy of the Tabulating Machine Com-pany

Fig. 231. A Completely Equipped Office for Collecting and Tabulating the Operating and Sales Statistics of an Electric-Lighting Company

The girls at the left are operating the key punches for punching the cards. A gang punch is shown on the table at the extreme right. In the corner is the card-sorting machine, and the tabulating machine is in the center. Files for punched cards are seen along the wall