PLM Best Practices

I would like to create a bom structure with a mix of part numbers which are in the system, and placeholder rows for sub-assemblies which we have not yet determine whether we will build or outsource. The part number prefix has a different value for make or buy parts. This makes taking out a new number difflcult until we have made that decision., yet we need the bom structure.

Is it best practice to take out a new part number for these placeholder rows?

Assume the placeholder rows will have real part numbers by the time the top level assembly is released. 

 

 

Have you considered using a placeholder part number encoded with the date and time?  Using the date & time would guarantee uniqueness of the placeholder, and you would not have to actually request a real number until you are ready.  It would probably be pretty easy to write a function which would convert the current date/time on the server into a string which could then be used to populate the part number field as a placeholder.

The method recommended by CWD is valid and doesn't require anything more than a calendar and watch, therefore no regulation or procedures.  I prefer to use a WIP registry, that is work in progress registry that consists of a part number mask and description.  It's a little more formal and you can have parallel part numbering until you reach a point at which a real part number is required.

How about creating a prefix which indicates that the part number is a placeholder?