Have you ever called a dealer or manufacturer of just about anything for a maintenance or repair part? Most probably, the salesperson wanted to know what type of appliance it is, the brand, the model number, and the serial number. If you’re not prepared, the process of purchasing parts becomes so hectic. After all, once an appliance or piece of equipment is installed or in use, retrieving those numbers or remembering where you put the documentation isn’t always easy.

WHAT ROLE DO SERIAL AND MODEL NUMBERS PLAY?

Model numbers have importance and can considerably narrow down a part search. Manufacturers rely on model numbers to identify the parts that were used to build a particular line of products. A model number can also tell the salesperson more information than you might imagine, including a range of dates when the unit may have been manufactured and any problems that occurred with that specific model. Here is an example of a breakdown of Model Number of American Range.

The appliance’s serial number may identify if there are any revisions on the parts of your unit. Serial numbers are unique to each unit sold. And they may contain other information besides the unit number when it came off the assembly line. By identifying the unit’s number, the computer can often identify the specific parts that were used to build the unit. Here is an example of a breakdown of the Serial Number of Hayward.

Complex items like generators may contain assemblies from other manufacturers, which carry their model and serial numbers.

WARRANTY COVERAGE

If you’ve ever wondered whether or not a repair was covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, the model and serial number can quickly clear it up. With the model or serial number, the salesperson can probably assure you almost immediately—barring limitations—that the unit is covered under the warranty.

As the unit ages, it becomes even more important to have the model and serial number, along with the date of purchase and the date it was put into service.

MODERN PARTS SEARCH

Earlier, dealers had to search through microfilm or huge catalogs filled with fine print. But now, the part searches are done through the manufacturer’s parts database, which is probably linked directly to the manufacturing database, which was assembled from the manufacturer’s inventory while they were building the models. So searching by a model or a serial number makes it much faster and the search becomes more specific. Computers are good at looking up a specific model and serial number. Having the exact model and serial number eliminates errors and prevents the search message, “Item Not Found”.

Manufacturers may also change the parts used on the assembly line for various reasons. They might replace a troublesome part with a better one, improve the model’s functionality, or even substitute a part because a supplier went out of business. Two portable generators manufactured several years apart may use very different parts lists. A complete model number and serial number will define which parts list was used to assemble a particular machine.

ORGANIZING INFORMATION

Using computers to keep track of everything helps manufacturing companies build better, more complex machines while keeping the unit’s final cost to the buyer as low and as competitive as possible. The same systems that make these things possible also require accurate information when asked to supply a specific part for a piece of equipment.

Keep appliance documentation in a place you’ll remember and write down the serial and model numbers before you put the documentation away. It is recommended to write the purchase date, serial, and model numbers, on a card to keep with your equipment for easy access, such as a note taped to the inside cover.

To know how to find your Model and Serial Number check out the blog: Why It Is A Good Idea To Know The Model And Serial Number Of Your Unit?