Coding and Classification

Part family formation process might be implemented in two stages:

• Coding and classification, and
• Part family formation.

Coding is the procedure of establishing symbols to be utilized for meaningful communication. Classification is the procedures in which the components are grouped depend on the basis of absence or existence of characteristic attributes. Coding might be utilized for classification purpose and classification requirements should be considered throughout the construction of a coding scheme. Thus, coding & classification are interrelated.

Before a coding scheme is constructed, a survey of all of the component features should be carried out and code values be assigned to each feature. The selection of relevant features based upon the application of coding scheme. There are three kinds of code structures :

• Hierarchical or mono-code
• Chain-type or poly code
• Hybrid code