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.