What is a Manufacturer Part Number (MPN)?

A Manufacturer Part Number (MPN) is a unique identifier assigned by a manufacturer to a specific product or component. It serves as a standardized way to identify and track individual items across supply chains, inventory systems, and catalogs.

In-Depth Explanation of Manufacturer Part Numbers

An MPN, or Manufacturer Part Number, is a unique identifier assigned by a manufacturer to a specific product or component. This alphanumeric code serves as a standardized way to identify and distinguish individual items within a manufacturer’s product line.

Why It Matters

MPNs play a crucial role in inventory management, product sourcing, and customer service. They help businesses and consumers accurately identify and locate specific products, reducing confusion and ensuring the correct item is ordered or referenced. For eCommerce retailers, MPNs are essential for maintaining accurate product listings and facilitating smooth transactions.

How It Works

Manufacturers assign unique MPNs to each product they create, typically following a consistent format or pattern. These numbers are often printed on product packaging, labels, or directly on the item itself. When searching for or ordering products, customers and retailers can use MPNs to ensure they are getting the exact item they need, regardless of variations in product names or descriptions across different platforms.

Key Benefits

Using MPNs in eCommerce provides several advantages. They improve search accuracy, allowing customers to find specific products quickly. MPNs also help prevent ordering errors and reduce returns by ensuring customers receive the exact item they intended to purchase. Additionally, they facilitate better inventory tracking and management for retailers, leading to more efficient operations.

Relevant Stats or Facts

According to a study by GS1 US, 51% of eCommerce companies using standardized product identifiers like MPNs or UPCs made it easier for customers to find and buy their products.

Importance of Manufacturer Part Numbers

Manufacturer Part Numbers play a crucial role in the world of product data management and ecommerce. These unique identifiers serve as a universal language for businesses, allowing them to accurately track, manage, and communicate about specific products across various platforms and systems. In the fast-paced environment of online retail and supply chain management, having a standardized way to refer to individual items is essential for maintaining efficiency and reducing errors.

For businesses in the ecommerce sector, MPNs are particularly valuable when it comes to inventory management and product listings. They enable companies to maintain accurate stock levels, update product information seamlessly, and ensure that customers receive the exact items they ordered. This level of precision is especially important when dealing with products that have multiple variations or when sourcing items from different suppliers. By using MPNs, businesses can avoid confusion and minimize the risk of shipping incorrect products, which can lead to customer dissatisfaction and costly returns.

Furthermore, MPNs are indispensable for businesses that operate across multiple sales channels or marketplaces. They provide a consistent way to identify products across different platforms, making it easier to synchronize inventory, pricing, and product details. This consistency is particularly beneficial for companies that use automated systems to manage their product data, as it allows for smoother integration between various software applications and databases. Ultimately, the effective use of MPNs can lead to improved operational efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced customer satisfaction in the competitive landscape of ecommerce and product data management.

Examples of Manufacturer Part Numbers

Fashion/Apparel Retailer

In the fashion and apparel industry, inventory management is crucial due to the large variety of styles, colors, and sizes. A manufacturer part number (MPN) serves as a unique identifier for each product variant, helping the retailer accurately track stock levels, reorder items efficiently, and manage returns more effectively. For instance, if a particular style of a black leather jacket comes in three different sizes and two different finishes, each variant will have its own MPN. This differentiation ensures that the retailer can easily manage inventory, fulfill online orders accurately, and minimize errors in listing products across multiple sales channels, both online and in physical stores.

HVAC Manufacturer

In the HVAC manufacturing sector, precision in parts and systems is paramount to maintaining product reliability and performance. Each component and unit in an HVAC system has a unique MPN, crucial for both production and service. When a customer requires a replacement part, the correct MPN ensures that the part fits the existing system without compatibility issues. For example, with complex systems involving ventilation, heating coils, and compressors, exact MPNs prevent costly errors in part replacements during both the initial assembly and eventual maintenance or repair, thereby ensuring customer satisfaction and reducing downtime.

