ViewGator91,
Think hard before you implement this.
In SolidWorks, you can maintain item (find) numbers, and you can even cross items when the quantity reaches zero. When I tested this on a much earlier version, it was not reliable. I found it much safer to stick with item numbers that follow order of assembly. I
never refer to item numbers in notes. SolidWorks always matches item numbers to the current parts list.
If they have fixed SolidWorksk now, or you are using a different 3D[ ]CAD package where this feature works, you can still have problems.
The drawing is at revision[ ]D. The assembly view sucks; nobody can make sense of it. In SolidWorks, I open the assembly model. I delete the assembly view. I rotate the asssembly model and re-create the exploded views. I generate a new view. Your modified parts list now is a replaced parts lists. In another scenario, your parts list gets corrupted, and you have to delete it and generate a new one.
In yet another scenario, you create a drawing and maintain the item numbers on the part list. The CAD software is upgraded with a completely new parts list program. You cannot switch over without blowing away your item numbers.
If you change form, fit and/or function, you generate a new
part[ ]number.
JHG