Logical Part Numbers-Any Ideas

Logical Part Numbers-Any Ideas

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I have to devise a stock numbering system fo up to 1000 product lines used in a manufacturing business and past experience has been based around unstructured systems. I would like to implement a logical system that easily identifies categories of stock etc. Are there any resources available that anyone is aware of that I can access for advice and assistance.

Thanks
David Strain

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By d.saxena
26th May 2005 12:30

significance of insignificant coding
I guess that you are looking for significant coding of part numbers; viz. depending on material, where used, what use, where stored, vatable, etc.

In these days of wide computer usage part number need not reflect any of these any more. In the database (even an excel spread sheet) you can have multiple methods of cataloguing and sorting by using different fields specially dedicated to the purpose.
Later if one of the categories for a part is changed (where stored, raw material, etc( you no longer need to change the part number.
Otherwise you just have to identify the categories that are impoertant for your business and go that way.

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By AnonymousUser
28th May 2005 11:38

implicit coding
i've been working for a top 350 plc for quite a few years now, not in manufacturing, but nevertheless there are meanings in the codes used around the place.

One or two have and do still work well, but the majority worked well initially, but end up having exceptions to the rule, so can't be relied on.

As Devesh said, and I agree 99%, use other fields to describe the attributes of the item. The only cases where I've seen it work even when you dont do that are where it is a fundamental difference in the items that you're trying to capture. The obvious case that springs to mind where I work is for stock items, all the ones beginning 28xxx are generic products used for web selling, people are then reassigned to a specifc product overnight.

I think we're all saying don't do it!

Hope it helps

Paul

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By Chris Smail
01st Jun 2005 13:35

Batches?
I agree best to use other fields to describe and classify stock.

Best idea I saw, as an auditor in a large manufacturing firm where batch tracebility was important was to stick with the original Purchase Order number throughout. Obviously each line ordered needs a separate PO, but as items ordered together were rarely delivered together this was an advantage

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