On this page, you’ll learn how to submit serial numbers to Unite via invoices or dispatch notifications in the correct format – for more efficient claims handling, improved traceability, and greater transparency.
About serial numbers
What are serial numbers?
Serial numbers are unique alphanumeric identifiers assigned to products by the manufacturer, often labelled as ‘S/N’, ‘SN’, ‘MSN’, or ‘ISSN’. They enable clear identification of individual devices, especially electronic ones, and are essential for recalls and returns.
What are the benefits of using serial numbers?
For our mutual customers:
Clear assignment: Devices can be correctly linked in the ERP system.
Efficient resolving of issues: In case of defects, the system instantly shows which partner to contact for returns.
Product history: The full lifecycle of a device becomes transparent.
For suppliers:
Efficient claim handling: Serial numbers allow fast and accurate processing of claims.
Targeted communication: When a claim is justified, all relevant information can be requested directly from the manufacturer.
Time savings: In case of recalls, processing time is significantly reduced, and affected devices and customer numbers can be identified correctly.
Submitting serial numbers
You can submit serial numbers to Unite in the following ways:
In a dispatch notification via the dispatch notification interface
On invoices via the invoice interface
Important: Serial numbers must be submitted at item level. If you submit multiple serial numbers, use one separate field per serial number. Combining serial numbers in one field (e.g. comma or semicolon-separated) is not allowed.
Submitting in dispatch notifications
Format
Dispatch notification
openTRANS 1.0
As openTRANS 1.0 doesn’t have a dedicated serial number field, use a REMARK field with a defined syntax:
Since SAP iDOC INVOIC does not include a dedicated serial number field, the free-text field E1EDPT1 with qualifier TDID="SENR" is used.
The serial number is placed in the E1EDPT2 segment under TDLINE:
<E1EDPT1 SEGMENT="1">
<TDID>SENR</TDID>
<E1EDPT2 SEGMENT="1">
<TDLINE>123456</TDLINE>
<TDFORMAT>*</TDFORMAT>
</E1EDPT2>
</E1EDPT1>
Only one serial number per E1EDPT2 segment
Multiple E1EDPT2 segments are allowed
EDIFACT
Each serial number is submitted in a separate GIN+BN segment:
GIN+BN+123456‘
If you have questions about the interface or would like to use an alternative format, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to support you with the technical implementation. You can reach our support team at support@unite.eu.