Model number conundrum :(

What logic do manufacturers apply when adding a simple model number to a new product? 😕

The thousands of varying permutations designed confuse and mislead seem to be their preference over a more usual logical sequential serious of alphabetical and numerical combinations. :rolls:

For example, our European colleagues manufacturing in Germany use a confusing set of letters, numbers, suffixed, prefixed with an added and varying degrees of solidus (that’s forward slash or / by the way 😉 ) to catagorize their products. Prefixed letters to specify whether its a gas hob or a fridge followed by a few spurious numbers for its type code within the range. Then add a couple of number/letter combinations to specify the cabinet or trim colour and finally a solidus to show the production series or date it was shipped off the production conveyor belt?

Confused? I should say so….more to the point though is why is it deemed by them as necessary in the first place?

OK, so if (lets say) Manufacturer A produces 6 different types of product (i.e. Washer, Washer Dryer, Fridge, Oven, Hob, Tumble Dryer) then he needs to identify each and every one. So the use of an alphabetical prefix is the way forward (i.e W for Washer, O for Oven etc) Then the next logical step is to use a numerical coded sequence to show the type of machine, colour, trim and it’s sub-series if need be all within that product group. Lastly, and beyond the obligitory solidus, the date code (i.e Month/Year- 07/07 = July 2007)..simple 8)

Ah (I hear you cry!) but there’s loads of products and loads of different manufacturers making them! They cannot use the same system otherwise there would be a confusing array of (for example)AA123456/0707’s about the marketplace! 😕

Now the clever bit here and the code to unlock the all confusion each and every producer has caused over the years. Is to use an internationally agreed Manufacturing Code to be used only by that manufacturer (or it’s agency) as the first few digits of the model number. And yet another example of that being E being the Electrolux group, S being the Siemens group and so on. So if a model number comes up as E/AA123456/0707 then at least everyone will know that its an Electrolux and one doesn’t need to search through any Siemens products to find it?

But an International agreement will never ever happen I guess so that thought is out the window for starters. Logic never seems to apply in the real world (but maybe Fuzzy Logic does? – but even that is not numbered) so there we have it, fallen at the first fence even 😆

Mercedes Benz have the ‘A Class, B Class, C Class etc, so the idea is not lost on them a least. Indesit’s latest wonder in complete contrast is the SIXL???? series (Type name: Moon = on another planet even) or the ever puzzling EWF?????W produced by Electrolux. I have to ask? Given the fact that a SIXL???? is made by Indesit, how the hell would anyone know from that number what is was? Who made it? Who cares? 😕

I wonder if this WEEE idea of recycling will insist on some sort of international agreement so each manufacturer can be identified just by the model number? A kind of indelible VIN number system for Whitegoods maybe? :rolls:

Another EU money grabbing idea to ponder no doubt ???? :innocent: