Manufacturer part number (MPN)
Imagine trying to track thousands of products across global supply chains, each with its unique specifications. A single mixup could lead to costly delays, wasted resources, and frustrated partners. That’s where the manufacturing part number (MPN) comes in.
Like a product’s DNA, the MPN is a unique code that manufacturers assign to distinguish one part from another, ensuring that the right items reach the right places—every single time. For manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers alike, MPNs are essential for keeping the gears of the supply chain turning smoothly.
What is an MPN?
The manufacturer part number (MPN) is a unique identifier assigned by manufacturers to distinguish individual products. This alphanumeric code is often printed on the product’s barcode and included in manufacturer catalogs, websites, and databases. It’s widely used in online databases managed by comparison shopping engines and ecommerce platforms.
An MPN serves as a unique fingerprint for each product, especially in categories where items might otherwise be challenging to differentiate. Products like appliance parts, machinery components, hardware parts, computer and electronic products, plumbing materials, medical equipment, and automotive parts commonly have MPNs, helping buyers verify that they’re selecting the correct item. This is particularly valuable when slight variations in parts can lead to significant compatibility issues.
Unlike universal product identifiers, like the universal product code (UPC), which are standardized across brands, MPNs are specific to each manufacturer. The main purpose is precise identification—ensuring that customers, vendors, and service providers can all reliably recognize and source the exact component needed.
Structure of MPNs
MPNs can vary in format but are generally alphanumeric and may include letters, numbers, or both. The structure often reflects product categories, production batches, or specific features. For instance, an MPN like “ELEC-CRT-32BLK” could indicate an electronic item, a specific model (CRT), size (32), and color (black). This systematic approach allows manufacturers to easily organize and retrieve product information, making it simpler to manage their inventories.
Why are MPNs important?
The manufacturer part number (MPN) is invaluable for industries that deal with complex, high-precision products. Specifically, they:
Ensure accurate product identification
An MPN uniquely identifies products to specific models or variants, enabling precise tracking across production, supply, and retail stages. This identification helps customers, sellers, and manufacturers ensure that they’re referring to the exact same item, which is crucial for complex products like electronic components or automotive parts that can appear similar but have critical differences.
Prevent compatibility issues
MPNs help reduce the risk of compatibility errors by guiding customers to the correct parts or accessories for their needs. For example, in industries like medical equipment, automotive repair, or technology, choosing an incorrect part can lead to product malfunction or safety risks. The MPN guarantees that customers purchase the right component the first time, minimizing returns and enhancing the buyer experience.
Improve inventory and supply chain efficiency
With MPNs, companies can streamline inventory management by accurately tracking parts and products across their lifecycle. This unique identifier helps suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers keep precise records of stock levels and forecast demand more effectively. It also aids in logistics, as accurate MPN usage minimizes inventory discrepancies, overstocking, or stockouts.
Support compliance and warranty claims
MPNs are instrumental in verifying products for compliance and warranty purposes. For example, they enable manufacturers to track products across regions, ensuring compliance with local regulations. Additionally, MPNs make it easier for consumers to validate warranty claims, as manufacturers and service providers can quickly verify if the product matches the specific MPN covered by the warranty.
Enhance searchability on ecommerce platforms
On ecommerce marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or specialized B2B platforms, MPNs improve product visibility and search accuracy. Listing products with MPNs increases their discoverability for potential buyers searching by specific identifiers. This feature also reduces product listing duplication, as unique MPNs can help filter out identical products from various sellers, leading to a more organized and reliable shopping experience.
Strengthen trust and reduce counterfeiting
Because MPNs are manufacturer-specific, they act as a line of defense against counterfeiting. Customers can verify the authenticity of a product by cross-checking the MPN with the manufacturer’s information, particularly for high-value items like branded electronics or machinery parts. This layer of verification builds trust and helps protect manufacturers' brand reputations by ensuring that buyers receive genuine products.
Best practices for managing MPNs
/ Consistency in format
Set a clear, standardized format for your MPNs using logical sequences, such as prefixes for product categories. This consistency aids internal teams and external partners in quickly identifying products and prevents errors during system integration.
/ System-wide integration
Centralize MPNs within your ERP, inventory, and ecommerce systems to eliminate data silos and improve traceability. Integrating MPNs across platforms simplifies tracking from manufacturing to sales, ensuring all teams have the same accurate data.
/ Automation with product data management tools
Automation keeps MPNs current on all channels, helping build customer trust and operational efficiency. Use tools like Productsup’s P2C solutions to automate MPN tracking across platforms, reducing manual entry errors.
Leverage Productsup’s automation and AI capabilities to streamline workflows, enabling quicker market entry for your products while enriching your product content journeys. This approach not only accelerates time-to-market but also enhances the quality and consistency of your product information across all channels.
/ Regular accuracy audits
Verify MPN accuracy regularly to reflect any product updates or changes in specifications. This reduces customer confusion, ensures smooth transactions, and minimizes returns due to incorrect listings.
/ Alignment with marketplace standards
Different marketplaces may have unique MPN format requirements, so make sure yours align with each one. For example, Amazon pairs MPNs with Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) to verify product authenticity. Failing to comply can lead to listing errors or negatively impact search result rankings.
Similarly, Google Merchant Center (GMC) allows manufacturers and brands to oversee their product details across various Google services, including Google Shopping, ensuring accuracy and consistency. By utilizing the manufacturer center feed, businesses can provide product information like GTINs and MPNs, which Productsup can help optimize for enhanced visibility and performance across all platforms.
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