Developing a Standard Coding System for Spare Parts Management to Enhance Operational Efficiency and Reliability

In the present paper, we introduce a new classification system for spare parts within a medium to large-sized company operating in the packaging sector. This system was designed with two main objectives: to establish a well-structured product hierarchy with clearly defined technical attributes and to implement a "speaking code" system that simplifies identification. To develop this framework, we first analyzed historical Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) data, an integrated system designed for managing business processes. We then refined the classification iteratively, ensuring that interchangeability was preserved through critical parameters. The process also incorporated multiple validation steps, gathering feedback from technical experts and international stakeholders to enhance accuracy. A key innovation of this approach is the introduction of the "speaking code," an alphanumeric string that systematically encodes both hierarchical and technical data. This eliminates reliance on free-text descriptions and ensures a structured, standardized method for classification. The code follows a three-tier structure - Category, Family, and Group - where each group is assigned essential technical characteristics, allowing for more precise classification. The first application of this system focused on the "Belt" family, demonstrating clear improvements in the organization of spare part data. The revised hierarchy introduced more detailed differentiation within groups, addressing inconsistencies found in the previous system. Looking ahead, future enhancements may include the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning for automated classification, as well as efforts to standardize the system internationally to align with global operational needs. While this new classification system represents a significant improvement, its long-term success will depend on continuous optimization based on real-world feedback and evolving business requirements.

Keywords: Spare parts management, Standard coding system, Operational efficiency, Packaging industry, Maintenance, Reliability.