PRC Options For Part Numbering In Cetec ERP
When setting up your part numbers in Cetec ERP, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how to design PRC codes. PRCs are three-character prefixes (letters or numbers only) that define what type of part you’re dealing with. They keep your part master organized, searchable, and scalable.
Option 1: Smart Alpha Codes
A popular approach is to use three-letter alpha codes that describe the part type:
- TLA - Top Level Assembly
- FIG - Finished Good
- SUB - Subassembly
- PCB - Bare Board
- RES - Resistor
- CAP - Capacitor
- WIR - Wire
- CBL - Cable Assembly
With this method, you can choose to be broad or detailed:
- Broad: Use a catch-all PRC like PRT for any component.
- Detailed: Break out components with specific PRCs like RES (resistor), CAP (capacitor), or DIO (diode).
Option 2: Smart Numeric Codes
Other companies prefer numbers instead of letters. For example:
- 109 – Wire
- 220 – Capacitor
- 500 – Assembly
This system works especially well if you’re transitioning from a legacy part numbering structure that already uses numeric identifiers.
Option 3: Hybrid Codes
Many manufacturers take a hybrid approach, alpha PRCs for readability, numeric PRCs for legacy groups, or a mix of broad vs. detailed depending on the category. Examples:
- PRT-10452 - Component (generic)
- RES-20318 - Resistor (specific)
- CBL-50001 - Cable Assembly
Option 4: Non-Inventory PRCs
Cetec ERP also supports non-inventory PRCs to track services, labor, and other non-stock items. These are just as important for part numbering strategy:
- SRV - Services
- NRE - Non-Recurring Engineering
- STN - Stencil Charge
- ZZZ - Miscellaneous / Non-Inventory
Non-inventory PRCs make it easy to identify line items in job costing, quoting, and project tracking without creating unnecessary confusion in your inventory master.
Tips When Choosing PRCs
- Consistency is everything. Once you define PRCs, stick to them.
- Scalability matters. Don’t create more PRCs than your team can manage.
- Broad vs. detailed is a choice. A simple PRC like PRT works fine, but a more detailed scheme reduces confusion in high-volume environments.
- Plan for non-inventory items. Having dedicated PRCs for services and charges keeps costing and reporting clean.
- Leverage Cetec ERP tools. With features like Part Spec Groups, you can group multiple manufacturer part numbers under a single PRC-driven part, whether broad or detailed.
Bottom line: PRCs in Cetec ERP are always three characters. Whether you keep it vague with PRT , get detailed with RES/CAP/DIO, mix in numeric codes, or include non-inventory PRCs like SRV or NRE, the key is consistency and scalability for your business.