Revision control for manufacturing companies is managed through engineering changes, which are also known as engineering change orders (ECOs). Revisions are used to manage pending and released changes to parts, assemblies, software, drawings, and other documents. While revisions and versions are sometimes used interchangeably, they are different. Versions typically relate to an iteration, but a revision is a controlled version. Engineering change control helps companies track pending changes and coordinate with purchasing, production, and supply chains by accurately identifying what revision can be ordered, built, and shipped. Revision control allows manufacturing companies to track the evolution of a product and also support or service the specific revision that is shipped to customers. It provides a disciplined approach to product engineering that reduces risks, improves quality, and eliminates unnecessary errors throughout the entire product lifecycle.
To ensure proper revision control:
Revision control is the process of documenting and tracking the current status and history of individual parts or assemblies. It is used to ensure consistency and lock down a recipe to build the finished product without errors.
Read our guides to effective change and revision control, master change management with our best practices articles and learn how to implement an effective change management system