1. A method for encoding a smart part number into a configuration tree, the smart part number including a plurality of configuration codes embedded therein, the method comprising: for each configuration code, determining that it is a valid configuration code; for each valid configuration code, defining a branch of the configuration tree; for each branch of the configuration tree, configuring at least one configuration point with the configuration code, the configuration code for the configuration point representing all valid configuration choices associated with the corresponding configuration point.