How to determine a serial number
How to determine a serial number
(OP)
Hi
My company as always made customized machines, so there's only one exemplary of each machine we do. But we got a projet where we have to built many exemplary of the same model. I would like to write a serial number on the machines but since I'd never determined how to give a serial number to a machine I don't know what to write.
If someone can tell me what they put in a serial number it would help me a lot, because I don't want to put a number without knowing why I choose this number.
Thanks in advance
Patrick
My company as always made customized machines, so there's only one exemplary of each machine we do. But we got a projet where we have to built many exemplary of the same model. I would like to write a serial number on the machines but since I'd never determined how to give a serial number to a machine I don't know what to write.
If someone can tell me what they put in a serial number it would help me a lot, because I don't want to put a number without knowing why I choose this number.
Thanks in advance
Patrick





RE: How to determine a serial number
RE: How to determine a serial number
Usually, serial numbers are used for tracking purposes, while model numbers are used to identify units.
If it's just for tracking purposes, I don't see anything wrong with Metalguy's suggestion, and starting with 1000 or 10000... it depends on the quanities you are dealing with.
Ray Reynolds
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RE: How to determine a serial number
In my previous position I designed custom machinary. The typical jobs consisted of a custom piece of machinery. On the rare occasion that we did multiples of the same machine we would use the overall assembly drawing number with a -01 to -XX. This allowed us to track and note any changes on the overall assembly drawings and translate that back to the units that were in operation in the field. Also if the machine was a production prototype we included a P at the end of the serial number. I think it is appropriate to use any numbering scheme you want, as long as it supports the documentation and drawings that you have on record.
Rich.....
Richard Nornhold, PE
nornrich@redrose.net
RE: How to determine a serial number
I never understood the logic behind attempting to disguise the fact that the first machine is actually number 1.
Other common methods of serialzation involve working the date of manufacture into the number.
For example:
S/N 040203 could be the third machine built in the second week of the year 2004.
The number is unimportant, and can be arbitrary as long as it is unique. What is important is that you establish a system to link the number back to whatever information about the machine is important to you and your customer so that you can easily find it in the future.
RE: How to determine a serial number
Have you never worked with Model 1, Number 1, and the Only 1 and try to get parts and service?
RE: How to determine a serial number
TTFN
RE: How to determine a serial number
If u r planning to number every machine u made, add machine codes to your serial number. Also u have to give a code to your machines first. Later when u see a serial number later, u will also know which machine is it.
PF
RE: How to determine a serial number
RE: How to determine a serial number
Yes I have. The first one built is the first one built. Giving it a serial number of 875936 doesn't change that, only attempts to hide the fact.