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Version: 7.0

Lots and packages

Lots​

A lot (batch/serial) is used for traceability.

Lot tracking is controlled by several layers of settings:

  • a global toggle in Inventory → Configuration → Settings that turns lot accounting on for the system as a whole;
  • on each item category, a Use lots flag, Serial numbers flag, numerator and ID prefix for generating lot IDs. The category-level Use lots / Serial numbers / numerator / prefix settings are inherited by child categories and by products in the category;
  • on each product, a Use lots override that lets you opt an individual product in to lot tracking even if its category is off. This product-level flag cannot disable lot tracking for a product whose category has it on — to switch lots off for such a product, turn the flag off at the category.

A lot record itself is minimal: it has an ID and the Product it belongs to. Expiration dates and similar attributes are not part of the base lot entity — they may be added by a configuration that extends the model.

When lot accounting is enabled for a product:

  • a lot can be specified on receipt, shipment, transfer (transfer is a shipment with the "Transfer" flag), scrap and adjustment lines;
  • stock reports can be built with a lot breakdown;
  • in mobile / scanning workflows, the system can resolve a barcode directly to a lot.

Packages​

A package is a container/multi-item unit identified by an ID (and an optional reference) that has its own line list of product quantities.

Package handling in the standard configuration is currently supported only in receipts: packages can be linked to a receipt, and a package line can be linked to a lot. Shipments, transfers, scrap and adjustments work with lots only — they do not have package-level support out of the box.

When package handling is used on a receipt:

  • the package contents (products and their quantities) are recorded once on the package directory;
  • the package is then linked to the receipt — its lines are shown on the receipt card for reference and traceability;
  • each line of the package can be linked to a lot when lot tracking is enabled for the product.

Linking a package to a receipt is informational: stock is still posted from the receipt's own line quantities (the "done" column), so the corresponding receipt lines must also be filled in.

Do not confuse this with the "Show packages" option that can be enabled on a document type. That option turns on extra columns in document lines for entering a quantity in packaging units (boxes, pallets, etc.) and is described under Number of packages. It is independent from the Package directory described here.