Kenn-Nummerierung
Also: Kennnummerierung, Kennnummer, Kenn-Nummer, Identifizierungsnummer, ID-Vergabe, Nummerierungssystem, Nummernsystem Logistik
AI-generated
Identification numbering refers to the systematic assignment of unique numbers or codes to objects in logistics processes – such as articles, storage locations, containers, or loading units.
Key facts
- Identification numbering establishes binding rules for the structure, length, and uniqueness of identifiers in logistics processes.
- Check digits in identification numbers enable automatic error detection during scanning and prevent incorrect postings.
- Internal and external number ranges (e.g., GS1 standards) can coexist, but must be consistently mapped in the ERP or WMS.
- A number range defined too narrowly will lead to complex migrations as the product range grows, and should be sized generously from the outset.
- The decision between descriptive and neutral numbers affects both day-to-day warehouse operations and flexibility during reorganizations.
What is identification numbering?
Identification numbering refers to a structured framework for assigning unique identifiers to physical or logistical objects. These include articles, storage locations, transport containers, loading units, and vendors. The term encompasses not only the numbers themselves, but also the rules governing their structure: character length, permitted characters, check digits, hierarchy levels, and uniqueness scopes. The goal is to ensure that every object in the system can be identified exactly once and without risk of confusion.
How does identification numbering work in practice?
In a warehouse, several numbering levels are typically maintained in parallel: an article number identifies the product type, a storage location number describes the physical position, and a serial number or SSCC number designates the specific unit on a pallet or in a container. These levels must be consistently linked to one another so that postings, scans, and system events are correctly assigned.
A common approach is to distinguish between internal and external number ranges. Internally, the company assigns its own IDs tailored to its processes and IT structure. Externally, numbering is aligned with standards such as GS1, which define GTINs for articles or GLNs for locations. Both ranges can coexist, but must be linked via mapping tables in the ERP or WMS.
Check digits play an important role: they allow the system to immediately detect erroneous scans or typing errors before an incorrect posting occurs. Hierarchical numbering – for example, a pallet containing cartons, cartons containing units – also enables nested inventory management and traceability across multiple levels.
What matters when making a selection?
When designing an identification numbering scheme, you should consider the following points:
- Uniqueness within scope: Clarify whether a number must be globally unique (e.g., SSCC for shipments to external partners) or only within your own system.
- Future-proofing: Number ranges grow with the product range. A number range defined too narrowly will later require costly migrations.
- Readability vs. automation-readiness: Descriptive numbers that encode category or location simplify manual work, but can become misleading during reorganizations. Purely sequential numbers are more neutral, but harder for people to interpret.
- Duplicate prevention: System-side checks must prevent the same number from being assigned more than once, especially when multiple systems or locations generate numbers.
- Versioning and historization: When articles change, it must be defined whether a new number is assigned or whether the change is managed under the same number.
The quality of the identification numbering scheme directly affects inventory accuracy, picking error rates, and the ability to integrate with vendors or freight service providers. It is not purely a technical matter, but a fundamental decision within the master data strategy.
Related terms
- 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.
- Artikelnummer
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.
- Artikelstamm
The item master is the central data repository that permanently stores all logistically and commercially relevant features of an item. It forms the basis for warehousing, inventory planning, picking, and billing.
- Artikelstammdaten
Item master data refers to the permanently valid base data of an item – such as dimensions, weight, packaging units, hazardous goods classification, and best-before date relevance. It forms the foundation for all logistical, procurement-related, and system-driven processes along the supply chain.
- Barcode
A barcode is a machine-readable optical code that represents information as a pattern of bars and spaces or as a two-dimensional matrix. It enables the automatic identification of items, load carriers, and documents along the entire supply chain.
- Bestandsführung
Inventory management refers to the system-supported administration and continuous updating of all warehouse and material stocks within a company. It forms the basis for planning, procurement and accounting – and ensures that the book inventory and physical inventory are in agreement at all times.
- Charge
A batch is a uniquely identifiable quantity of products manufactured or processed under identical conditions. It forms the basis for traceability, quality control, and legally required recall processes throughout the entire supply chain.
- Chargenrückverfolgung
Batch traceability refers to the complete and uninterrupted trackability of products and materials along the supply chain based on their batch assignment. It enables companies to quickly identify and selectively block all affected quantities in the event of a quality issue or recall.
- DESADV
DESADV (Dispatch Advice) is a standardized EDI message in EDIFACT format that electronically announces an upcoming delivery. It transmits structured information on packaging units, items, quantities, and identifiers such as the SSCC to the goods recipient.
- Data Matrix
Data Matrix is a two-dimensional barcode that stores significantly more information in a very small area than conventional 1D barcodes. Thanks to integrated error correction, it remains reliably readable even when partially damaged or soiled.