AboutAaron Overbeek Expertise I am a Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Lean Champion. My expertise ranges from tacticle (local) implementation to strategic (global) implementation of Lean Six Sigma. Also knowledgable in Best Manufacturing Practices, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and EH&S. I am not a consultant and do not mind follow up questions.
Experience Bachelors of Science in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Michigan. Lean Champion and Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Member of the American Society of Safety Engineers, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and ISO audetation.
Director of Operational Excellence and Strategic Sourcing for multi-billion dollar corporation.
Question The various sources of product identification?
Answer I'm not quite sure what exactly you are looking for. Are you asking what inputs go into identifying a unique product (i.e. serial number)? If so, here are a few guidelines to follow.
1) Make the first set of letters/numbers standard. This is for tracibility back to a certain facility. If multiple facilities, use different indicators (i.e. a 2" hose produced in a California plant might look like this CA-xxxx-xxxxxx).
2) Second Product description. Use anything about the product as a standard (i.e. a 2" hose might have a product ID number CA-02xx-xxxxxx).
3) SKU ID. Identify the different SKU if applicable (i.e. a 2" hose with a 1" connector might look like this CA-0201-xxxxxx)
4) If you are FDA regulated you will also have to lot code your material. This is usually done by dating (i.e. a 2" hose w/ a 1" conector built of December 31st, 2009 might look like this CA-0201-091231).
If this isn't helpful, please feel free to follow-up and explain in a little more detail what you are looking for.
