Question on use of Item Numbers

We use Item Numbers across several systems and documents. It starts
with our assemblies drawings. We place a parts list (CAD modeled parts)
on the drawing that contains an Item Number (right now sequential
1..through the number of parts on the drawing). Each part in the
drawing is identified by its associated Item Number. This parts list is
created from the normal SolidWorks BOM tools and follow the assembly order.



Assembly documentation typically in the form of a word document with
pictures is the manufacturing contribution. This document uses the same
Item Number generated above but relies on the alignment to the internal
Part Numbers this parts list creates. We also denote this Item Number
in our ERP and any Work Orders it generates. We also use DBWorks in
house and it also generates an Item Number associated to any BOM's it
creates.



Of course our BOM"s get increasingly more detailed (additional items,
like non-modeled items - glue, tape, etc are added to DBWorks, then
material cards, processes and such are added at the ERP step)



The question to you all is...

1. Do you use item Numbers within your companies?

2. How do you keep them synchronized across the systems or processes
like above?

3. Do you deploy any other methods to help address this issue?



--Matt Feider

 

I used to try to sync item numbers... now I have abandoned that idea.
I create a Bill of material that lists item number and part number. My
part numbers are unique and never duplicate. My item numbers are only a
cross reference from the ballon on that sheet back the the item number
or "line item" on the bill of material shown on that sheet. Notice that
on any other sheet the item number can be different. It is the part
number that remains unique! I enter the unique part number into our MRP
system. Hope this idea helps....

 

Item numbers are for the assembly drawing and engineering bom. To me,
it doesn't make reference to them in manufacturing documentation unless
they depend on the same drawings/documents as engineering.

 

Hi;

New reader here and funny enough I have been asked to clarify the difference
between Item Numbers and Part Numbers just a few days ago. I did explain the
logic behind the way the system works, but the client of mine was still in
confusion. I hope that with your post it will be easier to convince him that
I am not alone in my vision of how to deal with Parts List.

Thank you,

Igor.

 

Matt,

We've been trying to do that for years. The only way to control the
Item Number is to create your own File Property, I'll call it
MyItemNumber, and then assign whatever Item Number you want to that.
Forget about being able to control the default ITEM NUMBER, it's not
worth your time. When you balloon you'll have to set the balloons to
display the Custom Property 'MyItemNumber' rather then ITEM NUMBER. I
then go into the BoM, hide the ITEM NUMBER column and add a column for
MyItemNumber.

As for glue, tape, etc... I have no good solution for that. Supposedly
SW2007 will be able to handle that...we'll see.

Ken

 

In follow-up to my previous question would you guys be willing to take
a survey. I am really interested to find out who out there is using
Items Numbers on Drawings vs the Actual Part Number in a Note. Please
take a look at the following survey. I will post results in a weeks
time.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=967692191978

I am sorry if sent twice.

--Matt