Are location codes, such as building or room numbers, included in your equipment identification numbers?
Certainly! We have utilized the Location field in the equipment master to denote different plant operating units. This allows users to easily search for work orders within a specific unit by entering values in the Location field during their selection process. Additionally, do you also input other information such as date installed, initial price, and more?
Back when we were dealing with our older equipment and plant, we had a well-thought-out numbering system in place. While we didn't have the convenience of a CMMS at that time, we made do with tables in Paradox and some creative thinking. Looking back, I now realize that our system was indeed very logical - much like the Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) for FORD vehicles. When we constructed an oil refinery, we applied this numbering system to the PFD's and P&ID's, complete with area codes for easy identification. Thanks to advancements in CMMS technology, creating equipment and system hierarchies for various purposes has become a breeze. Ensuring that the installation date is included is crucial, as CMMS systems rely on this information. Additionally, valuable insights such as pricing and cost centers can be effortlessly accessed through the purchasing history and CMMS records.
A strategic approach to equipment numbering incorporating location codes can be beneficial for static equipment setups. However, it may not be ideal for mobile equipment. I have provided a detailed equipment coding and numbering system that I developed previously, which you may find useful. Download the document titled "Data Formatting and Naming Convention" for more information.
Josh inquired if other data such as date installed and initial price are also populated. Yes, we utilize the location code and various other fields found in the SAP R/3 equipment master record. The location code is part of the equipment ID number, as explained by Svanels and Brian. For instance, the third Air Handling Unit installed in building 150 would have the equipment ID 150AHU003. Brian brought up the next question regarding how to manage portable or fixed equipment that may be relocated. In one plant, a logical numbering system was used where the location code "900" denoted "portable." For relocation cases, the original equipment number was deactivated and a new one was assigned with the new location code. A note was added in the CMMS and physical equipment history record to reference the old record number for previous equipment history. Are there any alternative solutions available?
Eugene, you highlighted a common issue faced in CMMS systems regarding the inclusion of physical locations in identification codes. While it may seem beneficial initially, it can lead to confusion and inefficiency in the long run. Avoiding the inclusion of physical locations in ID codes can prevent future users from struggling to understand how equipment was categorized in the past. It's important to steer clear of reincarnating existing equipment and being bound by outdated practices.
In our system, we don't include location codes in our equipment identification numbers. We found that it can become quite problematic, especially when equipment gets moved around frequently. Instead, we use a separate inventory management system to track locations. This way, the ID remains constant and we simply update the location in our records. It's a bit more time-consuming, but it definitely reduces confusion down the line. We felt it necessary to prioritize clarity over convenience.
That's a great question! Including location codes like building or room numbers in equipment identification can really streamline tracking and maintenance. It not only helps in quickly locating items but also enhances inventory accuracy, especially in larger organizations. Just be mindful that it might make the IDs a bit longer and possibly harder to manage if locations change frequently. Balancing specificity with simplicity seems key!
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Answer: 1. Why is it important to include location codes in equipment identification numbers? - Including location codes in equipment identification numbers helps in tracking and managing equipment more efficiently. It provides information about where the equipment is located, making it easier to locate and maintain.
Answer: - Location codes can be incorporated as a prefix or suffix to the equipment identification number. For example, using building codes, room numbers, or specific location identifiers to create a unique identifier for each piece of equipment.
Answer: - It is recommended to establish a standardized format for incorporating location codes to ensure consistency across all equipment. Additionally, regularly updating and validating location codes can help maintain accurate records and prevent errors in equipment tracking.
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