What is a lot number?
A lot number (or batch number) is the code that ties a group of products to when and where they were made, used for expiry, recalls and rotating stock.
Manufacturers print a lot number on each batch they produce, often next to the best-before or expiry date. Every unit in the lot was made from the same ingredients, on the same line, around the same time. If something goes wrong with that batch, the lot number lets everyone in the supply chain find exactly which units are affected.
Lot tracking means recording the lot number when stock arrives and keeping it attached to that stock until it is sold. That way you can answer three questions quickly: how much of lot 24-118 is left, when does it expire, and who bought it. Food, pharmacy, cosmetics, supplements and anything with a recall risk benefit most.
Lot and expiry tracking go together. Selling the oldest lot first (first expired, first out) cuts waste, and a report of lots close to expiry tells you what to discount or pull. When a supplier issues a recall, a lot report shows how much of the lot you still hold, so you can pull it from the shelf and return it.
In SeroPOS, lot numbers are switched on in the back office under Business Settings, then Purchases ('Enable lot number'), and expiry under Business Settings, then Product. Each purchase line can then carry a lot number with manufacturing and expiry dates, and opening stock can be entered by lot. The Lot Report shows current stock, units sold and adjusted, and expiry per lot. Print Labels can include the lot number and expiry date.
A specialty food shop receives 48 jars of honey from lot 26-0412, expiring 30 April 2028, and records the lot on the purchase. In June the supplier recalls lot 26-0412. The lot report shows 48 received, 31 sold and 17 on hand, so staff pull 17 jars and send them back with the supplier's return form.