Cross-reference
Also called interchange
Reviewed by Dasha ShakovVP Marketing, Proton
Updated
What is cross-reference?
A cross-reference is a lookup table that links a distributor’s SKUs to other numbers for the same or an equivalent item. Those include manufacturer part numbers, customers’ own part numbers and competitors’ part numbers, and CSRs and reps use the table to turn whatever number a customer writes into the right item.
Cross-reference example
BRG-2207 is a plant’s own code for a bearing. The distributor’s cross-reference for that customer maps it to the right SKU.
Related terms
- Manufacturer part number (MPN)A manufacturer part number (MPN) is the code a manufacturer uses to identify a specific product, printed in its catalogs and often on the product itself.
- Stock keeping unit (SKU)A stock keeping unit (SKU) is the unique code a distributor gives each item it sells, so each size, color and pack can be stocked and priced separately.
- SupersessionSupersession is a manufacturer’s replacement of an old part number with a new one for the same or an improved part.
- Order entryOrder entry is putting a customer’s order into the ERP as a sales order, matching each item to the right SKU, quantity, unit of measure and price.
- Substitute itemA substitute item is a different product shipped in place of the one ordered because it does the same job, such as another brand with the same specs.
