Both consumers and manufacturers have opportunities to trace the stages of production of a particular product and determine relevant production features due to a unique identification mark on goods, which is called a serial number. Remembering this number allows obtaining the necessary data that may be needed when clarifying the details of a particular order. In addition, this number can be used as a tracking code, which makes it possible to control items remotely by using the digital readout technology. Remembering the serial numbers of equipment helps obtain the necessary information about a specific product quickly and evaluate the features of this product due to the presence of the necessary data in the code.
Key Peculiarities of Serial Numbers
A serial number is a digital or alphanumeric code assigned to a product instance at the stage of its production in accordance with the marking system adopted by a manufacturer. A serial number may be described as an identification number that accompanies a product throughout its entire life cycle. According to this information, a manufacturer monitors a specific item until it is shipped to a consumer and fixes the technological history of its production. According to Smith et al. (2016), this information can be very accurate and include even the initials of a person responsible for each technological operation and the time of its completion. Therefore, serial numbers contain valuable data to track the history of products creation
Main Reasons to Remember Serial Numbers
By utilizing a serial number, a manufacturer can keep track of product modifications and changes in its production technology, which may be an insignificant feature for consumers but a crucial note for service personnel. Buyers receive a passport for a specific product where a serial number is indicated. For instance, if an item is a measurement tool, verification is performed with reference to its serial number. As an important note, one should remember that in accordance with the specifics of utilizing such codes, a manufacturer bears a warranty to consumers. When contacting technical support, a serial number of a product is the most important information that allows restoring the complete history of this item. This, in turn, is essential when analyzing the causes of a particular issue or failure. What is equally important, such numbers can be assigned not only to final products but also to structural units included in it, for instance, modules and submodules. Therefore, the ability to read and memorize the relevant data on products may help avoid problems with the quality and safety of purchased or sold goods.
Due to widespread online trading, many manufacturers include serial numbers in their databases, which allows consumers to find the equipment they need quickly and ask for help if needed. If a person remembers this code or its individual elements, this speeds up the process of appeal and simplifies the algorithm of interaction between the two parties. Thus, the importance of remembering serial numbers for equipment comes from a number of valuable perspectives, including timely service, hassle-free shopping, and fast delivery.
Conclusion
Serial numbers that are codes with embedded manufacturing information are valuable tools to find out the information about a particular product and its specifications. The importance of remembering these numbers is due to the numerous benefits that a consumer or manufacturer can obtain. Product tracking, a quick search for a specific item, and timely warranty service are crucial advantages that data about such a number on equipment gives.
Reference
Smith, R. K., Newman, G. E., & Dhar, R. (2016). Closer to the creator: Temporal contagion explains the preference for earlier serial numbers. Journal of Consumer Research, 42(5), 653-668. Web.