batchtælling

Batch counting, or batchtælling, is the practice of counting the number of units within a defined batch or lot to verify batch size, support inventory management, and enable traceability and quality control. It is used across manufacturing, packaging, and warehousing to ensure that each batch contains the intended quantity of items, ingredients, or samples.

The process typically begins by defining the batch boundary and the unit of counting (for example, bottles, boxes, or kilograms of material). Counting can be performed manually with tally sheets or electronically with counting machines, scales, or barcode systems. Each batch is recorded with its batch number, production date, operator, and the observed count. The recorded batch size is compared to the expected size, and any discrepancy is documented and investigated.

Applications include production planning, inventory control, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. In regulated industries such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, batch counts support lot traceability and recall capabilities.

Common methods and tools include manual tallying, counting scales, barcode or RFID scanning, automated counting lines, and image-based counting. In many settings, sampling is used to validate batch integrity when full counting is impractical or costly.

Challenges include counting errors, damaged or missing items, partial batches, and high-speed production environments that reduce accuracy. Organizations address these issues with standard operating procedures, employee training, periodic reconciliation, and automation of data capture to minimize transcription errors.

Batchtælling contributes to inventory accuracy, yield calculation, and regulatory compliance by providing verifiable batch size data and supporting traceability throughout the supply chain.