Like many technical fields, manufacturing relies heavily on abbreviations and acronyms. These shorten lengthy terms and processes for the sake of efficiency, allowing for faster communication among those in the know.
But if you don’t know what those manufacturing abbreviations mean, it can lead to misunderstandings, errors, delays, and increased costs. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to common manufacturing abbreviations.
We’ll cover abbreviations related to product development, manufacturing processes, quality control, and supply chain management. So, whether you’re a seasoned engineer or new to the field, this guide will help you navigate the world of manufacturing acronyms with confidence.
Product development abbreviations
The product development phase is rife with acronyms and abbreviations. Here are some of the most common you might encounter:
Design and engineering
- CAD – Computer-Aided Design. CAD software is used to create, modify, analyze, and optimize a design. It helps engineers visualize the product and simulate how it will perform.
- CAE – Computer-Aided Engineering. CAE software simulates the performance of a design to improve the design or help solve engineering problems.
- CAM – Computer-Aided Manufacturing. CAM uses software and computer-controlled machinery to automate manufacturing.
- GD&T – Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing. GD&T is a system for defining and communicating engineering tolerances. It’s used to make sure parts meet design specs and can be swapped out, if necessary.
Feasibility and approval
- DFT – Design Feasibility for Tooling. DFT assesses whether a design can be made with existing tooling. It flags possible manufacturing problems early in the design process.
- OKTT – OK to Tool. OKTT is the go-ahead to start building tooling for a new product or component. It means the design is final and ready for manufacturing.
- DVP&R – Design Verification Plan and Report. DVP&R documents the testing and analysis that verifies a design meets the requirements. It’s evidence that the design is solid.
Manufacturing Process Abbreviations
When you’re working in the manufacturing field, you’re going to run into a lot of abbreviations. Here are some of the most common ones used in the planning and execution of manufacturing processes.
Planning and Documentation
- BOM – Bill of Materials. A BOM is a detailed list of all the raw materials, parts, and assemblies needed to manufacture a product. It’s essential for planning production and keeping track of inventory.
- EBOM – Electronic Bill of Material. An EBOM is simply a digital version of the BOM, often managed with ERP or enterprise resource planning software. This allows for real-time updates and collaboration.
- SOP – Start of Production. SOP refers to the point when mass production of a product begins, marking the move from development to full-scale manufacturing.
- ECR – Engineering Change Request. An ECR is a formal request to change a product design or manufacturing process. It’s part of the process of managing changes and ensuring everything is properly documented.
Production Methodologies
- JIT – Just-in-Time. JIT is a manufacturing philosophy that aims to minimize inventory and waste by ensuring that materials arrive only when they’re needed for production.
- Lean Manufacturing. Lean manufacturing is a systematic way to eliminate waste and maximize efficiency in manufacturing. It focuses on continuous improvement and value stream mapping.
Quality Control and Assurance Abbreviations
Manufacturing relies on quality control and assurance to ensure products meet specifications and customer expectations. Here are some common abbreviations you might encounter in this area:
Failure Analysis
Failure analysis helps identify potential problems before they happen.
- FMEA – Failure Mode and Effects Analysis: A systematic way to find potential failure points in a design or process, prioritize the risks, and put preventive measures in place.
- DFMEA – Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis: An FMEA that’s specifically applied to product design, with the goal of spotting potential design flaws.
- PFMEA – Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis: An FMEA that’s specifically applied to a manufacturing process, with the goal of spotting potential process flaws.
Measurement and Inspection
Measurement and inspection ensure parts are within spec.
- CMM – Coordinate Measuring Machine: A high-precision device used to measure the physical dimensions of a part, ensuring it meets the design specifications.
- GR&R – Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility: A statistical study to assess the variability of a measurement system and determine if it’s reliable and accurate. You want to be sure your measuring tools are giving you consistent results.
- AAR – Appearance Approval Report: A report documenting the visual inspection and approval of a part or product, ensuring it meets aesthetic requirements.
Quality Methodologies
Quality methodologies are used to build quality into every step of the manufacturing process.
- APQP – Advanced Product Quality Planning: A structured process for planning and implementing quality control measures throughout the product lifecycle. It’s all about building quality in from the start.
- CQI – Continuous Quality Improvement: An ongoing effort to improve products, processes, or services through incremental improvements and data-driven decision-making.
- TQM – Total Quality Management: A management approach focused on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction, involving all employees in the pursuit of quality.
- DoE – Design of Experiments: A statistical method for planning and conducting experiments to optimize a process or product design, identifying the factors that have the greatest impact on performance.
- DFSS – Design for Six Sigma: A structured approach to design that aims to minimize defects and variability, using statistical tools to ensure robust product performance.
Supply chain and automotive industry abbreviations
Manufacturing has its own language, and the supply chain and automotive industries are no different. Here are a few common abbreviations you’ll encounter:
Supply chain
- OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturer. An OEM manufactures products that are sold under another company’s brand. OEMs are key players in the modern supply chain.
Automotive industry
- AIAG – Automotive Industry Action Group. This organization develops standards and best practices for the automotive industry, which contributes to quality and efficiency in automotive manufacturing.
- A2LA – American Association for Laboratory Accreditation. A2LA accredits testing and calibration laboratories to ensure the competence and reliability of testing services.
- PPAP – Production Part Approval Process. The PPAP is a standardized process used in the automotive industry to make sure suppliers can consistently produce parts that meet customer requirements. It verifies supplier capabilities and product quality.
- PSW – Part Submission Warrant. The PSW is a document a supplier submits to a customer as part of the PPAP process. It provides proof that the part meets all requirements.
- BSR – Buzz, Squeak, Rattle. BSR refers to unwanted noises in vehicles. Manufacturers address these noises through design and manufacturing improvements.
- PDR – Product Demonstration Run. The PDR is a testing process to show that a product meets specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the abbreviation for “manufacturing letters”?
While there isn’t a universally recognized, single abbreviation specifically for “manufacturing letters,” context matters. Depending on what you’re referring to, you might use “Mfg. Letters” (with the period implying abbreviation), or you might rephrase to use a more common manufacturing abbreviation like “Mfg. Docs” if you’re talking about manufacturing-related documentation. Clarity is key!
What is the short code for “manufacturing”?
Again, there’s no single “short code” like you’d find for a zip code or a specific product. However, “Mfg.” is the most common and widely understood abbreviation for “manufacturing.” In some contexts, depending on the industry or software system, you might encounter other codes, but “Mfg.” is your best bet for general use.
What is the abbreviation for “manufacturing instructions”?
Common abbreviations for “manufacturing instructions” include “Mfg. Instr.” or “MI.” You might also see “Work Instructions” abbreviated as “WI,” particularly if the instructions are specific to a particular task or process. Again, consider your audience and the specific context to ensure the abbreviation is easily understood.
The Bottom Line
This guide covered some of the most common manufacturing abbreviations used across different areas of the industry. Understanding these abbreviations is key to clear communication and teamwork.
Manufacturing is always changing, and new terms and abbreviations come into use all the time. It’s important to keep up with these changes so you can speak the language of manufacturing fluently.
To be an expert, make sure to stay curious and keep learning about manufacturing terminology.