{"id":4469,"date":"2022-12-26T15:14:16","date_gmt":"2022-12-26T15:14:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/durolabs.co\/?p=4469"},"modified":"2024-07-03T22:29:14","modified_gmt":"2024-07-03T22:29:14","slug":"part-numbering-systems-best-practices","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/durolabs.co\/blog\/part-numbering-systems-best-practices\/","title":{"rendered":"Part numbering systems: 7 best practices to optimize the process"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Managing your product development and\u00a0manufacturing processes\u00a0requires you to understand your people, parts, and processes. Keeping careful track of\u00a0individual parts\u00a0and assemblies is an important aspect of product development and manufacturing and can very much factor into the success of your products.<\/p>

A\u00a0part numbering system<\/a>\u00a0helps you track and name each part and assembly in your library by assigning an immutable\u00a0unique identifier. This can help you organize new parts, track\u00a0existing parts, and stay on top of your\u00a0procurement\u00a0needs. In this article, we\u2019ll highlight some of the benefits of having an effective\u00a0part numbering system\u00a0and give you some actionable best practices for establishing one within your organization.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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What are part numbering systems?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Hardware organizations use a\u00a0part numbering system<\/a>\u00a0to help track, organize, and label all the parts and assemblies used across the product\u00a0lifecycle. The system helps reduce part duplication as well as categorize parts so that you can work more efficiently and minimize miscommunication across teams.<\/p>

It\u2019s important to keep your\u00a0part numbering\u00a0as simple as possible. If the\u00a0part number scheme\u00a0is overly rigid, complex, or ambiguous, it can be tough to implement, potentially slowing down processes and causing production mistakes. Your\u00a0part numbering system\u00a0should be based in your\u00a0product lifecycle management<\/a>\u00a0software (PLM), so that you can prevent conflicts with external part numbers, as well as more easily navigate different\u00a0bills of materials\u00a0(BOMs).\u00a0<\/p>

If your\u00a0part number system\u00a0is based in computer-aided design (CAD) software or an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, it can be difficult to track and manage data across these disparate systems. A\u00a0PLM, on the other hand, centralizes data from all these sources to provide a complete view of all your product content.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Risks of using disparate part number schemes<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Utilizing multiple\u00a0part-numbering schemes\u00a0is fraught with risk. The main risk is miscommunication between suppliers, internal departments, and even customers. When two different parties refer to the same part with different identifiers, it can easily lead to delays or mistakes in production.<\/p>

Instead, you want to have a\u00a0unique identifier\u00a0for each unique set of parametrics of a part that is used across all systems and understood by all stakeholders. You can have multiple unique elements assigned to a part, like the manufacturer part number (MPN) or supplier PN. These additional identifiers can further reduce duplication and present multiple dimensions of uniqueness, but the primary identifier should be the\u00a0individual part\u00a0number generated in your\u00a0PLM platform.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Benefits of an effective part numbering system<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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An effective\u00a0part numbering system\u00a0can significantly benefit your organization. Below, we\u2019ll discuss a few main reasons why investing time and effort into constructing a solid\u00a0part number system\u00a0is worth it.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Helps to avoid duplication within your part library<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Duplicates in your\u00a0PLM\u00a0part library can lead to confusion and issues in procuring the correct parts. With a\u00a0part number system\u00a0in place, each item has a\u00a0unique identifier\u00a0that will, if implemented correctly, remove duplicate items in your\u00a0PLM\u00a0part library<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Prevents mistakes in data entry<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Manual\u00a0data entry\u00a0presents a risk of errors or inconsistencies being introduced into any software system.\u00a0Data entry\u00a0errors<\/a>\u00a0can significantly impact your business through the creation of mistakes that propagate into production. With an automated\u00a0part number system\u00a0in place, you can reduce the likelihood of errors by ensuring part numbers are entered into the system correctly and that all associated\u00a0metadata\u00a0is linked to the correct\u00a0unique part number.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Serves as a common ID to connect disparate software systems<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Businesses often use many\u00a0different software systems<\/a>\u00a0to run their operations. Nearly every aspect of business has a different platform, which can lead to confusion within your processes. When you have a common ID for each of your parts, they remain consistent no matter which platform someone is using, from your\u00a0ERP system\u00a0to your financial software. Part numbers created in your\u00a0PLM\u00a0can easily be\u00a0transferred to your ERP<\/a>\u00a0or manufacturing execution system (MES) via an integration to maintain this consistency.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Saves time and money in ordering the precise parts<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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If you\u2019ve ever placed an order for the wrong part before, you understand the frustration of having too many of the\u00a0wrong<\/i>\u00a0parts and not enough of the\u00a0right<\/i>\u00a0parts. This type of mistake will\u00a0cost you money<\/a>\u00a0and waste time. You can be more precise when ordering parts if you have\u00a0unique part numbers, so you can ensure you have enough of what you need when you need it.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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7 best practices for part numbering systems<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Now that you know why\u00a0part numbering systems\u00a0are so important for your\u00a0PLM system<\/a>, let\u2019s dive into some of the best practices you should use when creating your\u00a0part numbering system.\u00a0<\/p>

It\u2019s also important to note that different suppliers will use different\u00a0part number schemes, so you need the right tools to integrate your systems.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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1) Employ a semi-intelligent customer part number (CPN) scheme<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Using the right scheme in your\u00a0part number system\u00a0is the first best practice to keep in mind. While in the past, there was an emphasis on having an intelligent\u00a0part numbering scheme, now we know that a \u201cnon-intelligent\u201d system can work just as well in many situations.\u00a0<\/p>

