Lotcode

Lotcode, commonly written as lot code, is an identifier assigned to a production lot to enable traceability and quality control across the supply chain. A lotcode links manufactured items to a specific batch, production run, or supplier lot, allowing organizations to track origin, production conditions, and material inputs. It supports recalls, provenance verification, and quality investigations by providing a stable reference for a group of items rather than individual units.

Structure and formats of lotcodes vary by industry and company. Typical components may include a plant or facility code, a production date or date range, and a sequential batch or lot number. For example, a lotcode might look like PLA1-230701-0007, indicating a specific plant, a production date, and batch sequence. Some systems store part of the lotcode in a barcode or QR code to facilitate scanning in warehouses and at points of sale.

Encoding and standards: many organizations encode lotcodes on labels using human-readable text plus machine-readable symbology such as Code 128 or QR codes. In global trade, standards bodies like GS1 provide frameworks for integrating lot numbers with product identifiers (for example, AI 10 for batch/lot number, and AI 11 or 17 for date information) to support end-to-end traceability.

Usage and governance: lotcodes are typically managed within ERP or supply-chain systems, linked to inventory, quality records, and recall workflows. They are usually unique within a production context but may be reused over time in different production cycles. Best practices include ensuring uniqueness per lot, maintaining historical records, and avoiding premature reuse of codes.

See also: lot number, batch number, serialization.