Part Number Format Industry Standards

[tipster100]

I'm in the process of researching part number formats and want to know if there has been part number industry standards already established or research completed.

Additionally I would appreciate input on ROI examples for implementing a new non-significant or significant part number format. With evolution of software databases I prefer at this point to implement the non-significant PN format.

Thanks,
Vito

 

[IRstuff]

FOR WHAT TYPE OF PART?

TTFN

 

[tipster100]

Hi TTFN,

It's for off the shelf standard components.

Vito

 

[IRstuff]

duh...

I was refering to component types, e.g., resistors, capacitors, etc?

In any case, the answer is probably no, since each manufacturer uses their own part numbering as it suits them, unless they are second sourcing, in which case they'll use part numbers that are similar or identical to an existing one.

I'm unclear why you are doing this and why you think it's even worth the time we've spent to date.

TTFN

 

[IRstuff]

The only part numbers that are somewhat standardized are:

military capacitors
military resistors
74xx integrated circuits

TTFN

 

[tipster100]

Hi...

I probably did not explain what I'm trying to do well enough. So let me give it another try.

I'm in the process of defining a new Internal Part Numbering Format Policy for externally purchased components. In that process I'm looking for input on already established standards for internal Part Numbering Standards. I have found information that recommends the implementation of a non-significant PN format. Though none of the info states ROI scenerios to justify that recommendation.

So to that point, I would appreciate any feedback/data.

Thanks,
Vito

 

[IRstuff]

As far as I can tell, there is no such industry standard.

ALL of our part numbers used to have a 5 digit number, now they have 7 digits. And there is no significance in magnitude nor placement of any digit.



TTFN

 

[tipster100]

Hi TTFN,

Thanks on your feedback. Interesting to hear that your company has chosen to use a 7 digit non-significant part number format.

Regards,
Vito

 

[designchain]

I'm not aware of any specific studies to determine which has a "better" ROI. They would have to be fairly recent (last 5-7 years) to be of value because software systems that manage parts/boms today are somewhat superior (as are sources of data) to those that existed before in terms of classification and search capability.

That would tend to give non-significant numbers an edge; using a significant numbering scheme with smart software would result in no use of the numbering scheme to search for parts; thus it's development and higher maintenance cost would be a waste of money/time. Using a significant numbering scheme with dumb software would tend to require training, and would introduce delay for users trying to decode a smart number to search for a part.

There are other downstream uses of part numbers too, such as to dole out responsibility to buyers. That can be handled by either system so it's a wash.

Mike

Mike

--
Mike Kirschner
Design Chain Associates, LLC

http://www.designchainassociates.com