Skip to content 
Inventarnummer
In brief
An inventory number is a unique identifier that a company assigns to each item of its fixed assets. It links the physical device to its entry in the fixed asset register, i.e. to acquisition date, costs and depreciation. When decommissioning IT hardware, it enables correct write-off if it is recorded together with the serial number.
Inventory number, serial number, asset tag
In everyday use the terms are often mixed up. But they have different tasks:
| Identifier | Assigned by | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory number | Your company (accounting) | Allocation in the Fixed asset register |
| Asset tag | Your company (IT) | Link to the asset database, often as a label with a barcode |
| Serial number | Brand | Unique identity of the device, decisive for erasure and warranty proof |
In many companies, inventory number and asset tag are identical. What matters is that the register lists the serial number for every inventory number.
Sequential numbers are common, often supplemented by an abbreviation for location or asset group. On the device, the number is usually on a label with a barcode.
The inventory number when decommissioning
When a device is sold or scrapped, accounting must book the Asset disposal . For this it needs a document that can be matched to the inventory number. Erasure and destruction certificates usually name only the serial number. If the link is missing, the disposal can hardly be documented. Which details such a document should contain is explained by the guide Scrapping record and asset disposal.
Second IT registers every delivered device by serial number and removes customer identifiers such as inventory stickers before resale.
Frequently asked questions about the inventory number
Is an inventory number required by law?
Not in a particular form. But companies must keep an inventory or fixed asset register in which every asset is identifiable. An inventory number is the usual means for this.
Do low-value assets get an inventory number?
This is not mandatory but sensible if the devices store data. This way they can be tracked through to erasure.
Must the inventory sticker be removed before sale?
Yes, it reveals the origin of the device. Record the number beforehand in your device list.
What is the difference between inventory number, serial number and asset tag?
Your accounting department assigns the inventory number for the fixed asset register. IT assigns the asset tag for the asset database. The serial number comes from the manufacturer and is decisive for erasure and warranty proof. Often inventory number and asset tag are identical.
How is an inventory number structured?
Sequential numbers are common, often supplemented by an abbreviation for location or asset group. On the device, the number is usually on a label with a barcode. What matters is that the register also lists the serial number for every inventory number.
Inventory number and serial number linked? Then this becomes your quote.
Send us your device list. You will receive your offer in 48 hours on average.