Final answer:
The 13-digit number used to identify an item in the supply distribution system of the U.S. is called an ISBN (International Standard Book Number).
Step-by-step explanation:
The 13-digit number used to identify an item in the supply distribution system of the U.S. is called a ISBN (International Standard Book Number). It is assigned to books and other published works to uniquely identify them. The ISBN consists of five parts: a prefix, a registration group, a registrant, the publication element, and a verifying digit.