Internal/Company Part Numbers

Components are typically identified by their Manufacturer Part Number (MPN). However, many companies also use internal part numbers for components in their designs. This allows them to manage parts using their own naming conventions.

Linked Parts and Local Parts

PartsBox, an electronic parts inventory management system, supports two primary types of parts: linked parts and local parts.

Linked Parts

Linked Parts are components with an online identity, usually their MPN. By default, PartsBox uses the MPN as the name for linked parts. In commercial plans, users can rename linked parts or assign an internal part number when creating them. PartsBox then stores both the MPN and the internal part number. Both are displayed in tables and are searchable.

Local Parts

Local parts, on the other hand, are components that are not linked to an online identity. These parts are referred to solely by their local name within the PartsBox system. Local parts can include generic or no-name components, custom parts, mechanical parts, or any other items that do not have an associated MPN.

Part Naming in Free Plans

The internal part number feature is not available in free PartsBox plans. In these plans, the names of linked parts must be their MPNs.

Purposes of Internal Part Numbers

Using internal or company-specific part numbers serves several purposes:

1. Standardization: Internal part numbers allow companies to use a naming convention that is consistent with their internal processes.
2. Simplification: Familiar internal part numbers can make it easier to identify and manage components within an organization.
3. Legacy System Compatibility: Internal part numbers can maintain consistency with a company's existing systems and documentation when PartsBox is adopted.

PartsBox supports using internal part numbers by allowing linked parts to be renamed and by accommodating local parts. This allows companies to manage their electronic component inventory using their own naming conventions.