Components Engineering has begun the process of trimming the fat from the QPL
by inactivating Atari part numbers for ICs that are no longer used or are
obsolete. These parts will be removed from the active QPL and placed on a
data base containing inactive parts.  From time to time I will send out a
mail messege that will refer you to a parts list in an EDT file in my
directory, [ARVIDSON.AVL.REVIEW]. The file is for your review and will
contain a list of ICs planned for inactive status.  If you feel that some
parts should remain active, please send me a listing of those parts.  Old
part numbers (37-xxxxx) remaining active will be converted to new part
numbers (137xxx-xxx). 

The first list of IC part numbers planned for inactivation can be found in
ERNIE$USERDISK:[ARVIDSON.AVL.REVIEW]9X-1.LIS.  They will be inactivated
in two weeks.

What does it mean for a part to be "Inactive"?

Does it mean it will not appear on the AVL in Datatrieve?

Does it mean that Manufacturing will scrap existing stocks of
said "Inactive" parts?

If I want to use an "Inactive" part will I have to fill out a CER?

Some of the parts I am using on Driver and Stun Runner are being reported
as "Inactive" They weren't "Inactive" when they were first put on the parts 
list.

What is the deal?

		Jed

What does it mean for a part to be "Inactive"?

	Inactive parts are placed on a database for presently unused or unspecified
	parts.  This means that they are not found on MANMAN or not known to be used
	on any project in development.  The new-project parts lists as found in PC
	Design directories are researched to determine parts used in projects under
	development.  If a part was inadvertently removed, it will be replaced.

Does it mean it will not appear on the AVL in Datatrieve?

	Inactive parts and obsolete parts are removed from the AVL but not from
	Datatrieve.  They are merely transferred from the database containing active
	or frequently used parts to a database for unused parts.  There are six
	databases used and here are their Datatrieve names:  reserved parts = DB3, 
	active parts = DB4,  inactive parts = DB5, obsolete parts = DB6,  spare
	parts/marketing = DB7,  approved vendors/part numbers = DB8.  DB8 contains
	a status code for all vendors' part numbers:  0 = approved,  1 = restricted,
	2 = temporary,  3 = disqualifed.  When accessing Datatrieve directly, it is
	important to look at the status code.  For a complete explanation see 
	Rick Meyette or Jeff Bell.  

Does it mean that Manufacturing will scrap existing stocks of
said "Inactive" parts?

	No.  Removing seldom-used parts from the active list just clears the clutter
	from the database.  It does not effect the physical inventory.

If I want to use an "Inactive" part will I have to fill out a CER?

	I think not.  A message or note to Jeff should do it.  Ask Jeff or Rick
	Meyette for details.  

Some of the parts I am using on Driver and Stun Runner are being reported
as "Inactive" They weren't "Inactive" when they were first put on the parts 
list.

	Send a list to Jeff and it should be taken care of.

What is the deal?

	The purpose is to reduce the enormous size of the approved parts list, 
	remove seldom-used or obsolete parts and speed up searches.  Included
	in this clean-up process is the conversion of old part numbers 
	(37-xxxxx, etc.) to new (137xxx-xxx, etc).  All of this was started
	on 4-6-88 and the job must be complete by 10-6-88.

Regarding your questions about inactivating numbers and the AVL and Datatrieve,
sometime ago I created a summary chart of the Datatrieve domains that contain
the various status of parts.  You may be interested in this one sheet outline
so I'm going to send it to you via your next mail message.  I already have a
hard copy if you prefer to copy it.

				erwin

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								3-8-88

		NEW  AVL / QPL  FILES (DOMAINS)


    DTR Domain

	DB2	Part number & status codes
				    |
			____________|
		       |
		       |
	DB3	Status = 0,  reserved

	DB4	Status = 1,  active

	DB5	Status = 2,  inactive

	DB6	Status = 3,  obsolete

	DB7	Status = 4,  spare parts/marketing

	DB8	QPL (including vendor status codes)
					    |
			   _________________|
			  |
			  |
			0 = approved

			1 = restricted  (!)

			2 = temporary  (*)

			3 = disqualified


	Example:  PR PN,GENERIC,DES,MFG,VPN,STATUS OF STUFF
					    ______
					       |
		 prints vendor status code ____|


	   or  :  PR PN,GENERIC,DES,MFG,VPN,STATUS VIA VSTATUS OF STUFF
					    __________________
						     |
			    prints vendor status ____|

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