A semi-intelligent\u00a0part numbering scheme\u00a0serves as an optimal middle ground for most companies as it provides a hybrid between the\u00a0non-intelligent\u00a0and intelligent options. A semi-intelligent part number typically includes a\u00a0prefix\u00a0and a\u00a0suffix. The\u00a0prefix\u00a0is often a category-based series of digits and the\u00a0suffix\u00a0is a counter that is incremented for each new instance of the category. Overall, a semi-intelligent scheme will allow you to get the benefits of a parts numbering system without added complexity.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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2) Use numeric item identifiers<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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When you pick identifiers for your parts, you want to make sure that they are\u00a0numeric\u00a0(numbers) and not alphabetic (letters). Letters can be hard to recognize in certain fonts or can even be confused with numbers, like the letter O and the number 0. Numbers are easier to identify, which reduces the number of data errors and makes it simpler for your teams to use and share with suppliers and vendors.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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3) Keep part number length consistent\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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You also want to make sure that the part numbers you create are of a consistent length. Usually, somewhere between six and eight digits is a good length. When your part numbers are the same length across all categories and systems, you can reduce the chance of error and create consistency across the board. However, you don\u2019t want the numbers to be so short that you end up exceeding the quantity of part numbers that you\u2019ve allocated.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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4) Ensure item identifier numbers are unique and permanent<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Each item identifier you use should be unique. There should be no duplicates or copies of part numbers, no matter how many systems you use. You also want to make sure that the part number is permanent, so it won\u2019t constantly change or update over the course of the product\u00a0lifecycle, which can lead to communication and\u00a0data entry\u00a0errors.\u00a0<\/p>

You can avoid part number duplicates with the help of a\u00a0PLM system\u00a0like Duro<\/a>, which can validate each\u00a0new part number\u00a0and check the system for duplicates.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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5) Avoid using special characters and leading zeros<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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When you create a\u00a0part number system, you want to avoid \u201cleading zeros,\u201d which refers to a zero \u2014 or string of zeros \u2014 at the front of the part number. Some software tools will strip off leading zeros from a\u00a0numeric\u00a0value, thereby corrupting the intended part number. You will also want to ensure that any breaks in the number are made using\u00a0dashes\u00a0or a\u00a0hyphen, not a space or a letter.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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6) Utilize category-based part numbering<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Utilizing\u00a0part categories\u00a0within your\u00a0part numbering scheme\u00a0will allow you to easily find parts and filter through your component library. The category portion of the part number, as mentioned above, is typically contained within a three- to four-digit\u00a0prefix\u00a0of the part number. With a category-based\u00a0part numbering scheme, companies can stay more organized as well as\u00a0save time and reduce part duplication<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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7) Base your part numbering system in PLM and not CAD<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Some companies make the mistake of basing their\u00a0part numbering system\u00a0in a computer-aided design tool (CAD) rather than their\u00a0PLM system. This can\u00a0cause problems<\/a>\u00a0because a\u00a0CAD\u00a0tool doesn\u2019t have access to other parts and assembles not generated within that\u00a0CAD\u00a0package. It can\u2019t assign numbers as needed because it doesn\u2019t \u201cknow\u201d about them. In addition, this workflow opens up the risk that two\u00a0CAD\u00a0tools generate the same number for different parts.\u00a0<\/p>

When you use a holistic\u00a0PLM\u00a0like Duro, you know that when you enter new BOMs, parts, and assemblies into the system, a\u00a0new part number\u00a0is assigned to each item and is tracked consistently. A\u00a0PLM\u00a0acts as a centralized repository that all data sources can connect to, so part numbers are easily shared between your other integrated systems. This allows your company to build data cohesion and ensure proper communication.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Create your part numbering system effortlessly with Duro<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A\u00a0part numbering system\u00a0helps you regain control and improve your product development and\u00a0manufacturing processes. With a proper\u00a0system\u00a0in place, you can communicate effectively between all internal and external stakeholders. Without one, you can waste time and money correcting mistakes that are likely to occur in production.\u00a0<\/p>

Hardware organizations don\u2019t need to create their own\u00a0part number systems. They can use a\u00a0PLM\u00a0like Duro that comes with an integrated\u00a0part numbering system.\u00a0Duro PLM<\/a>\u00a0automatically generates and assigns part numbers when BOM components are created in the\u00a0PLM\u00a0or integrated\u00a0CAD\u00a0tools.\u00a0Once assigned, part numbers are immutable and cannot be reused (thus avoiding the potential for part number duplication) by another component, even if the original component is deleted.\u00a0<\/p>

To learn more,\u00a0check out Duro<\/a>\u00a0and see how we can improve your business processes through a cloud-native\u00a0PLM\u00a0with an integrated\u00a0part number system.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Managing your product development and\u00a0manufacturing processes\u00a0requires you to understand your people, parts, and processes. Keeping careful track of\u00a0individual parts\u00a0and assemblies is an important aspect of product development and manufacturing and can very much factor into the success of your products. A\u00a0part numbering system\u00a0helps you track and name each part and assembly in your library by […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4470,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"%%post_title%%","_seopress_titles_desc":"Track and name each part and assembly in your library by assigning an immutable unique identifier. Read how to establish an effective part numbering system.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[93],"tags":[],"resource-tag":[87],"class_list":["post-4469","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","resource-tag-tutorials"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/durolabs.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4469","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/durolabs.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/durolabs.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/durolabs.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/durolabs.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4469"}],"version-history":[{"count":57,"href":"https:\/\/durolabs.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4469\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13863,"href":"https:\/\/durolabs.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4469\/revisions\/13863"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/durolabs.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4470"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/durolabs.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4469"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/durolabs.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4469"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/durolabs.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4469"},{"taxonomy":"resource-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/durolabs.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource-tag?post=4469"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}