Can a serial number represent more than one part? 1

[ptruitt]

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

 

[MikeHalloran]

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

 

[MikeHalloran]

... because if there's more than one unit with the same number, they're not, literally, 'serial'.


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[MadMango]

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?

 

[ptruitt]

"...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

 

[KENAT]

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

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[ptruitt]

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