A Practical Part Numbering System

The topic of part numbering is divided into sections, design features and conversion strategies. Design features include discrete, complete, universal, clerically efficient and accurate, and serially assigned features, as well as check digits and tabulated drawings. The discussion of conversion strategies includes an exploration of the factors which make this an emotional topic and offers some techniques to cope with these factors. Three conversion strategies are examined: crash program, gradual phase-in, and attrition.