Anatomy of DUNS#

Numbering system has always played a key role in our life. It has offered us many ways to handle complicated data handling with help of unique key concept. When companies multiplexed in numbers with associated warehouses and departments, it’s become important for the controlling authority to assign unique identity and hence DUNS # was born. It helped them to find out relevant information and keep track of activities.

The Data Universal Numbering System, abbreviated as DUNS or D-U-N-S is a unique nine- digit identification number, developed and regulated by Duns & Bradstreet (D&B) in 1962 to identify unique business establishments. The D-U-N-S Numbering system was recommended in 1992 by the United Nations as a global standard for business identification and endorsed by more than 50 global industry associations.

Features of DUNS#

· The DUNS Number is assigned to each business location in the D&B database having a unique, separate, and distinct operation to businesses for the purpose of identifying them.

· The DUNS Number is site-specific. Therefore, each distinct physical location of an entity (such as branches, divisions, and headquarters) may be assigned a DUNS number. Organizations should try and keep DUNS numbers to a minimum. In many instances, a central DUNS number with a DUNS number for each major division/department/agency that applies for a grant may be sufficient.

· In order to provide on-the-spot DUNS number assignment, the requestor should do this by telephone.

Benefit of DUNS#

- Helps businesses around the world identify potential trading partners.
- Eliminates duplicate file entries
- Link companies within the same corporate family.
- Enhances the credibility of your business in the marketplace
- Enables potential customers, suppliers and lenders to easily identify and learn about your company
- Several Governments and many major corporations globally require their suppliers and contractors to have a D&B D-U-N-S® Number

DUNS# path of success

1.Its recognition as a global business identification standard for:

• American National Standards Institute ANSI ASC X12 -- since 1989
• United Nations/Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport/UN EDIFACT Council -- since 1991
• European Commission (EDIRA)
• International Standards Organization (ISO) -- since 1993
• United States Federal Government
• Electronic Commerce Acquisition Team (ECAT) -- since 1994
• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
• United States Postal Service (USPS)
• North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

2. The federal government has adopted the D&B D-U-N-S Number as a principal contractor identification code.

Facilities provided by DUNS# to the users

• Identify cross-selling opportunities within the same corporate 'family'
• Eliminate duplicate file entries in your own customer and supplier information warehouses
• Streamline your transactions and simplify communications with e-commerce
• Act as a common classifier or identifier for invoices, requisitions, payments, shipping, customs clearances and other business documentation
• Reduce operating costs by linking interrelated suppliers and increasing purchasing power
• Tap revenue and customer service opportunities by uncovering prospects and linking related customer accounts to support a 'one-customer' view
• Integrate your internal systems by rolling up payables and receivables

Significance of DUNS# in EDI

The D-U-N-S Number system fits within the electronic data interchange (EDI) scheme adopted by the EDI Registration Authorities Project (EDIRA).

The European Commission is the third major international organization to recognize the D-U-N-S Number as a standard for electronic data interchange (EDI). The United Nations and the International Standards Organization previously extended recognition.

The D&B D-U-N-S Number is an internationally recognized common company identifier in EDI and global electronic commerce transactions.

Scenarios of using DUNS# in the ISA/UNB record

DUNS (Dun & Bradstreet) numbers are assigned to each of our facilities to differentiate shipping addresses. DUNS Plus numbers will be assigned to our service facilities to differentiate releases to different organizations, usually service and production, with the same ship-to address. These unique identifiers are comprised of the number used for the production facility with the addition of the suffix "XYZ". The "....XYZ" numbers should be used ONLY for determining the ship-to address for a purchase order release. Do not use the DUNS plus numbers for invoicing or correspondence.

Location of the DUNS number in the EDI set

In ANSI X12 test data, DUNS # can be used in ISA, N1 and SDQ segments. The usage depends on the Retailer’s requirement and VAN’s support. EDI segments are so designed that it can carry DUNS # easily to handle various scenario.

In ANSI X12, N1 is the Name segment in which N103 is the Identification Code Qualifier

The DUNS number will be in the ship-to address in the N1 segment, coded "ST".

If N103=1 then it is a D-U-N-S Number

If N103=9 then D-U-N-S+4, D-U-N-S Number with Four Character Suffix Dun & Bradstreet DUNS Number with a four-digit suffix identifying a specific location within a company, e.g., a distribution center or a store. This number may or may not contain the nine digits associated with the parent company

IN EDIFACT, NAD is the Name and Address segment in which NAD0202=Code List Qualifier

If NAD0202=46 and NAD0203=16 then it is a D-U-N-S Number authored by Duns & Bradstreet

Some useful links on DUNS #

http://www.grants.gov/applicants/request_duns_number.jsp
http://www.nea.gov/grants/apply/DUNS.html
http://www.beallsinc.com/vendor/bealls/edi_mapping_requirements.htm