What is International Article Numbering in SAP LO - Logistics - General?

SAP Term: International Article Numbering

• Component: LO

• Component Name: Logistics - General

• Description: A numbering system introduced in 1977 and based on the Bundeseinheitlichliche Betriebsnummer German numbering system BBN for unique article identification. Under the supervision of the International Article Numbering Association IANA, the International Article Number EAN is now the standard international numbering system. The EAN is the basis for scanning and computerized retailing, and is a prerequisite for Electronic Data Interchange EDI between manufacturers and retailers.

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• Key Concepts: 
  International Article Numbering (IAN) is a system used to identify and track products in the supply chain. It is a global standard for product identification and is used by companies to track and manage their inventory. IAN is based on the European Article Number (EAN) system, which was developed in the 1970s. IAN is a 13-digit code that consists of a country code, a manufacturer code, and a product code. 
  
  How to use it: 
  In SAP, IAN can be used to identify products in the supply chain. It can be used to track inventory, manage stock levels, and monitor product availability. IAN can also be used to generate reports on product sales and inventory levels. Additionally, IAN can be used to generate barcodes for products, which can be scanned at the point of sale. 
  
  Tips & Tricks: 
  When using IAN in SAP, it is important to ensure that the correct codes are entered for each product. This will ensure that the correct information is tracked and reported. Additionally, it is important to keep the IAN codes up-to-date as products are added or removed from the supply chain. 
  
  Related Information: 
  For more information on IAN and how it is used in SAP, please refer to the SAP Help Portal or contact your local SAP representative. Additionally, there are several online resources available that provide more detailed information on IAN and its use in SAP.