Glossary
Part number cross reference
A part number cross reference is a table that maps one part number to an equivalent one: the product of a competitor to your own, a customer number to your article number, or an old number to its successor.
In short
A cross reference links one part number to an equivalent one. In German it is called a Vergleichsliste.
There are three kinds. A competitor cross reference matches products of different manufacturers and is usually published by the manufacturers for their range. A customer cross reference maps a customer number to your own article number and is kept per customer in the ERP. A supersession maps an old number to its successor.
It is used to replace a competitor product named in an LV or spec, to read customer orders with customer part numbers, and to handle discontinued items.
Example
An LV names a competitor’s product as the reference and allows an or equal product in its place. The wholesaler looks up the competitor’s part number in a competitor cross reference and finds its own equivalent. Before it quotes, it checks dimensions, ratings and approvals on the spec sheet.
A second case: a customer sends a purchase order with its own part numbers. The customer cross reference, kept in the ERP for this customer, maps each number to the wholesaler’s article.
A third case: an article is discontinued. The supersession points from the old number to its successor. Each of these cases is only as reliable as its source and its last update, so the table is a working aid, not a guarantee.
What to watch for
“Equivalent” is rarely one to one. Check dimensions, ratings and approvals, not only the name.
Note the source and the date of each entry, so that you can judge how current it is.
Customer references change. Review them regularly.
Check that a successor meets the same requirement as the old article.
A cross reference is a suggestion. The specification decides.
Not to be confused with
Manufacturer part number: one number that identifies one product. A cross reference links two numbers.
GTIN or EAN: the global identification of one article. It does not link two articles.
Customer part number: the number under which the customer knows the article. Only the customer cross reference turns it into your own article number.
In Mercura
Mercura suggests matching articles from the customer's own catalogue also for items that name another manufacturer's product.
Related terms
Or equal (brand name or equal)
Or equal (brand name or equal) is a specification clause that names a product as the standard and allows an equal product that meets the salient characteristics stated in the specification. The offer has to identify the product it offers.
Line card
A line card is the list of manufacturers and product lines that a distributor carries and is authorised to sell. Distributors publish it as a PDF or as a web page.
Spec sheet
A spec sheet, also called a data sheet, is the manufacturer’s document with the technical data of one product or product series: dimensions, materials, ratings, norms, certificates, options and order codes.
Purchase order (PO)
A purchase order (PO) is the buyer's document that orders goods or services from a supplier. It states the PO number, the buyer, the ship-to address, the line items, the requested dates and the terms.
ETIM (product classification)
ETIM is the international classification standard for technical products. It sorts products into classes and describes each class with a fixed set of features, so that products of different manufacturers can be compared by their technical data.
ECLASS (product classification standard)
ECLASS is a data standard for classifying and describing goods and services with classes and properties. Every product or service can be given an 8-digit code, and the standard is maintained by ECLASS e.V. in Cologne.
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