Define NATO Stock Number

Explanation

Use this activity to define a NATO Stock Number (NSN). 

Countries that participate in the NATO Codification System (NCS) follow common standards and techniques to assign NSNs to their defense inventory supply items. The National Codification Bureau (NCB) in each country centrally assigns national NSNs. The assignment of an NSN fixes the identity of each distinctive item of supply. All NSNs are uniform in composition, length, and structure. Each NSN is a 13-digit number, divided into three unique parts as follows:

• digits 1-4 are the NATO Supply Classification (NSC) code, which relates the item to the group and class of similar items
• digits 5 and 6 indicate an assigned NCB code. Each country has its own two-digit NCB code. The United States for example, uses 00 and 01.
• digits 7-13 are assigned sequentially and correlate with a single item of supply within the codifying country.

Prerequisites

• NSC and NCB codes must be defined before NATO Stock Numbers can be defined.

System Effects

As a result of this activity, the NSN can be connected to one or more parts registered in IFS/Part Catalog.

Window

NATO Stock Numbers 

Related Window Descriptions

NATO Stock Numbers   
NATO Stock Number History

Procedure

Use this procedure to define a NATO Stock Number.

1. Open the NATO Stock Numbers window.
2. Create a new record (F5).
3. Enter the classification code in the NATO Supply Classification Code field. Use the List of Values to select a valid code.
4. Enter the NCB code in the National Codification Bureau Code field. Use the List of Values to select a valid code.
5. Enter a seven-digit number in the Item Identification Number (IIN) field. Valid formats of entering IIN number are XXXXXXX or XXX-XXXX. The 4th position may contain a dash; the other positions must be numeric.
6. When selecting the Add Group Separator check box, the application will automatically add dashes between the three groups (NSC-NCB-IIN) of the NATO Stock Number. By default the check box remains unchecked.
7. Enter a description of the NATO stock number in the NATO Stock Number Description field.
8. Save the record (F12). The value entered in the fields NSC; NCB; and IIN appears automatically in the NATO Stock Number field when the record is saved. Three standard formats of the NATO Stock Number are supported:
   XXXXXXXXXXXXX (NSC||NCB||IIN)
   XXXX-XX-XXXXXXX (NSC-NCB-IIN)
   XXXX-XX-XXX-XXXX (NSC-NCB-IIN)
    

Note: You can view all historical NATO stock numbers and connected parts in the NATO Stock Number History window or the NATO Stock Number/History tab.