Re: EPDM...

"Some will say that you need to have the rev ID on BOM changes but I
disagree. Properly managed effectivity dates give us all the control
and historical view we need, if it truly is a revision, i.e. fully
interchangeable."

Charlie, we are the same way. Actually, we don't use revisions here - our
rule is the old MRP II one. If there is a change in form, fit, or
function, we create a new part number, not a new revision. It works MUCH
better for us in Customer Service, and makes it easier for us when
customers order old parts from old catalogs. In 1989, it might have been
an "A", in 1991, a "B", in 1995 a "C", then "D", "E", "F", etc. We
maintain a separate Obsolete Part number file (yes, in Browser) that tracks
all the changes. Works VERY well for us.

I should mention we've used this approach since the MAPICS II days......
that's where is all came from.

And we DO use routings! EPDM is great for us due to the alternate
routings - we can run our trailers down either assembly line that way. But
we only have one BOM.

Dale Gindlesperger
IT Manager/Special Projects Leader
Fleetwood Folding Trailers, Inc.
258 Beacon Street
Somerset, PA 15501