lotserial

Lotserial is a term used in inventory management to describe the combined tracking of lot (batch) numbers and serial numbers for items in stock. It is implemented in many ERP and warehouse management systems as a core feature to improve traceability, quality control, and regulatory compliance across supply chains.

A lot (batch) groups a production run or consignment of items that share common attributes such as manufacture date and expiration. A serial number uniquely identifies an individual item. Some systems support both, attaching a serial number to each unit within a lot, enabling both batch-level and unit-level traceability.

Core data often associated with lotserial includes lot_number, serial_number, manufacture_date, expiration_date, quantity, and status. Operationally, lotserial data is created during production or receipt, propagated through stock moves, and linked to shipments, pickups, and recalls. It supports quality checks, recall management, and warranty tracking, and is especially common in industries with strict traceability requirements such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and electronics.

Benefits include improved traceability, faster recalls, and better inventory accuracy. Potential challenges involve data quality, increased data entry or barcoding requirements, and performance considerations in high-volume environments. Proper implementation typically requires clear ownership, consistent data standards, and integration with barcodes and quality systems.