In order to be successful in modern markets, and in particular the electronic and pharmaceutical markets where product revision changes are frequent, it is vital that MBM have the facility to control part numbers and associated specifications to a highly detailed level.
Part number control was recognised by MBM (as far back as the 90’s!) to be the foundation for a robust and efficient supply chain. By adopting a customer’s part number within MBM’s internal systems, B2B links are more simply achieved by mapping the MBM part numbers automatically to that of the client. Thus, customer orders can immediately be linked to their stock and work in progress positions, assisting in supply chain automation.
MBM systems have hundreds of data fields available for population, allowing additional and specific information to be allocated against each part – examples being end of life (EOL) date, EOL status, batch quantities, colour specifications, ROP, and standard costing.
In the unlikely event that further data is required against the part and the field does not exist in the system, the MBM IS development team will merely add that data field to the master database.
Complementing parts functionality, dependent on customer requirements, is the Bill of Materials (BOM) module.
A BOM is simply a list of component parts combining to create a subsequent assembled part.
The BOM can work to multiple levels with effectivity dates of the component specific to each individual assembly – thus the same part could be in multiple BOMs but have different effectivity dates as required by the parent part. BOM effectivity dates in conjunction with individual parts EOL and run out dates support comprehensive MRP reporting ensuring that the correct stock is positioned at the correct time to meet the client’s requirements, while concurrently ensuring minimal risk of obsolete stock in the supply chain.