Why Do Machinery Companies Keep Creating the Same Parts Under Different Part Numbers?
Machinery companies often manage thousands of parts, components, assemblies, drawings, and product documents. As product lines grow, engineering teams may unknowingly create the same or similar parts under different part numbers. This creates duplicate data, increases costs, and makes product development harder to manage. With the right 3DPLM Software Solutions, manufacturers can improve part management and reduce unnecessary duplication.
Why Do Duplicate Parts Get Created?
Duplicate parts can appear when engineers cannot easily find existing components. Product data may be stored across spreadsheets, CAD systems, emails, and different databases.
For example, an engineer may need a specific bolt or bracket but cannot quickly identify whether the company already has a similar part. Instead of searching through multiple systems, a new part number may be created.
Over time, this can result in:
- Multiple part numbers for similar components
- Higher inventory and procurement costs
- Larger and more complex BOMs
- More engineering and manufacturing work
- Difficulty identifying the correct part
- Increased product development time
How Can PLM Help Prevent Duplicate Parts?
A centralized PLM system can give engineering teams better visibility into existing product data and part information.
With support from 3DPLM Global Services, machinery companies can establish better processes for managing parts and product data.
A PLM approach can help companies:
- Find existing parts faster: Search centralized product information before creating a new part.
- Improve part classification: Organize components based on properties and categories.
- Control part numbers: Establish consistent rules for creating and managing part numbers.
- Manage revisions: Keep accurate versions of parts and related documents.
- Reduce duplicate components: Identify similar or duplicate parts before they enter production.
- Improve collaboration: Give engineering, procurement, and manufacturing teams access to reliable product information.
Reduce Part Duplication With Better Product Data Management
Creating the same part under different part numbers can increase costs and create unnecessary complexity. Manufacturers need a clear way to organize, search, and control product information.
With 3DPLM Software Solutions and experienced 3DPLM Global Services, machinery companies can improve part reuse, reduce duplication, and make product development more efficient.
Want to reduce duplicate parts and improve product data management? Contact OrnNova to explore the right PLM solution for your business.