How to determine a serial number

[PatCouture]

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

 

[Metalguy]

If you don't need to identify anything unique to these machines, just start with S/N 1000.

 

[MadMango]

First, you have to determine what is the reason for wanting a serial number? Is it to identify the unit you build, or to track the units you build?

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
"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home."
Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977
Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[nornrich]

PatCouture,

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

 

[MintJulep]

Or her's a novel idea. The first machine is number 1, the second is number 2 and so on.

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.

 

[unclesyd]

MintJulip,
Have you never worked with Model 1, Number 1, and the Only 1 and try to get parts and service?

 

[IRstuff]

Have had the same problem with unit number 210001

TTFN

 

[PorFlam]

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

 

[fredt]

Presumably you have unique job numbers. I would give it a number sequence as follows: Job No./1; Job No./2 etc. That way you can easily identify it down the track, especially if they are separated, from other single units. This is along the same lines as to use the top assembly drawing number.

 

[MintJulep]

Unclesyd,

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.