Where possible every effort should be made to use parts already in the stock system, for example if a 27-way connector is required but a 30-way variant is already stocked the larger part should be used.

Care should be taken to avoid duplication in the library / stock system when adding new parts.

Care should be taken when selecting parts from the common library as there may be duplicate parts present, for example two different X3 references for the same device but one supplied individually and the other on a reel.

All components should be RoHS compliant unless obsolescence or customer requirements force the use of non-RoHS parts. In the event that non-RoHS parts are used they should be clearly identified in the stock control system and also (space permitting) on the PCB layout to prevent “contamination” of the RoHS compliant production line(s) during assembly.

At the design specification stage the engineer should verify that the components being used have suitable rating(s) as stated on the manufacturer datasheet for the intended application. In the event that a component may be used outside of its published specification this should be stated in the design specification document.