MPN stands for Manufacturer Part Number. It is a unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer to each product they produce. MPNs are used to track products throughout the supply chain, from manufacturing to distribution to retail sale.
References are required for MPNs because they provide a way to verify the authenticity of a product. When a retailer receives a product with an MPN that does not match the MPN on the invoice, it is a red flag that the product may be counterfeit or stolen.
Counterfeit products are a major problem in the electronics industry. According to the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition, counterfeit electronic products cost the global economy $461 billion in lost sales in 2019. Counterfeit products can also be dangerous, as they may not meet the same safety standards as genuine products.
References help to protect retailers and consumers from counterfeit products. By requiring references for MPNs, retailers can verify that the products they are selling are genuine. This helps to protect consumers from buying counterfeit products that may be dangerous or not perform as expected.
In addition to preventing counterfeiting, references can also help to prevent theft. When a thief steals a product, they often try to sell it to a retailer. If the retailer requires a reference for the MPN, the thief will not be able to sell the product. This helps to deter theft and protect retailers from losing money.
Overall, references are an important part of the MPN system. They help to protect retailers and consumers from counterfeit products and theft.
What are the Benefits of Using MPNs with References?
There are many benefits to using MPNs with references. Some of the most notable benefits include:
- Reduced risk of counterfeiting: References help to verify the authenticity of products, which reduces the risk of counterfeiting.
- Increased protection from theft: References help to deter theft by making it more difficult for thieves to sell stolen products.
- Improved supply chain efficiency: References help to track products throughout the supply chain, which can improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction: Customers are more likely to be satisfied with products that are genuine and have been purchased from a reputable retailer.
How to Use MPNs with References
Using MPNs with references is a simple process. Here are the steps:
- When you receive a product, check the MPN on the product packaging.
- Compare the MPN on the product packaging to the MPN on the invoice.
- If the MPNs do not match, contact the retailer or manufacturer for verification.
Frequently Asked Questions About MPNs and References
Q: Why do some products not have MPNs?
A: Some products do not have MPNs because they are not manufactured by a major manufacturer. These products may be generic or private-label products.
Q: What should I do if I have a product with an MPN that does not match the MPN on the invoice?
A: If you have a product with an MPN that does not match the MPN on the invoice, you should contact the retailer or manufacturer for verification. The retailer or manufacturer may be able to provide you with a correct MPN or explain why the MPNs do not match.
Q: Are references the only way to verify the authenticity of a product?
A: No, references are not the only way to verify the authenticity of a product. Other methods include:
- Checking the product packaging: Counterfeit products often have poor-quality packaging that may contain misspellings or grammatical errors.
- Inspecting the product itself: Counterfeit products may have obvious defects or differences from genuine products.
- Contacting the manufacturer: The manufacturer can often verify the authenticity of a product by checking the serial number or other identifying information.
Conclusion
References are an important part of the MPN system. They help to protect retailers and consumers from counterfeit products and theft. By requiring references for MPNs, retailers can verify that the products they are selling are genuine. This helps to protect consumers from buying counterfeit products that may be dangerous or not perform as expected.
If you are ever unsure about the authenticity of a product, you should always contact the retailer or manufacturer for verification.
