I'm looking for a part number system for materials that undergo outside processing.?

Question

We currently do not use Shop Floor control, so the routing operations are not in use yet. The system part numbers use a suffix code, but there is no consistency in it's use. So for example, if we chose to use a suffix code in the 900's, there may already be part numbers using that suffix and we don't want to implement a system that limits the ability to issue new part numbers as more outside processed items are added. Any ideas on how to get around this?

Answer 1

Consider multiple part number which represent the unique stages of the part. Raw stock = 900-000 for example and is issued to a machinist for processing the modified raw stock becomes a part 900-001 and goes through a receiving inspection process and placed into inventory for the next step.

The above could be used inside/outside as issuance of parts to specific individuals and/or vendors could be tracked

Issue qty 10 of 900-000 to vendor X
Receive qty 10 of 900-001 from vendor X

To add more traceability of specific lots of parts you could package parts and issue a tracking number. So create a tracking number which can list single or multiple parts for an assembly.

TRK-0001 (Tracking number) lists information on vendor and parts shipped

TRK-0001 could show that qty 10 of 900-000 sent to XYZ corp. Later you receive a package from XYZ containing job TRK-0001 which now contains finished parts 900-001. These now go through a receiving process placing qty 10 of 900-001 into inventory and job TRK-0001 gets closed out.

The key to this working is have a documented proceedure and labeling system and a decent receiving /inspection process . It helps to have dedicated areas to segregate material being shipped , received and inventory.

Answer 2

You can start your part number system with suffix created by your name's alphabet (e.g. If you name is tony merchant, than you can add a suffix as TOny MErchant i.e. TOME)