Sarjanumero

Sarjanumero refers to a unique identifier assigned to a single unit within a product line. It is used to distinguish that particular item from all others and to support tracking, authentication, and historical record-keeping throughout the life of the item. Serial numbers are typically issued by manufacturers or authorized distributors and are intended to be unique within a given model or family.

Format and placement: Serial numbers are usually alphanumeric, and may include hyphens or factory codes. They are distinct from model numbers, which identify a product type, and from lot or batch numbers, which cover a group made together. A serial number is generally unique to a single unit, while a batch number covers multiple units.

Uses: Serial numbers support warranty claims, recalls, servicing histories, asset management, and product authentication. Consumers may use them to register products, verify provenance, or check compatibility with updates. In certain industries, related identifiers include vehicle identification numbers for cars, or software license keys that authorize use of a specific installation.

Format and technology: Serial numbers are often printed or etched on a label, tag, or component and may be accompanied by a barcode, QR code, or RFID tag to facilitate automatic data capture. The associated data is stored in databases linked to product data, customer records, and service histories.

Notes: There is no universal global format for serial numbers; standards and conventions vary by industry and company. The Finnish term sarjanumero is equivalent to the English "serial number" and is cognate with other languages' terms such as seriennummer (German) or numéro de série (French).