How Common Procurement Codes Simplify Aviation Parts Sourcing

Within the aviation industry, it is essential that one has the ability to conduct aviation parts sourcing with accuracy and efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, reliable performance, and much more. To do this, procurement officers, manufacturers, government entities, and other industry professionals rely on standardized forms of procurement codes to identify, track, and acquire parts with the utmost precision. If you are not familiar with the most common types of identifiers that one should be familiar with, read on as we discuss National Stock Numbers (NSNs), Federal Supply Codes (FSC), and Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Codes.

National Stock Numbers (NSNs)

What Are National Stock Numbers?

National Stock Numbers, or NSNs, are 13-digit codes that are uniquely assigned to standardized material items of supply for consistent cataloging, tracking, and management, regardless of the manufacturer or supplier. NSNs are not assigned during the aircraft parts manufacturing process, instead being obtainable by approved government and defense agencies that have identified a need.

How Do NSNs Benefit Aviation Parts Sourcing?

• Simplified Identification: Whether one needs aircraft spare parts or other product solutions, NSN standardization provides a universal means of identifying requirements beyond part numbers.
• Global Recognition: The NSN system is recognized by all NATO countries, including the United States, streamlining international procurement efforts.
• Inventory Efficiency: Utilizing NSN listing data, procurement officers and industry professionals can expertly track stock levels, reducing the risk of part shortages or excess items.

Federal Supply Codes (FSCs)

Understanding Federal Supply Codes

As a part of the Federal Supply Classification system, FSCs are the first four digits of an item’s NSN. Generally speaking, classes serve to organize items that share similar attributes or applications.

The Benefits of Federal Supply Codes for Aviation Procurement

• Enhanced Searchability: With FSC data, one can easily identify and confirm specific aircraft spare parts or products of interest, even having the ability to locate similar items.
• Promoting Standardization: These procurement codes ensure that aviation parts sourcing practices remain more uniform across various agencies and organizations.

Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Codes

What Are CAGE Codes?

CAGE Codes are five-character, alphanumeric identifiers assigned to suppliers, manufacturers, and vendors that engage in federal contracts and fulfillment. These codes serve a dual purpose in aviation parts sourcing, providing ease of identification and a confirmation of an entity’s legitimacy or standing.

How Do CAGE Codes Support Aviation Parts Sourcing?

• Ease of Identification: Every CAGE Code is tied to an entity at a specific facility, ensuring suppliers can be efficiently vetted during the procurement process.
• Secure Verification: CAGE Codes are managed by the United States DLA, with a database of active codes for cross-referencing and checking.
• Increased Traceability: CAGE Codes promote more accountability during aircraft parts manufacturing and sourcing.

The Role of Procurement Codes in Aviation Parts Sourcing

As shown in this blog, procurement codes of all types hold major benefits during the aviation parts sourcing process, serving to improve procurement accuracy, reduce errors in purchasing, enhance supply chain efficiency, and support compliance and standardization. Whether the goal is to guarantee compliance with industry expectations or simply wishing to ensure smoother transactions for time and cost savings, leveraging procurement codes is often essential.

Simplify Aviation Parts Sourcing with Buy National Stock Numbers

For businesses, procurement officers, and other industry professionals looking for a reliable platform to source aircraft spare parts and products of need with ease, Buy National Stock Numbers is the ideal solution. With expansive catalogs organized by NSN, FSC, and CAGE Code listing data, customers can efficiently locate aviation parts that meet their exact specifications. Explore Buy National Stock Numbers today to streamline your aviation parts sourcing and procurement needs, knowing that our team is just a call or email away from providing unmatched service.