Automated Part Number Generation
Blog Post 4.02.01 - Eliminate Duplicate Part Numbers and Orphan Parts
Reduce time, money, and effort throughout your manufacturing enterprise with a simplified method to eliminate duplicate and orphan part numbers. Read More ...
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Eliminate Duplicate Part Numbers and Orphan Parts
Many engineering departments tend to become islands of disconnected information. While 3D CAD and ERP systems have become essential business tools. However, these software tools, especially 3D CAD software can rapidly produce duplicate information. Most PDM / Document Management systems do a good job of managing documents. This process however does little to prevent duplicate part numbers and orphan parts.
Global Edge Engineering Assistant includes innovative software technology that automatically filters CAD part numbers with the automated analysis CAD Part Parameters. These parameters help identify duplicate and orphan parts with comparison of identical part dimensions and part characteristics. Features and benefits include:
- Provides Single Version of Truth Centralized Engineering & Manufacturing Data Warehouse
- Eliminates Duplicate Part Numbers Through Advanced Filtering and Part Comparison Capabilities
- Provides Automated Smart Part Numbering
- Simplifies Inventory Management with Elimination of Duplicate and Orphan Part Numbers
Eliminating Duplicate and Orphan Part Numbers: A Simplified Approach for Manufacturing Enterprises
Streamlining Your Engineering Data for Efficiency and Cost Savings
In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, the accuracy, consistency, and accessibility of part information are critical to operational success. Engineering departments, often isolated by their own systems and workflows, can unwittingly contribute to a proliferation of duplicate part numbers and orphan parts—components whose existence in databases or inventories serves no current design or manufacturing purpose. These issues not only waste valuable time and money but also complicate processes across the enterprise, from design to procurement, inventory management, and production.
The Challenge of Duplicate and Orphan Part Numbers
Modern engineering relies heavily on digital tools. Systems such as 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) platforms are indispensable, enabling teams to design, plan, and manage products and processes with a high degree of sophistication. However, these very tools can inadvertently create problems when it comes to part management.When new designs are created in CAD, engineers may unknowingly generate parts that already exist within the system, simply because the software makes it easy to produce new iterations. ERP and PDM (Product Data Management) or Document Management systems, while adept at tracking documents and workflows, often lack the intelligence to recognize and prevent the creation of duplicate part numbers or the accumulation of orphan parts. As a result, databases swell with redundant or obsolete entries, increasing costs and reducing efficiency.
The Cost of Inefficiency
Duplicate part numbers mean multiple records for the same physical item—sometimes with slight variations, sometimes identical. This duplication can lead to:
- Inventory confusion: Multiple bins or stock entries for the same part, complicating inventory counts and reordering processes.
- Procurement errors: Buying unnecessary parts, negotiating with multiple suppliers, and missing volume discounts due to fragmented orders.
- Engineering delays: Time spent searching for the correct part, or worse, redesigning a part that already exists.
- Quality issues: Potential use of non-standard or unapproved parts in manufacturing, leading to inconsistencies in finished products.
Orphan parts, on the other hand, are components that have lost their connection to current designs or assemblies. They may be remnants of obsolete projects, discontinued items, or artifacts of poor data hygiene. Their presence clutters the database, contributes to unnecessary inventory holding costs, and can even confuse engineering and production teams.
The Vision: Single Version of Truth
A manufacturing enterprise thrives when its data is accurate, consistent, and centrally managed. The concept of a “Single Version of Truth” is key—a centralized engineering and manufacturing data warehouse that all teams can trust. This hub serves as the authoritative source for part information, design history, and inventory status, eliminating the confusion caused by duplicate or orphaned records. Achieving this vision requires both process discipline and technology innovation.
Global Edge Engineering Assistant: An Innovative Solution
To address these challenges, Global Edge Engineering Assistant incorporates advanced software technology designed to automate and simplify part management. At its core are modules that filter and analyze CAD part numbers using automated analysis of CAD Part Parameters. This technology goes beyond simply managing documents—it looks deep into the characteristics and dimensions of parts to identify duplicates and orphans, regardless of naming conventions or legacy numbering systems.
Automated Analysis of CAD Part Parameters
Traditional document management systems rely on manual entry and oversight to prevent duplication. Global Edge Engineering Assistant instead uses intelligent algorithms to assess part parameters—measurable attributes such as dimensions, materials, weight, and design features. By comparing these parameters programmatically, the system can:
- Spot duplicates: Identify parts that are physically identical but may have been assigned different part numbers.
- Highlight orphans: Find parts that are not associated with any current assemblies, drawings, or BOMs (Bills of Materials).
- Promote standardization: Suggest consolidation of part numbers and promote the use of approved, standardized components.
Advanced Filtering and Part Comparison
Sophisticated filtering capabilities allow users to sort and analyze parts by selected criteria. Whether searching for identical dimensions, matching material specifications, or particular design features, the software makes it easy to sift through thousands of records and identify those that need attention.
- Centralized Data Warehouse: By maintaining a single, unified database for all part numbers and associated information, the system ensures data integrity and accessibility.
- Smart Part Numbering: Automated numbering conventions leverage the results of part comparisons, ensuring that each part is uniquely and appropriately identified, reducing human error and manual oversight.
Benefits Across the Enterprise
The implementation of a system like Global Edge Engineering Assistant offers measurable advantages:
- Reduced Inventory Levels: By eliminating duplicate and orphan parts, companies can streamline inventory, reduce holding costs, and free up warehouse space.
- Lower Procurement Costs: Consolidated part numbers mean larger, more efficient orders, better supplier terms, and reduced unnecessary purchasing.
- Faster Engineering Cycles: Engineers spend less time searching for parts, reconciling records, or duplicating effort, allowing them to focus on innovation and product development.
- Improved Product Quality: Standardized components and clearer data reduce the risk of errors in manufacturing and assembly.
- Efficient Change Management: The system supports rapid updates to part information, ensuring that changes are propagated throughout the enterprise without confusion or delay.
Simplified Inventory Management
Inventory managers are often the first to feel the impact of poor part number management. With duplicate and orphan parts eliminated, inventory becomes easier to track, replenish, and control. Stock counts are more accurate, cycle counts are less disruptive, and excess inventory is minimized. Smart part numbering further aids in sorting, reporting, and forecasting, allowing for better decisions across supply chain and production functions.
Implementing the Solution: Steps to Success
Adopting a simplified method to eliminate duplicate and orphan part numbers requires a combination of technology investment and process refinement. Key steps include:
- Data Audit: Assess the current state of part data, identifying existing duplicates and orphans.
- System Integration: Connect CAD, ERP, and other business systems to the centralized data warehouse.
- Automated Filtering Setup: Configure the Global Edge Engineering Assistant to analyze part parameters and set up advanced filters.
- Change Management: Train staff on new procedures, emphasizing the importance of using standardized parts and referencing the central database.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Regularly review and refine data processes, leveraging software updates and new features to remain efficient.
Conclusion
As manufacturing enterprises grow and diversify, the complexity of their engineering data can become a hidden drain on resources. Eliminating duplicate part numbers and orphan parts is not just a matter of tidiness—it is a strategic initiative that reduces time, money, and effort across the organization. By leveraging innovative solutions like Global Edge Engineering Assistant, companies can establish a centralized source of truth, automate smart part numbering, and simplify inventory management. The result is a more efficient, cost-effective, and agile manufacturing operation, better equipped to meet the challenges of the modern marketplace.
Automated Part Numbering
To see a demonstration as to how Global Edge Engineering Assistant can increase your engineering capacity, click on the link below to schedule a software demonstration.