Part Numbers - What guidlines/format

[000000285836]

I work for a small company that currently uses part numbers based on the traits of the part. They are talking about moving to a format that is less descriptive and more generalized.

I am interested in hearing how other companies determine their part number systems?

[000000350961]

It depends on what kind of industry you are in.
Sometimes we use xx.xxxxx.xxx, xx indicates the category, xxxxx indicates the serial number, and xxx indicates the auxiliary number showing the versions, etc.

[mlejeune]

What inventory managment program do you use?