Artikelnummer
Also: Artikelnr., Art.-Nr., Artikelnummern, Materialnummer, Sachnummer, Teilenummer, Item Number
AI-generated
The item number is an internally assigned, unique identifier that unambiguously identifies an article within the inventory management and warehouse system. It forms the basis for postings, purchase orders, and communication between purchasing, warehousing, and production.
Key facts
- The item number is an internally assigned, unique identifier and differs from cross-trade standards such as the GTIN.
- It serves as the central key between ERP, WMS, and order picking, and is therefore the foundation of error-free warehouse processes.
- Number ranges can be designed as intelligent (containing factual information) or neutral (as pure sequential numbers) – both approaches have advantages and disadvantages.
- Clear governance rules for the creation, blocking, and deletion of item numbers prevent duplicates and facilitate later system migrations.
What is an item number?
An item number is an alphanumeric or purely numeric code that a company assigns internally to each of its articles. It uniquely identifies an article within the company's own system – regardless of whether it is a raw material, a semi-finished product, or a finished good. Importantly, the item number is a company-internal identifier and therefore differs fundamentally from cross-industry standards such as the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), which is used for data exchange between trading partners.
How does the item number work in practice?
In day-to-day operations, the item number is the central key through which all systems communicate with one another. The ERP creates purchase orders under this number, the Warehouse Management System (WMS) posts goods receipts and issues, and order picking uses it to uniquely identify the correct article on the shelf. Without a properly maintained item number, duplicate postings, misdirected deliveries, and time-consuming resolution processes arise.
When designing a number range, there are essentially two approaches:
- Intelligent numbers contain encoded information, such as the product group or storage location. They make manual reading easier, but render later structural changes more complex.
- Neutral (non-intelligent) numbers are pure sequential numbers without inherent meaning. They are more flexible, but require thorough master data maintenance so that users can quickly identify an article.
In practice, many companies opt for neutral numbers and supplement them with meaningful article descriptions and classification features that are maintained separately.
What matters when designing a number range?
Three aspects are particularly relevant when introducing or revising a number range:
- Uniqueness: Each number may only be assigned once. Duplicate-checking processes – ideally automated within the ERP – are indispensable.
- Length and format: Number ranges that are too short can become restrictive during growth; numbers that are too long increase the error rate during manual entry. A moderate, consistent length is generally preferable.
- System maintenance and governance: Clear rules are needed defining who may create, block, or delete item numbers. Without governance, gaps, duplicates, and orphaned numbers accumulate over the years, significantly complicating later system migrations.
Vendors of ERP and WMS solutions implement these logics differently; which model fits best depends on the assortment size, growth strategy, and the systems in use.
Related terms
- ABC-Analyse
ABC analysis is a method for classifying items, vendors, or processes into three priority classes (A, B, C) based on their economic significance. It forms the basis for differentiated decision-making in warehousing, inventory management, and procurement.
- Artikel
An item is the smallest uniquely identifiable unit in warehousing, procurement, and ERP – described by master data such as name, dimensions, weight, and identification numbers. It forms the basis for planning, order picking, and inventory management.
- Artikelbezeichnung
The item description is the human-readable name of an item in the inventory management or warehouse management system. It helps people in purchasing, logistics, and planning to quickly identify an item and distinguish it from others.
- Artikeleinheit
The item unit defines the unit of measure in which an item is managed, posted, and handled within the system. It forms the basis for consistent inventory management, picking, and pricing.
- Artikelklassifizierung
Item classification refers to the systematic categorization of items based on defined criteria such as value, turnover frequency, storage requirements, or hazardous material characteristics. It forms the foundation for differentiated warehousing, procurement, and picking processes.