Distributor of Auto Parts

Auto parts distributors rely heavily on MPNs due to the wide range of products from different manufacturers, each designed for specific vehicle makes and models. For instance, a distributor dealing in brake pads needs to clearly distinguish between variations suitable for different car brands and model years, which is made possible by using MPNs. This precise identification system helps prevent distribution errors, enables efficient inventory management, and ensures that retailers and mechanics receive the correct parts quickly. Moreover, for ecommerce platforms that the distributor partners with, having accurate MPNs facilitates enhanced searchability and product matching, streamlining both B2B and B2C transactions.

Brand Owner of Homewares Products Predominantly Selling on Marketplaces & Retailers Such as Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Wayfair

A brand owner specializing in homewares faces the challenge of maintaining consistent product identification across diverse sales platforms. Using MPNs allows such a brand owner to manage catalog listings efficiently across Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Wayfair. When listings are synchronized through their unique MPNs, it ensures uniformity in product descriptions, price updates, and feature listings. Additionally, during sales events or when launching new products, having distinctive MPNs helps in strategically managing promotions and inventory, providing clarity to both consumers and logistics teams, thereby enhancing the brand’s eCommerce operations and customer experience.

Synonyms

Common synonyms for MPN include:

  • Part Number
  • Item Number
  • Model Number
  • SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)
  • Catalog Number
  • Reference Number

Manufacturer Part Numbers and PIM

Manufacturer Part Number, commonly known as MPN, is a unique identifier assigned by manufacturers to their products. This code serves as a standardized way to recognize and differentiate specific items within a product line or across an entire catalog. MPNs are crucial for businesses involved in product management, inventory control, and ecommerce, as they provide a precise method of identifying and tracking products throughout the supply chain. These numbers often consist of a combination of letters, numbers, and sometimes symbols, and are designed to be distinct for each product variant.

In the context of Product Information Management (PIM) solutions, MPNs play a vital role in organizing and maintaining accurate product data. PIM systems use MPNs as a key attribute to link various pieces of product information, such as descriptions, specifications, pricing, and images. This centralized approach allows businesses to efficiently manage and update product details across multiple channels and platforms. For example, when a manufacturer releases a new version of a product, the PIM system can easily update all related information by referencing the MPN, ensuring consistency across all touchpoints.

The relevance of MPNs in PIM solutions extends to ecommerce operations, where accurate product identification is essential for successful transactions. Online retailers use MPNs to match products with supplier catalogs, update inventory levels, and facilitate smooth order fulfillment processes. Additionally, MPNs help customers find the exact products they need, especially when searching for replacement parts or accessories. For instance, a customer looking for a specific laptop charger can use the MPN to ensure they purchase the correct model compatible with their device. By leveraging MPNs within PIM systems, businesses can improve their operational efficiency, reduce errors in product data, and enhance the overall customer experience in the digital marketplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the correct MPN for a product?

To find the correct MPN for a product, start by checking the product packaging, manual, or label. Many manufacturers print the MPN directly on these materials. If you can’t find it there, visit the manufacturer’s website and search for the product. The MPN is often listed in the product specifications or details. You can also contact the manufacturer’s customer service for assistance. In some cases, online marketplaces or retailers may list the MPN in their product listings, but always verify this information with the manufacturer to ensure accuracy.

Can multiple products have the same MPN?

Generally, each unique product should have its own distinct MPN. However, in some cases, different variations of the same product (such as color or size) might share an MPN with a suffix or additional identifier. It’s important to note that different manufacturers may use similar or identical MPNs for their products, which is why it’s crucial to consider the manufacturer’s name along with the MPN when identifying a specific product. Always double-check with the manufacturer if you’re unsure about the uniqueness of an MPN.

How do MPNs differ from other product identifiers like UPCs or SKUs?

MPNs are specific to the manufacturer and are used to identify their products, while UPCs (Universal Product Codes) are standardized barcodes used across multiple manufacturers and retailers. SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) are internal codes created by retailers or businesses to track inventory. MPNs are typically more detailed and specific to the product model, whereas UPCs are broader and used for point-of-sale scanning. SKUs can be customized by each business and may include information about product attributes, location, or pricing. Using all three identifiers can help ensure accurate product tracking and management across your supply chain.