partslist

A parts list is an itemized catalog of components required to assemble, repair, or maintain a product, system, or process. It typically identifies each part by a unique number, a short name or description, the quantity needed, and the unit of measure. Additional details may include unit cost, supplier, lead time, material specifications, and reference designators used in schematics or drawings.

In manufacturing and engineering practice, a parts list is often part of a broader bill of materials (BOM). A BOM describes the complete structure of a product, including subassemblies and their relationships, whereas a simple parts list may focus on listing individual components without explicit hierarchical context. Both documents support procurement, inventory management, and maintenance planning, but the BOM usually provides deeper traceability for manufacturing routes and changes over time.

Common data fields found in a parts list include part number, name, description, quantity, unit, reference designator, supplier or vendor, cost, lead time, material or compatibility notes, and revision or lifecycle status. Parts lists are maintained in various formats, such as spreadsheets, CAD or PLM systems, ERP modules, or lightweight CSV/XML/JSON files for interchange between tools.

Uses and benefits include guiding purchasing decisions, supporting inventory control, facilitating assembly or repair instructions, and enabling regulatory compliance through traceability. Good practices emphasize accuracy, version control, periodic review, clear naming conventions, and alignment with associated documents like schematics, drawings, and the BOM.