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Can a serial number represent more than one part? 1

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ptruitt

Mechanical
Nov 13, 2007
233
A supplier is proposing that they ship us quantities of parts in boxes with (among other information) the quantity and a significant "Serial Number" using a code for date, shift, and machine number. They are not stating a specific number of parts per box. I guess I always associate a serial number with only one part (or unit/assembly). But their approach might be more flexible for them than using a lot number which is defined as a specific number of parts per lot. Comments would be appreciated.

Peter Truitt
Minnesota
 
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Anticipate a recall?
Warranty issues?

If the numbers are not unique to one unit, I'd ask everyone involved to refrain from calling them serial numbers.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
 
... because if there's more than one unit with the same number, they're not, literally, 'serial'.


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
 
I would call that a Lot Number.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."


Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of these Forums?
 
"...if there's more than one unit with the same number, they're not, literally, 'serial'."

Good point! Thanks for the clarity.

Peter Truitt
Minnesota
 
Or if they refuse 'lot', then perhaps 'batch' or similar could be used.

Posting guidelines faq731-376 (probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484
 
Thanks, Kenat. I hope they will be willing to change, but I can put a note on my document that will explain their unconventional definition such that we could maintain traceability, regardless...

Peter Truitt
Minnesota
 
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