lotcodes

Lot codes, also known as batch numbers, are identifiers assigned to a production run of a product. They link a group of items produced together to a specific set of manufacturing conditions, ingredients, and date ranges. The primary purpose of a lot code is traceability: it enables manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to identify and track products through the supply chain and to isolate affected lots in the event of a problem.

Format and content vary by industry and company. Lot codes may include a plant or line code, a production date, and a sequence number. They are typically printed or labeled on packaging and can appear alongside other identifiers such as a serial number or an expiration date. In many systems, the lot code is stored in the enterprise systems and linked to inventory records, quality data, and recall workflows.

Standards and technology: in global trade, lot numbers are commonly managed under GS1 standards. GS1-128 barcodes or QR codes can encode batch/lot information and production dates, enabling automated scanning and traceability across suppliers, manufacturers, and regulators.

Applications and limitations: lot codes are widely used in foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and consumer goods to support recalls, quality control, and inventory management. They do not by themselves uniquely identify individual units; serialization or item-level IDs are used when unit-level traceability is required. Code readability and counterfeit risks are ongoing considerations.