A series of parts may perform the same general function. They share the same architecture and may share many components in common. The family cannot be cited in a BOM as a subcomponent because the family members, though similar, do not provide the same form, fit and function. Example Part Families
Sequence Patterns
In creating a part family, you can specify a sequence pattern to use in naming parts in that family. This establishes the length and number of padding zeros for the next number generated for the part's name. The format should mimic the sequence defined in the governing policy, and must end with three periods. The numbering always starts at 1. For example, if the governing policy sequence pattern is 1,2,3,... then a specified sequence pattern of 0000 yields part numbers with 0001, 0002, 0003, etc. Some examples:
Alpha characters can be used in a sequence pattern, but it is not recommended. The alpha character is replaced with a number when the sequence is incremented past the place value of the character. For example, if the B is in the hundredths place, it would be replaced by 1 when the sequence goes past 100. Other options for naming parts include adding a suffix, prefix or base setting. | |||||||||||||||||||||||