Inventarnummer

Inventarnummer is the unique identifier assigned to an asset within an organization’s inventory or asset management system. It serves to distinguish items in asset registers, warehouses, libraries, museums, and administrative inventories. The primary purpose is to enable precise tracking of location, status, value, maintenance, and depreciation across the item’s lifecycle, and to support audits and reporting.

Structure and creation of an inventarnummer vary by organization and software. There is no universal format. Common features include alphanumeric codes, a prefix indicating category or department, a year marker, and a sequential number. Some systems include check digits for error detection. The number is typically stored as master data and linked to item records such as description, owner, location, acquisition date, cost, and depreciation method.

Usage and practical aspects: Inventarnummer appears on asset labels, barcodes or RFID tags, and in ERP or asset management software. It is used during inventory counts, procurement, repairs, relocation, disposals, and audits. It is distinct from a serial number, which generally identifies the product model or production run; the inventarnummer identifies the physical asset within the organization.

Management considerations: Establishing a consistent format and governance prevents duplicates and improves traceability. Periodic reconciliation between the inventarnummer and physical items is common practice. In public administration, inventory numbers are often part of statutory asset registers.

See also: Asset management, serial number, barcode, RFID, asset register, ERP.