GTIN vs MPN: Which Identifier Should You Use?

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If you’ve ever been puzzled by the differences between GTIN and MPN, you’re not alone. Both identifiers play a key role in product identification, but they serve different purposes.

In this article, we’ll break down what makes GTIN and MPN unique, highlight their key differences, and help you understand when to use each one.

What is a GTIN?

GTIN, or Global Trade Item Number, is a standardised identifier used worldwide to uniquely identify trade items. It is part of the GS1 system and comes in various formats, such as GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13 and GTIN-14.

GTINs are essential for tracking products in the supply chain, managing inventory, and facilitating sales at the point of sale.

What is an MPN?

MPN, or Manufacturer Part Number, is a unique identifier assigned by manufacturers to specific parts or products. Unlike GTIN, MPNs are not standardised globally and can vary significantly between manufacturers.

MPNs are crucial for identifying and managing components, especially in manufacturing and assembly processes, where precise part identification is necessary. They are widely used in electronics, automotive, and machinery industries to ensure the correct parts are used in production and maintenance.

MPN vs GTIN - What’s the Difference?

Here is a table to explain the differences between GTIN and MPN.

Aspect	GTIN	MPN
Definition and Purpose	Standardised global identifier for trade items.	Unique identifier assigned by manufacturers to specific parts.
Usage and Application	Used for retail products, supply chain management, and point of sale.	Used for identifying specific components, parts, or products by manufacturers and in inventory systems.
Standardisation and Regulation	Governed by GS1 standards.	Not standardised globally; varies by manufacturer.
Scope and Uniqueness	Unique across global markets.	Unique within a manufacturer’s product range, but not necessarily unique globally.
Representation	Numeric format (e.g., GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, GTIN-14).	Alphanumeric format, varies by manufacturer.
Visibility	High visibility across global supply chains and retailers.	Visibility typically limited to specific industries or supply chains.
Data Sharing	Facilitates data sharing and interoperability between different systems and organisations globally.	Data sharing is often limited to within the same manufacturer or specific supply chains.
Recognition	Widely recognized and accepted by retailers and businesses worldwide.	Recognition is specific to the manufacturer or industry.
Integration	Easily integrated into global supply chain systems, retail POS systems, and online marketplaces.	Integration is often specific to manufacturer’s systems and may require custom solutions.

Similarities Between GTIN and MPN

While GTIN and MPN serve different purposes, they share some commonalities.

Unique Identification: GTIN and MPN provide a unique identifier for products, helping distinguish them from others.
Inventory Management: Both identifiers are used to manage inventory effectively, ensuring that products can be tracked and accounted for throughout the supply chain.
Data Accuracy: Utilising either identifier helps maintain accurate product data, which is essential for efficient operations.
Integration with Systems: Both GTIN and MPN can be integrated into inventory management systems, ERP systems, and other business software to streamline operations.
Enhance Traceability: Both identifiers enhance the traceability of products, allowing businesses to track the journey of a product from manufacture to sale.
Used in Electronic Data Interchange (EDI): Both GTIN and MPN are used in EDI systems to facilitate seamless communication and data exchange between business partners.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding the differences and similarities between GTIN and MPN is crucial for efficient product identification and inventory management.

GTIN provides a standardised, globally recognised identifier that is ideal for retail and supply chain operations, while MPN offers a unique identifier specific to manufacturers that is essential for managing individual components. Businesses can use both identifiers appropriately to enhance their operational efficiency and accuracy.

Frequently Asked Question

Is an MPN Applicable for Consumer-Facing Products?

MPN is generally not used as a primary identifier for consumer-facing products. It is primarily intended for use by manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to manage inventory, track specific parts, and ensure the correct components are used in manufacturing and repairs.

Can Both GTIN and MPN Be Used Simultaneously for a Single Product?

Yes, both GTIN and MPN can be used simultaneously for a single product. Using both identifiers helps ensure accurate tracking and management at different levels of the supply chain.

How Do GTIN and MPN Improve Inventory Management?

GTIN and MPN improve inventory management by providing unique identifiers for products and components.

GTIN allows for standardised tracking and data sharing across global supply chains, while MPN ensures precise identification of specific parts. This dual identification system helps prevent errors, reduces discrepancies, and enhances overall efficiency in inventory management.

Why Is a GTIN More Widely Recognised Than MPN?

GTIN is more widely recognised than MPN because it is part of the GS1 system, providing a standardised global product identification framework. This standardisation allows GTIN to be universally accepted and integrated into various systems and processes across different industries. In contrast, MPNs are specific to individual manufacturers and lack a global standard, limiting their recognition to specific sectors or companies.