D-U-N-S® Numbers are a unique identifier that boosts credibility and visibility for businesses, relied upon by 90% of Fortune 500 companies and global giants like Apple and Walmart. This nine-digit code enables businesses to establish trust, secure partnerships, and stand out in the global market. Learn why a D-U-N-S® Number might be essential for your business.
D-U-N-S® Numbers are a unique identifier that boosts credibility and visibility for businesses, relied upon by 90% of Fortune 500 companies and global giants like Apple and Walmart. This nine-digit code enables businesses to establish trust, secure partnerships, and stand out in the global market. Learn why a D-U-N-S® Number might be essential for your business.
Millions of businesses around the world use Dun & Bradstreet’s data to make business decisions and streamline operations. In fact, more than 90% of Fortune 500 Companies utilize D&B’s database for diverse reasons.
D-U-N-S® Number, the premium product of D&B, has been availed by thousands of global businesses and it remains a leading source of establishing a unique identity through the help of a trusted third party. But what is a D-U-N-S® Number and why does your business need one?
What is a D-U-N-S® Number
The Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S® Number) is a nine-digit long number that acts as a unique identifier for businesses and facilitates them in standing out by establishing an exclusive identity for them.
This unique identity within the Dun & Bradstreet Data Cloud, setting it apart from all others
Primarily used as the starting point for a company’s Live Business Identity, the D-U-N-S® Number supports businesses in evaluating potential partners and seeking new contracts.
It is often used by lenders and potential stakeholders of a company to predict its reliability and financial stability.
A D-U-N-S Number acts as a gateway to help businesses grow. It gives companies a clearer picture of what is needed to secure partnerships and new contracts.
Why do you need a D-U-N-S® Number
The D-U-N-S® Number is used by companies to showcase authenticity, credibility, and legitimacy. It associates a company’s live business identity to its credit file.
Global events over the last couple of years have driven many companies to re-evaluate the strength and stability of every link in their supply chain. This is a primary use case of the D-U-N-S® Number. Not every D-U-N-S® Number inquiry has to do with a company’s credit.
Companies that need to meet specific Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), or diversity standards may also require a D-U-N-S® Number.
Uniqueness
D-U-N-S®️ number is unique to a specific business entity. It is assigned to a single physical location or business unit of an organization. This uniqueness allows businesses to be easily identified and distinguished from one another. E.g. Head office of a company will have Unique D-U-N-S®️ number, Regional Office Will have a Unique D-U-N-S®️ number, and Branch Office will have a Unique D-U-N-S®️ number.
Linkages
It creates linkages for ease of tracking various transactions, such as establishing trade credit, conducting due diligence, and verifying the legitimacy and reliability of trading partners that is widely used in both international and domestic trade.
Continuous Data Improvement
The primary purpose of a DUNS number is to provide a standardized identification system for businesses worldwide constantly. It helps ensure accurate identification, tracking, and reference of business entities in various commercial and governmental transactions.
The Use Cases
The D&B D-U-N-S® Number has diverse use cases that benefit a wide variety of businesses.
Small and Medium Businesses
Small and Medium companies as well as startups can apply for D-U-N-S® Number to enhance their authenticity and credibility in digital and physical marketplaces. This it easier for them to reach potential buyers all over the world.
Application Developers
Few companies, including Apple and Google, require a D-U-N-S® Number before onboarding application developers. Google partners with Dun & Bradstreet to verify the identities of developers and users are prompted to enter the D-U-N-S® Number while registering the payment option. Google checks the organization’s information with Dun & Bradstreet before saving the payment profile.
Similarly, Apple requires a D-U-N-S® Number before enrolling users into its application development program.
Dropship Vendors
Some of the world's largest marketplaces, such as Walmart and Amazon, demand a D-U-N-S® Number during the documentation phase of vendor registration. Walmart requires a D-U-N-S® Number as a pre-requisite for warehouse supplier and drop shipping schemes. On the flipside, D-U-N-S® Number is also required by users looking to sell certain products on Amazon or to obtain credit from them.
Each of these third-party programs have different guidelines that are not created or managed by Dun & Bradstreet.
Government Departments
A handful of government agencies around the world need a D-U-N-S® Number from companies seeking approval to work with them.
Large Companies
Large scale companies may need a D-U-N-S® Number to drive reliability and authenticity when expanding into new markets.
