Behind the scenes of spare parts catalogs – How essential user instructions come to life

Repairing even the simplest machine can become a real challenge without a well-prepared spare parts catalog. Often seen as an afterthought, these documents—detailed assembly instructions and clear catalogs—save the day in critical situations. Interestingly, the process of creating them requires the collaboration of experts from multiple disciplines and the use of advanced tools.

Developing a spare parts catalog is a meticulous and experience-driven task. It begins with engineers analyzing the product’s structure and preparing an exploded view of the assembly—this allows users to see how all components fit together. At the same time, graphic designers ensure the visual quality of the illustrations: correct perspective, consistent line weights, and adherence to the client’s visual guidelines. We rely on professional tools such as CATIA Composer, CREO Illustrate, and Adobe Illustrator for the final graphic touches. Crucial data—such as parts lists from the PDM system, including part numbers and descriptions—is managed and edited in Excel. The result? A catalog page that not only looks polished but, more importantly, works, making it easy to locate and order the correct part, even within complex assemblies.

At NG Engineering Group, we don’t just create catalogs—we help shape the standards for how they’re developed. Our team combines technical expertise, design proficiency, and practical experience from the end users of these documents. We support clients at every stage—from preparing illustrations and compiling tables to maintaining globally accessible electronic versions. The final product is always clear, intuitive, and ready to perform wherever speed and precision matter most.