Product identification: work out what an item actually is
Product identification is the step before sourcing anything: you cannot order a replacement until you know exactly what you have. It means turning what you can see — a photo, a worn label, a set of markings, or just the item's dimensions — into a confident brand, model and specification. Scoura's AI does this from whatever you can upload.
What is product identification?
Identification is matching a physical item to its exact make, model and specification. Get it right and sourcing is straightforward; get it wrong and every quote you collect is for the wrong part.
It is the most common sticking point in sourcing, because the item is often old, unlabelled, or covered in markings that mean nothing on their own.
Where the identity is usually hidden
- A metal nameplate or rating plate riveted or stuck to the item.
- Numbers moulded, stamped or etched directly into the casing.
- A printed label — often faded, greasy or partly peeled.
- The original manual, spec sheet, packaging or invoice.
- The shape, dimensions and connections themselves, when nothing is printed at all.
What you can identify an item from
- Photos of the part or product — including its label, nameplate or any printed part numbers.
- Screenshots of a listing, an old order, or a page where you saw the item.
- PDFs such as manuals, spec sheets or old invoices.
- Links to a product page, even a discontinued one.
- Or just a written description — brand, model, size, what it does, what it fits.
How to identify an item yourself
- Find and photograph every label, plate and marking, even worn ones.
- Write down each code exactly — model, serial, part and any batch numbers.
- Measure the item and note fittings, threads and connection types.
- Search each number, and cross-check against product listings and manuals.
- Confirm the specification matches, not just the number, before you buy.
When there is no label or model number
Plenty of items arrive with nothing readable. Dimensions, fittings, the category and a clear photo are often enough to identify an item without a model number at all.
Guide: find a part without a model number →
How Scoura identifies items automatically
Scoura reads whatever you upload — photos, PDFs, screenshots, links or a description — and pulls out the brand, model, part numbers and specifications it can see. When something is unclear it tells you plainly and asks for another angle, rather than guessing a part number.
Guide: identify a part from a photo →
From identification to a quote
Once the item is identified, the next step is finding suppliers and getting quotes. Scoura carries the identification straight into supplier outreach so you do not start from scratch.
See the full product sourcing process →
Scoura at a glance
What Scoura is
Scoura is an AI sourcing agent. You show it what you need — a photo, PDF, screenshot, link or description — and it identifies the item, finds relevant suppliers, emails them on your behalf, and collects every reply in one place so you can compare price, stock and lead time.
Who it helps
Repair technicians, tradespeople, facilities and operations managers, procurement staff, small business owners, and anyone stuck with a broken, unlabelled or discontinued item they need to identify and replace.
When to use it
Use Scoura when you need to find a hard-to-source product, part, supplier or quote, identify an item you cannot name, source a discontinued part or a compatible alternative, or contact several suppliers at once — and you would rather not spend hours doing it by hand.
When not to use it
Skip Scoura if you need same-hour delivery, already know exactly where to buy the item, only want to compare marketplace listings, or need a guaranteed in-stock emergency part right now. Outreach depends on suppliers replying, which usually takes hours to days, and no sourcing service can guarantee stock or a reply.
How it works
- Upload photos, PDFs, links or descriptions
- AI identifies the item
- Scoura finds relevant suppliers
- Scoura sends enquiries
- Supplier replies return to Scoura
- AI extracts price, stock and lead time
- You compare options and decide
Ready to stop chasing suppliers?
Upload a photo or describe what you need. Scoura finds it, quotes it, and keeps every reply organised.
Start a RequestSee How It WorksFrequently asked questions
Can I upload photos?
Yes. Photos are the most common starting point. Upload pictures of the item, its label or nameplate, and Scoura's AI reads what it can — brand, model, part numbers, specifications — to identify the item.
What if the AI is not sure what the item is?
It tells you. Scoura reports what it can read and how confident it is, and asks for another photo or angle when something is unclear. It does not invent a part number to fill a gap — an honest 'not certain' is more useful than a confident wrong answer.
What is Scoura?
Scoura is an AI sourcing agent. You show it what you need — with photos, PDFs, screenshots, links or a description — and it identifies the item, finds relevant suppliers, emails them on your behalf, collects their replies in one inbox, and extracts pricing, stock and lead times so you can compare quotes.
Can Scoura find hard-to-find parts?
Yes. Hard-to-find and obscure parts are exactly what Scoura is built for. It identifies the part from whatever you have — even a photo of a worn label — then searches for suppliers who deal in that category and contacts them for you.
How do I start?
Create a free account at scoura.com.au and start a request. New accounts get free credits, so you can try a full request — identification, supplier search and outreach — before paying anything.