Part Number Proliferation
The accumulation of more part numbers than necessary because engineers create new part numbers for items that are functionally identical to existing parts rather than reusing the existing part number.
Why it matters
Proliferation inflates BOM complexity, increases inventory SKU count, reduces supplier purchasing leverage, and obscures design reuse opportunities — all of which add unnecessary cost to every product program.
External References
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Cite this definition
Finocchiaro, Michael. “Part Number Proliferation.” DemystifyingPLM PLM Glossary, 2026, https://www.demystifyingplm.com/glossary/part-number-proliferation