In our current setup we generate a unique auto-numbered filename and document number for CAD documents created in Creo. The number is generated by Windchill but the designer can override this to organize client-specific assemblies and drawings. From my point of view, generic models that are not related to that specific product should have that initially generated number.
Some designers have convinced their engineering manager that with auto-numbering and no logic in that number, it is almost impossible to save copies of the models since there is no indication if a model has te be reused or not. Furthermore, our production department is very much organized by the part numbers, but we've made some important steps to start moving away from that principle. Engineers who are eager to return to a fully manual numbering are hereby rendering our efforts obsolete and have sometimes very little interest for what ERP, reusability, ... concerns.
The advantages of automatic numbering are clear to us however, but it it appears not that easy to convince everybody. I post this question because I hope to get some input of anybody who responds with "Hey, we've managed to do this, without reverting to physical violence...". I reallty like to hear how you got this through.
Best regards,
Steven