Buyer reference

Electronic component sourcing glossary

Definitions are written for procurement, engineering, operations, repair, and data-center teams. A definition explains a term; it does not confirm a specific supplier offer or inventory position.

Authorized distributor: A distributor recognized by a manufacturer for a defined commercial relationship. A sourcing reference or independent distributor is not automatically authorized.
Date code: A code used to identify when or in which production period a component was manufactured. Buyers should state the acceptable age or lot requirement in the RFQ.
End of life (EOL): A lifecycle status indicating that a manufacturer has announced an end to some normal production or ordering activity. EOL status does not by itself prove that no remaining supply exists.
Factory lead time: The time a manufacturer or source indicates it needs to produce or release material. It is not the same as a guaranteed delivery date.
Manufacturer part number (MPN): The manufacturer's complete ordering identifier for a component. Package, temperature, grade, revision, and packing suffixes can be part of the identity.
Minimum order quantity (MOQ): The smallest quantity a source will accept for a particular offer. MOQ can differ from the quantity required by the buyer.
Traceability: Records that connect an offered material to its stated source, lot, date code, packaging, condition, or supporting documentation as required by the buyer.
BOM: A bill of materials: a list of components, quantities, references, and requirements used to build or maintain a product or system.

Reviewed by Enzo Parilli · Updated August 2, 2026 · Editorial policy