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.[1] 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.
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Two NATO Standardisation Agreements (STANAGs) build the structural basis for the system:
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.
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:
Item of supply is an item of production (part, article) which a responsible supply management authority has determined as being required to meet a specific logistics requirement. This part has to be defined in compliance with logistics needs (transport, usage, features, etc.) to meet all logistics requirements with the possibility of repeated usage. One item of supply may represent several items of production, for example made by various producers, which do not have to be distinguished between from the viewpoint of logistics requirements.