Examples of alternates vs dash configuration

[jshayy]

Due to the desire to work around a poor change process, that I am tasked to improve, I am facing a battle with modularity/alternates and others.

For some reason, there is a desire in this new organization to reduce part numbers. They seem cheap to me. There is also a desire to create a drawing for every part. I think that is a legacy due to poor CM software contraints.

That's the background here.

I am in favor of tabulated drawings, dash part numbers, to reduce the amount of drawings and maximize configurations. I'll let PLM management figure out when to retire part numbers. The organization has a poor understanding of interchangeable and FFF.

Where do you put a line in the sand with the use of alternates vs pulling out a new dash configuration or model/drawing?

To me an alternate, would be an identical part with additional screening or due to end of life (lead vs lead free component) I also would never specify alternates at the top level assy drawing delivered to the customer. ASME states alternates to be FFF equivalent; for all past, current, future applications.

 

[KENAT]

Take a look at Y14.100 section 6.8 (at least in the 2004 version I have) it details 'Change Requiring New Identification) - best way to summarize it is full interchangeability.

Not just physical interchangeability but even things like Traceability such as if the plating changed to be 'lead free' or 'Hex Chrome' free then this might need a new part number so you could tell compliant part from older non compliant part.

A 'dash number' is still a different part number, even though the drawing is the same ID - as you are probably well aware.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

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

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

 

[drawoh]

...

Where do you put a line in the sand with the use of alternates vs pulling out a new dash configuration or model/drawing?

This is not a software problem. I cannot see why configuration management should have problems with tabulated drawings. The drawings and CAD models are files that are checked out and updated, and that have version (revision) numbers. The content of the drawings is an issue for engineering and your MRP/ERP.

How do the office politics work at your company, and how much authority do you have?

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JHG