Generic Gizmo Flow

Free Geek is divided into several stations, each which processes a particular range of gizmos. The generic process is displayed in the chart.

<graphvizr>

 digraph  {
    node [fontname="Helvetica", fontsize="11"]
    edge [fontname="Helvetica"]

incoming [label="Incoming", shape="box", style="bold"] reuse [label="Reuse", shape="box", style="bold"] recycling [label="Recycling", shape="box", style="bold"]

incoming -> identification

identification -> testing identification -> evaluation identification -> recycling

evaluation -> storage evaluation -> recycling

storage -> culling -> recycling storage -> reuse

testing -> reuse testing -> storage testing -> recycling

} </graphvizr>

Incoming

Each area should have a clearly defined INCOMING area that is big enough to hold gizmos until they can be processed. Note that some gizmos may have value and be susceptible to theft, so there may be need for a secure area. The amount of space needed depends on the size of the gizmos and the amount of time it takes to identify or evaluate them, which in turn can depend of volunteer availability and expertise.

Identification

The IDENTIFICATION process should be simple enough for a volunteer to learn in a short amount of time. It consists of visual inspection and a basic triage. After identification gizmos will fall into one of four categories:

1. recycle
2. needs further evaluation
3. keep
4. in the wrong place

Each area's incoming space is filled with gizmos that have been categorized as needs further evaluation by an upstream station. If too many gizmos fall into the in the wrong place category, the problem is likely that the upstream identification process is not working properly. At this point the keep category may be used for gizmos we have an abundance of and that seldom fail. The recycle category is for gizmos that are not worth evaluating or testing based on the visual inspection.

Evaluation

The EVALUATION process is a testing process for complex gizmos. It requires a higher level of technical expertise on the part of the volunteer than does IDENTIFICATION. Simple gizmos will skip this step entirely and proceed straight to TESTING. The outcome categories of evaluation are similar to those in the IDENTIFICATION phase. Complex gizmos that move beyond this stage may end up being deconstructed at this point and the simple gizmos pulled will go into the INCOMING area of the appropriate station.

Testing

The TESTING process is for simple gizmos. It requires more time on the part of the volunteer than does IDENTIFICATION. The outcome categories of testing are similar to those in the IDENTIFICATION phase.

Storage

The STORAGE area is for gizmos that are intended for REUSE only. There needs to be enough space for all reuse needs with a little margin for fluctuations in the supply. The narrower the margin, the less room needed. If there is a great need for a type of gizmo coupled with an expected low supply stream then STORAGE is used to accumulate back stock. If the supply stream is expected to be high, then back stock is not needed.

Culling

As the quality of incoming gizmos rises triage rules will change and some gizmos left in storage will be no longer needed. The CULLING process removes unwanted gizmos from storage and sends them either directly to RECYCLING or back through TESTING or EVALUATION for reprocessing.

Reuse

REUSE is the final assembly and quality checks on gizmos that are to be disbursed, either through infrastructure deployment, sales, grants, or volunteer rewards.

Recycling

RECYCLING is the conversion of gizmos into material for disposal.