I'm starting this thread as a discussion because I haven't found anything through my search that came close to this.

So, my question is this. How do you manage left and right handed parts?

When we were on AutoCAD, we used to manage only one number and identify the quantity's as 1L1R for 1 Left 1 Right.

On SolidWorks, when we began, I didn't know much, so we just recreated the parts. The problem is that every part that were 1L1R are now 2 numbers instead of one, making for a much heftier inventory to keep up with. We didn't mind, so it stopped there.

I was mandated to help draw another company's products. When I explained to them that their 1L1R parts were now going to become 2 distinct numbers, I received a bag of bricks on the side of the head.

I was wondering, how do you guys manage 1L1R drawings?

Do you use configurations to make the Left handed side and Right handed side?

How do you manage the parts?

Do you put it in inventory without bends and bend it when required?

Do you have only one part and one drawing to modify?

How do you identify the number of left and right parts in your BOM?

We are now 4 years into SolidWorks and the only way I can see to do it easily is to have the part be put in inventory after cutting it and have configurations inside the part and a bend note that says bend accordingly without directions... But then again, that would be one hell of a job having to revert back 2 other companies because of this..