This identifier is used across engineering, procurement, and inventory systems to track every physical item in a factory. It ensures that workers pull the exact right screw, bracket, or circuit board for a build. If a component undergoes a major design change that affects compatibility, it usually receives a new code.
The schematic calls for part number 774-B, but the bin is full of the older A revisions.
Also heard as
- PN
- P/N
Do not mix it up with
- Model number: A part number tracks the internal pieces used in manufacturing, while a model number identifies the final product sold to end users.
Related terms
Model number
A manufacturer code that identifies a specific design or version of a product.
Bill of materials
A comprehensive inventory of the raw materials, assemblies, and parts needed to manufacture a product.
Product code
A unique alphanumeric string assigned to a specific manufactured item for tracking and inventory.
Kitting
The process of gathering separate but related parts into a single package before delivering them to the assembly line.