NATO Codification System
Encyclopedia
The NATO Codification System (NCS for short) is a standard approach to identify, classify and number items of supply. This is applicable to items that are repetitively used and stocked (e.g., repair parts, equipment, food items, etc.). The System has been agreed by all signatories of the NATO and sponsored non-NATO nations for use in identifying equipment and supplies.http://www.nato.int/structur/AC/135/ncs_guide/english/e_index.htm
The result is a unique identification and a data set that can be easily shared and understood by a wide range of users. The data set may be shared in the form of printed catalogs, on line systems, electronic data exchange, etc. Users include logisticians and manufacturers.
The process of codification (or cataloging) involves naming, classifying, describing the item and assignment of a 13 digit NATO Stock Number
(or NSN). The system aids logistics
processes, to include supply, purchasing, maintenance, warehousing, transportation, planning, etc. Further, it allows different organizations, even countries, to cooperate in providing logistics support to military, disaster relief, peace keeping and similar operations.
The principal document of the System is the Allied Codification Publication No 1 (ACodP-1), also known as the NATO Manual on Codification, which describes the system operating procedures. The System, which is based upon the United States Federal Catalogue System, is also used by the Civil Departments of some NATO nations. It is governed by the NATO Group of National Directors on Codification (AC/135) and implemented by the National Codification Bureau (NCB) of each user nation.
This identification takes place by means of a NATO Stock Number (NSN), which is composed of a 4-digit NATO Supply Classification Code, a 2-digit code for the National Codification Bureau (NCB) representing the country which codifies the item and of a 7-digit non-significant number that is assigned by this NCB.
Uniform System of Supply Classification in accordance with STANAG 3150. All material is classified in material groups and classes with respect to its usage in logistics.
Uniform System of Item Names in accordance with the H6 manual (Item Name Directory). There are approximately 40,000 approved item names used, covering all types of material.
Item identification:
The result is a unique identification and a data set that can be easily shared and understood by a wide range of users. The data set may be shared in the form of printed catalogs, on line systems, electronic data exchange, etc. Users include logisticians and manufacturers.
The process of codification (or cataloging) involves naming, classifying, describing the item and assignment of a 13 digit NATO Stock Number
NATO Stock Number
A NATO Stock Number, or National Stock Number as it is known in the US, is a 13-digit numeric code, identifying all the 'standardized material items of supply' as they have been recognized by all NATO countries including United States Department of Defense...
(or NSN). The system aids logistics
Logistics
Logistics is the management of the flow of goods between the point of origin and the point of destination in order to meet the requirements of customers or corporations. Logistics involves the integration of information, transportation, inventory, warehousing, material handling, and packaging, and...
processes, to include supply, purchasing, maintenance, warehousing, transportation, planning, etc. Further, it allows different organizations, even countries, to cooperate in providing logistics support to military, disaster relief, peace keeping and similar operations.
NCS documents
Two NATO Standardisation Agreements (STANAGs) build the structural basis for the system:- STANAG 3150 (Uniform System of Supply Classification) and
- STANAG 3151 (Uniform System of Item of Supply Identification)
The principal document of the System is the Allied Codification Publication No 1 (ACodP-1), also known as the NATO Manual on Codification, which describes the system operating procedures. The System, which is based upon the United States Federal Catalogue System, is also used by the Civil Departments of some NATO nations. It is governed by the NATO Group of National Directors on Codification (AC/135) and implemented by the National Codification Bureau (NCB) of each user nation.
NCS basics
Unambiguous item identification in accordance with the STANAG 3151 standard.This identification takes place by means of a NATO Stock Number (NSN), which is composed of a 4-digit NATO Supply Classification Code, a 2-digit code for the National Codification Bureau (NCB) representing the country which codifies the item and of a 7-digit non-significant number that is assigned by this NCB.
Uniform System of Supply Classification in accordance with STANAG 3150. All material is classified in material groups and classes with respect to its usage in logistics.
Uniform System of Item Names in accordance with the H6 manual (Item Name Directory). There are approximately 40,000 approved item names used, covering all types of material.
Item identification:
- A descriptive item identification according to the Item Identification Guide (IIG) on the basis of material technical attributes specification.
- A reference item identification on the basis of the manufacturer’s code, NCAGECommercial and Government EntityThe Commercial And Government Entity Code, or CAGE Code, is a unique identifier assigned to suppliers to various government or defense agencies, as well as to government agencies themselves and also various organizations...
, and of the manufacturer’s item identification number.