Name and Class Lookup (NCL)
The tool, based on ACodP-2/3 standards, provides search capabilities in 22 different languages, on all NATO Groups and Classes and on Items Names used in the NATO Codification System. It allows you also to export the data in the selected languages.
Go to NCLFAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is NCL? What is ACodP-2 and ACodP-3? What type of search engine/logic does NCL use? What is Lucene Library? What algorithm/rule NCL uses to order the results with the highlighted words? Can I use other than English/French language to search NCL? Who is responsible for the translations of the records and user interface within NCL? Do I need credentials (login/password) to use NCL? Is there a possibility to compare different Item Names and Groups & Classes against each other? Is there a possibility to export Item Names and Groups & Classes out of NCL? What type of Item Names can I find in NCL? Which type of Item Name can I use for codification purposes? Why some names are “all except USA”? What is the difference between a Basic Concept Name and Colloquial Name? Is there a link between Item Name Code (INC) and NATO Classification Groups/Classes? What is a Concept Number and a Condition Code?
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is NCL?
NCL – Name and Class Look Up is a tool capable to search appropriate Item Names and Groups and Classes used for codification purposes within NATO Codification System (NCS).
What is ACodP-2 and ACodP-3?
ACodP-2 is a NATO Multilingual Supply Classification Handbook (database); ACodP-3 is an Item Name Directory (database).
What type of search engine/logic does NCL use?
NCL uses a search engine based on the Lucene library, offering a powerful full text search engine.
What is Lucene Library?
Apache LuceneTM is a high-performance, full-featured text search engine library. It is a technology suitable for nearly any application that requires full-text search, especially cross-platform.
What algorithm/rule NCL uses to order the results with the highlighted words?
The sorting relies on a relevance score, taking into account the precedence of the searched fields, the rarity in search words, the number of found occurrences and the size of the sentence in which search word are found. The precedence of the searched fields is set on the Code, followed by Title/Name, and finally Description.
Can I use other than English/French language to search NCL?
Yes, NCL is a multilingual tool. User can choose one out of twenty two languages integrated in NCL. Separate language options are available for a User Interface and for the Searches.
Who is responsible for the translations of the records and user interface within NCL?
National Codification Bureau (NCB) of the related countries are responsible for their languages.
Do I need credentials (login/password) to use NCL?
NCL is used without any login/password to search and/or to export data. NCB, managing translation files of ACodP2/3 database, needs credentials for back office function “Upload of translation files”.
Is there a possibility to compare different Item Names and Groups & Classes against each other?
Yes, the compare function is part of NCL. The compare function is available when the results of the search are shown in a category of the Name, Class or Group. The Compare function is not available, if the user selects category “All”. User can compare up to four different data records of the same category.
Is there a possibility to export Item Names and Groups & Classes out of NCL?
Yes, the export function is part of NCL. User can export full database of NATO Groups & Classes (ACodP-2) and NATO Items Names (ACodP-3). The export file is a zipped text file.
What type of Item Names can I find in NCL?
There are Approved Item Names, Basic Concept Names, All except USA Item Names and Colloquial Item Names.
Which type of Item Name can I use for codification purposes?
An Approved Item Name and All except USA Item Name can be used for codification purposes only. An Approved Item Names and All except USA Item Names have officially agreed definitions that designates them to a family of items of supply with similar characteristics.
Why some names are “all except USA”?
In the past, it was allowed within NCS to create INCs labelled “All except USA” (AEUSA) in cases where all NATO countries agreed with a newly created Item Name proposal except of the United States. However, effective January 1, 2009, the creation of new AEUSA INCs is not allowed any more. NATO is working to reduce and eventually to eliminate AEUSA INCs from the NCS.
What is the difference between a Basic Concept Name and Colloquial Name?
A Basic Name is either a noun or a phrase that primarily defines an item, without detailing any specific feature application. A Colloquial Name is any name, by which the item is “commonly known” by its users. Usually it is a synonym used within a language for the item. Basic and Colloquial Names are not to be used to codify items of supply. Both of them just provide help to determine the Approved Item Name that fits the item of supply concept more properly.
Is there a link between Item Name Code (INC) and NATO Classification Groups/Classes?
The link between Item Name Code (INC) that represents Approved Item Name and/or All except USA Name and NSC code, that represents NATO Group and Class, exists. Single INC can be classified in one or many NATO Supply Groups/Classes.
What is a Concept Number and a Condition Code?
A Concept Number differentiates use of particular Item Name. A Condition code is a one-position numeric code with value 1 or 2 assigned to each Approved Item Name. A Condition Code indicates whether the referenced Approved Item Name is classified in one class or two or more classes within the NATO Supply Classification (NSC) System.