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Seriennummer (IT-Asset)
In brief
The serial number is a unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer that distinguishes an individual device or data carrier from all others of the same model. It is on the type plate and is usually also stored in firmware or BIOS. In IT decommissioning it is the common thread that connects the inventory list, handover record, and erasure certificate.
Where do I find the serial number of a laptop?
| Device | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Windows notebook or PC | Sticker on the underside or in the battery compartment; in the BIOS/UEFI; in PowerShell with Get-CimInstance Win32_BIOS (field SerialNumber) |
| Mac | Apple menu › "About This Mac"; additionally on the underside of the housing |
| Smartphone, tablet | Settings › About; mobile phones additionally have the IMEI |
| Hard drive, SSD | Label on the drive; readable via erasure or diagnostic software |
Important: The device and the installed data carrier each have their own serial numbers.
Why the serial number matters in decommissioning
Quantities or weights do not prove what happened to a particular device. Only the serial number makes every step of the Chain of custody verifiable: from the inventory list through goods receipt to the erasure or destruction certificate. In contrast to the Asset tagthat your company assigns, the serial number is retained even after stickers are removed. Which details a certificate should contain is explained in our guide Certificate of destruction and erasure report. At Second IT, every device is registered by serial number at goods receipt, and the erasure report states the serial number of the data carrier.
Frequently asked questions about the serial number
Is the serial number the same as the product number?
No. The product or model number describes the version and is the same for many devices. The serial number exists only once for each device.
What should I do if the sticker is missing?
On most devices, the serial number can be read out in the BIOS/UEFI, in the system information, or via software.
Is the serial number personal data?
On its own, usually not. If it is assigned to a specific person in your inventory, it can become so.
Does an SSD have its own serial number?
Yes. The device and the installed data carrier each have their own serial numbers. The SSD's number is on the drive's label and can be read out with erasure or diagnostic software. The erasure report states the serial number of the data carrier.
What is the difference between serial number and asset tag?
The manufacturer assigns the serial number, your company assigns the asset tag. The serial number is retained even when stickers are removed. That is why it is decisive for erasure and destruction certificates, while the asset tag helps with assignment in your own inventory.
Every serial number recorded, every erasure documented.
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