Overview
ISO 7573:2008 - Technical product documentation - Parts lists - defines minimum requirements for creating clear, consistent parts lists used for production, procurement and maintenance. The standard applies to both manual and computer-generated parts lists, and provides guidance on layout, required data fields and the relationship between parts lists and assembly drawings. ISO 7573:2008 is the second edition (2008) and replaces the 1983 edition.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and purpose: Minimum information needed to identify constituents of an assembly (e.g., part reference, quantity, part number, technical data).
- Placement and layout: Parts lists may be on the drawing or issued as separate documents. When separate, sheet sizes should follow ISO 5457 and the parts list outline should be drawn with continuous lines (per ISO 128-20). Reading direction must match the title block.
- Mandatory and optional data fields: Typical columns include:
- part reference
- quantity (pieces, length, volume - units shown in the unit column)
- unit
- reference designation
- part number
- part name
- technical data / designation
- remarks
Columns and order are optional, but at least one identifying element (part number or technical data or reference designation) is required.
- Identification rules: Identical parts on a drawing should share the same part reference; each occurrence in a system may use unique reference designations (see IEC 61346-1). A part can be identified by part number, technical designation, or both.
- Quantity notation options: If exact amounts are unknown, ISO 7573:2008 allows entries such as “AR” (as required) or numerical value with “EST” (estimated).
- Flexibility: Additional company-specific columns may be added, and Annex A provides layout examples for combined or separate parts list/assembly drawing arrangements.
Applications
ISO 7573:2008 is used to standardize parts lists across engineering, manufacturing and documentation workflows to:
- Improve parts procurement and inventory control
- Facilitate maintenance manuals and service support
- Support assembly drawings and production planning
- Enable clearer data exchange between CAD/PDM systems and supply chain partners
Who uses this standard
- Technical drafters and CAD engineers
- Design and manufacturing engineers
- Documentation specialists and technical writers
- Procurement, logistics and maintenance personnel
- Quality and configuration managers
Related standards
- ISO 128-20 (lines presentation)
- ISO 5457 (drawing sheet sizes/layout)
- ISO 6433 (item/part references)
- ISO 7200 (title block data fields)
- IEC 61346-1 (reference designations)
Keywords: ISO 7573:2008, parts lists, technical product documentation, part reference, part number, reference designation, parts list requirements, assembly drawing.