Why Is Photographing a Part Number So Difficult

Taking a photo of a part number might seem trivial—point, shoot, send. But in the world of heavy equipment maintenance, this seemingly simple task is often riddled with frustration. Part numbers are typically stamped, etched, cast, or printed on surfaces that are dirty, worn, oily, rusted, or awkwardly positioned. Lighting is poor, angles are tight, and the numbers themselves may be partially obscured or degraded.

In a 2024 survey of 1,200 field mechanics across North America, 68% reported difficulty capturing legible part numbers on at least a weekly basis. The issue isn’t just about convenience—it affects downtime, procurement accuracy, and repair timelines.

Common Obstacles and Their Root Causes

Several recurring challenges make photographing part numbers difficult:

• Surface contamination: Grease, dust, rust, and paint often obscure markings.
• Low contrast: Many part numbers are stamped into metal without ink, making them hard to distinguish from the background.
• Poor lighting: Equipment interiors or shaded areas limit visibility.
• Awkward placement: Part numbers are often located on the underside, inside cavities, or behind other components.
• Wear and erosion: Older machines may have part numbers that are partially worn away.

Terminology note:

• Casting number: A number molded into a metal part during manufacturing, often used for identification but not always the official part number.
• Serial prefix: A code that identifies the production batch or model series, critical for ordering compatible replacements.

Field Strategies That Actually Work

Experienced technicians have developed a range of practical solutions to overcome these challenges:

• Use indirect lighting: A flashlight at an angle can create shadows that highlight stamped numbers.
• Clean the surface first: A quick wipe with degreaser or brake cleaner can reveal hidden markings.
• Apply chalk or graphite: Rubbing a light layer over stamped numbers increases contrast for photography.
• Use macro mode or zoom: Most smartphones have a macro setting or digital zoom that helps capture small details.
• Take multiple shots: Different angles and lighting conditions increase the chance of a usable image.
• Include context: Photograph the surrounding area to help parts specialists identify the component even if the number is unclear.

One technician in Oregon shared a story where he used baby powder and a toothbrush to highlight a barely visible number on a hydraulic valve. The resulting photo helped the dealer identify a discontinued part and locate a compatible substitute from surplus stock.

Digital Tools and Enhancements

Modern technology offers additional support:

• Photo editing apps: Increasing contrast, sharpness, and exposure can make faint numbers legible.
• OCR (Optical Character Recognition): Some apps can extract text from images, useful for blurry or partial numbers.
• AR overlays: Augmented reality tools can guide users to typical part number locations on common components.
• Inventory apps: Some platforms allow tagging parts with photos, notes, and GPS location for future reference.

Terminology note:

• OCR: A technology that converts images of text into machine-readable characters.
• AR (Augmented Reality): A digital overlay on real-world images, often used for training or diagnostics.

Recommendations for Equipment Owners and Managers

To reduce part identification delays and errors, consider the following:

• Train staff in basic photography and image enhancement techniques
• Maintain a digital parts catalog with annotated photos
• Label high-wear components with aftermarket tags or stickers
• Keep cleaning supplies and flashlights in service trucks
• Encourage technicians to document part numbers during routine maintenance

In one fleet operation in Alberta, implementing a “photo-first” protocol reduced parts ordering errors by 42% over six months.

Manufacturers Should Do Better

While technicians have adapted, manufacturers could improve part number visibility by:

• Using laser-etched or inked numbers with high contrast
• Placing identifiers in accessible, standardized locations
• Including QR codes linked to digital part catalogs
• Offering downloadable component maps for each model

Some newer equipment from Volvo and Komatsu already includes QR-coded tags on hydraulic lines and filters, streamlining identification and ordering.

Conclusion

Photographing a part number is not just about snapping a picture—it’s about navigating a maze of physical, optical, and logistical challenges. With the right techniques, tools, and mindset, technicians can turn a frustrating task into a reliable workflow. And as manufacturers embrace smarter labeling and digital integration, the future of part identification may finally become as simple as it should be.