Effectively using product identifiers is crucial for tracking, inventory management, and ensuring product authenticity across supply chains. These identifiers serve as unique references that distinguish individual products and provide important information to manufacturers, retailers, and customers. Here's a guide on how to effectively use product identifiers:
1. Understand the Types of Product Identifiers
Product identifiers can take various forms, depending on the industry and region. The most common include:
Universal Product Codes (UPC): Widely used in retail for identifying consumer goods.
European Article Number (EAN): Similar to UPC but used internationally.
Stock Keeping Unit (SKU): A unique alphanumeric code for internal inventory tracking.
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): Used by manufacturers to identify specific parts or products.
International Standard Book Number (ISBN): Primarily used for books.
GTIN (Global Trade Item Number): Encompasses UPC, EAN, and ISBN to provide a standardized global identifier.