【Mechanical Design】🧩 09. Practical BOM Operation Rules Using a 6-Digit Code + Suffix

topics: [“BOM”, “Part Numbering”, “Mechanical Design”, “Manufacturing”, “PLM”]

🎯 1. Purpose of This Article

This article organizes the part numbering system and operational rules that are essential for stable BOM operation.

In particular, it clarifies, from a practical viewpoint:

• Why part number design is critical
• How to properly distinguish between a 6-digit code and a suffix

The content is based on the BOM generation and operation rules described in the following educational material:

• 📘 Reference material:
  https://samizo-aitl.github.io/EduMecha/08_production_process/06_bom_generation/

🧱 2. A Part Number Is Not Just an Identifier

A part number is not merely a management ID.

It is a design rule that fixes:

• Design decisions
• Boundaries of change
• Units of management responsibility

If this is ambiguous, a BOM cannot be operated reliably over the long term.

🔢 3. Basic Structure of the 6-Digit Code + Suffix

The basic structure of the part number discussed in this article is as follows:

• 6-digit code: represents parts that are functionally identical
• Suffix: represents minor changes or differences in manufacturing conditions

This separation makes it possible to clearly distinguish between:

• Functional changes
• Conditional or manufacturing changes

⚖️ 4. Criteria for Functional vs. Minor Changes

The basic operational rule in practice is simple.

✅ When to Issue a New 6-Digit Code

• Function or performance changes
• Intended use or role changes

🔁 When to Manage with a Suffix

• Minor dimensional adjustments
• Surface treatment changes
• Manufacturing conditions or production site differences

Not crossing this boundary is the most important point for keeping the BOM stable.

🧪 5. Special Handling of Material Codes (Leading Digit = 6)

Materials are directly related to:

• 🌱 Environmental regulations
• 🔥 Hazardous material control
• 🌍 Export control

Therefore, material codes are managed under the assumption that they are always accompanied by attribute information such as SDS, regulatory data, and export-related information.

🧠 6. Effects of Proper Part Number Design

When the part numbering system is well organized, the following benefits are obtained:

• 🔍 The impact range of design changes becomes clear
• 🔄 Decisions on BOM revisions can be made more quickly
• 📋 Coordination with procurement, quality, and export control becomes easier

This is not a tool issue, but a rule design issue.

✅ 7. Summary

This article organized:

• 🧩 The concept of part numbering systems
• 🔢 How to distinguish between 6-digit codes and suffixes
• 🧪 The special nature of material codes

The success or failure of BOM operation is largely determined by part number design.

In the next article, we will move on to
how to add and evaluate attribute information in the BOM,
specifically focusing on 📈 Roll-up management.