Lot Control & Traceability
Track every lot and serial number, from receiving to shipping
Tracking inventory by lot number is easier than you think with Connected.
What is a lot number?
A lot number is an identification number assigned to a specific quantity, batch, or “lot” of an item. Lot numbers are typically found on the outside labelling of a product and are usually accompanied by an expiry date.
When a small business is required to trace all or some inventory by lot number, it can often be a daunting task. Often a series of spreadsheets, logbooks, and/or custom databases are used to track lot numbers. These types of systems are cumbersome, often inaccurate, and have no connection to the accounting/inventory system that is driving the transactions.
Why it matters
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Canadian Food Inspection Agency have strict guidelines for virtually all types of products to include lot numbers and expiry dates on all packaging for traceability.
How Connected helps
Control the items that need it
Turn on lot number or serial number control only for the inventory items that require it.
Scan or key lot numbers
Enter lot and serial numbers by keyboard or barcode scanner. Connected checks each one against the lots available for the order and allocates it.
Trace through manufacturing
Track finished goods and their components by lot or serial number through multi-tiered manufacturing.
Value every lot
See inventory value by lot and serial number with the Inventory Valuation summary report, using FIFO or Average costing.
Complete item histories
Detailed item histories show every movement, so you can follow a lot from receiving to shipping.
One connected system
Lot data lives in the same accounting and inventory system that drives your transactions, with no separate spreadsheets or logbooks.
Use case
One case, two lots: WIDGET-123
A case of a product contains a quantity of 12 for item number/SKU (stock keeping unit) “WIDGET-123”. All 12 are WIDGET-123s, but they come from two different lots, and each lot can have a different cost.
Receive
The case is received into stock and each lot is recorded with its quantity and expiry date.
Value
Each lot is carried at its own cost, and inventory value can be reported by lot.
Ship
When an order is picked, the lot numbers are scanned. Connected confirms each lot is available on the order and allocates it.
Trace
If Lot 123 is ever recalled, its item history shows which orders and customers received it.
Lot and serial number control is included in Connected Enterprise.Pair it with Scanning Confirmation to scan lot and serial numbers on orders.
