Non-significant

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A non-significant number in an inventory, design or part numbering system, refers to numbers that do not have inherent meaning (sometimes referred to as "intelligence") in the number. This means that the number does not convey information about the part, design or item, but simply operates a unique identifying number for an item or design.

Non-significant part numbers are assigned either sequentially or arbitrarily. For example, a screw may have the part number "1002", which may not tell the user anything about its thread size, length of shank, or drive type.

This is different that a significant part numbering systems.

Non-significant part number systems tend to be easier to assign and manage. However in Starfleet, usually non-significant part number systems are part of hybrid systems where "intelligence" and structure are present within the code. This is done when the system has a category and then a sequential number e.g. 231-1002 (2=Hardware 3=Screw 1=Phillips then the unique number 1002).

Fleet Stock Number systems are an example of using a hybrid significant/non-significant item numbering system.

This is also more efficient for data entry where using numbers and dashes are part of a normal keypad which means you don't have to use both hands on a keyboard. One other bonus is that people usually understand numbers easier, and when you store products in a warehouse, you can put items in numerical order (for example, lower numbers at one end of an aisle, and as you continue, the numbers increase).