8. Management tools

The number of components in a large system is in the tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, and the number of spare parts will therefore be in the thousands or tens of thousands for large systems. The first problem posed by spare parts stock management is that of identifying all the items that may be held in stock, given their sheer number. Among other things, this identification must ensure that absolutely identical items are not stored under different names. It's the essential basis for optimized inventory management. Identification takes two forms: a clear designation, and an item code or reference for management purposes. To ensure classification as defined above, as well as warehousing and management, it is essential that each item is uniquely and unequivocally identified.

The designation is the name of the part in question, and must respect the following...