An article number, also known as an item number, is an important identification feature for individual items in a company. This identification is usually a combination of numbers, letters or other alphanumeric characters. Item numbers are designed according to certain data technology guidelines to ensure that they are machine-readable or can be displayed in barcodes, for example.

The structure of an article number can vary depending on a company’s requirements and processes. In some cases it can be simple and direct, while in others complex systems are used to allow detailed identification and classification of items. The choice of structure often depends on factors such as the size of the company, the variety of products and inventory management requirements.

Article numbers are an integral part of the article master data, also known as the article master. This data pool contains all relevant information about a company’s items, including item number, description, price, stock level and supplier information. Maintaining and managing this master data is crucial for smooth business operations and efficient inventory management.

The use of article numbers offers various advantages for companies. It allows items to be clearly identified and tracked throughout the business process, from ordering to warehousing to sales. It also facilitates the automation of processes through integration with computerized systems such as inventory management systems and warehouse management software.

Careful design and management of article numbers is therefore of great importance for companies to ensure efficiency and accuracy in their operational processes. By adhering to industry standards and best practices, companies can ensure that their part numbers are used optimally and add value to their business.