Commonality is a design and production strategy that maximizes the use of identical components across multiple product lines. High commonality reduces the number of unique items a factory must buy, store, and track. It simplifies assembly training, cuts tooling costs, and minimizes the risk of stockouts for critical parts.
Heard on the job
Engineering needs to increase part commonality on the new pump series so we don't have to stock five different O-rings.
Related terms
Bill of materials
A comprehensive inventory of the raw materials, assemblies, and parts needed to manufacture a product.
Part number
A specific alphanumeric code assigned to a distinct component or assembly.
BoM
A bill of materials listing all the raw materials, sub-assemblies, and components needed to manufacture a final product.