Part Numbering Systems and Terms

Part Numbering Systems and Terms

A key part to a successful ERP implementation is coming up with a consistent unique part numbering scheme that everyone adheres to and is easy to use. A faulty inventory item numbering scheme will result in data entry errors, mistakes, inventory and other costly processes.

A common question from our prospects goes something like this:

The decision as to the actual part numbering scheme to use is critical for us. We need a system that will allow us to identify a wide range of components from many different vendors. We are trying to find a known good part number scheme for this--do you have any recommendations?

Current best practice, when using an ERP system, is for the part number to be non-significant (not descriptive), and as short as possible to accommodate the largest number of parts forecast. For more