Material number

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The material number is a number that uniquely identifies a material and, if necessary, classifies it . One distinguishes between

  • speaking and non- speaking ,
  • numeric , alpha- and alphanumeric as well
  • identifying and classifying

Material numbers.

A speaking material number allows the material to be classified or recognized as far as possible based on the material number. In contrast, a non-speaking material number is an (e.g. automatically assigned) identification number.

Identifying material number

An identifying material number uses an identification key to uniquely identify a material. The award is mostly IT-supported and ongoing.

Classifying material number

A classification or speaking material number (composite number) uses a classification key that is derived from the various material properties.

A wood screw ( HS ) with the dimensions 8 × 20 mm ( 820 ) with a flat head ( F ) made of chrome-plated steel ( STC ) can be described by the following speaking material number: 

HS820FSTC

This results in the problem that a screw of the same type with slightly different properties can no longer be recorded under this material number. This disadvantage of pure classification numbers can be avoided by combining them with an identification number. This principle is described as parallel encryption.

Parallel encryption

If a classification number is combined with the identification number, one speaks of a material type number. The material number of the wood screw from the example above is supplemented by an ID number: 

HS820FSTC 001

If a similar wood screw is now added to the material master, it can be clearly identified with the identification number 002 .

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