In brief
The manufacturer part number (MPN) is the identifier assigned by the manufacturer that uniquely designates a component in a specific version.
Contents
What is Manufacturer part number?
The manufacturer part number, MPN for short, is the most important piece of information for spare parts procurement. It distinguishes variants that look the same externally but differ in voltage, material, connection size or seal material, for example. It is often made up of a type code whose positions encode particular properties.
Other identifiers must be distinguished from it: a distributor's order number or a company's internal material number is valid only within their own systems. The GTIN or EAN identifies a trade unit but does not describe the technical version. The customs tariff number assigns goods to a product group for customs purposes and says nothing about the specific version. Machine builders also use their own item numbers from spare parts lists, which first have to be translated into the supplier's manufacturer number.
Manufacturer part numbers can change when products are modified. Successor numbers are not automatically compatible and should be checked against the data sheets.
In practice: maintenance and procurement
The MPN is usually found on the nameplate or directly on the component. If it is illegible, photos from several angles, dimensions and information from the machine documentation help with identification.
Synonyms and abbreviations: MPN · manufacturer's part number · OEM part number · type designation
Frequently asked questions
Where can you find the manufacturer part number if the nameplate is missing?
Good sources are the machine's spare parts list and bill of materials, circuit diagrams, previous orders and invoices, and markings directly on the housing, circuit board or packaging. The machine builder can often name the installed components on the basis of the machine number. If the number remains unclear, parts can be narrowed down by dimensions, connections and technical data.
Is the manufacturer part number alone sufficient for an order?
Usually yes, provided it is complete. Problems arise when suffixes, special characters or variant codes are omitted or a distributor shortens the number. For some parts, the revision status or firmware version is also important. In case of doubt, the number should be copied character for character and backed up with a photo of the nameplate.
What does it mean if a manufacturer part number changes?
A new number may indicate a modified version, a successor type, a change to the type code or a takeover of the manufacturer. Only a comparison of the data sheets shows whether the new part is interchangeable. In the master data, the old and new numbers should be kept with a cross-reference and a note on compatibility so that both can still be found.