Batch Tracking

Batch Tracking

Batch Tracking

New future development in Huge ERP

Batch tracking in inventory management is a method used to monitor and trace groups of products that were manufactured or received together. It’s especially useful in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing, where tracking expiration dates, recalls, or quality issues is critical.

Here’s how it works:

1. What Is a Batch?

A batch (or lot) is a specific quantity of a product that is produced or received at the same time and under the same conditions. Each batch is assigned a unique identifier (batch number or lot number).

2. Key Components of Batch Tracking

Batch Number: A unique code assigned to a group of items.
Production/Receipt Date: When the batch was made or received.
Expiration Date (if applicable): Especially important for perishable goods.
Supplier or Manufacturer Info: Useful for traceability.
Quantity: How many units are in the batch.

3. How It Works in Inventory Systems

When items are received or produced, they are logged into the inventory system with their batch number.
As items are sold, used, or moved, the system tracks which batch they came from.
If a problem arises (e.g., a recall), the system can identify:
- Which customers received items from the affected batch.
- How much of the batch remains in stock.
- Where the batch is stored.

4. Benefits of Batch Tracking

Traceability: Quickly trace defective or expired products.
Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, ISO).
Inventory Accuracy: Know exactly what’s in stock and its condition.
Quality Control: Identify patterns in defects or issues.

5. Common Use Cases

Food & Beverage: Track expiration dates and recalls.
Pharmaceuticals: Ensure compliance and patient safety.
Manufacturing: Monitor quality and production consistency.
Cosmetics: Manage shelf life and ingredient sourcing.

How it works

Batch number tracking setup

You cannot have serial number and batch number active at the same time, if serial number is active then batch number must be grayed out, same goes the other way.

Example: Batch Tracking

Imagine you run a small business that sells organic honey. You receive honey in batches from your supplier and want to track:

Batch Number
Date Received
Expiration Date
Quantity Received
Quantity Sold
Remaining Stock

Excel Table Example

Batch No	Date Received	Expiry Date	Quantity Received	Quantity Sold	Remaining Stock
HNY001	2025-06-01	2026-06-01	100 jars	40	60
HNY002	2025-07-01	2026-07-01	150 jars	20	130

You can use formulas to automatically calculate Remaining Stock:

= [Quantity Received] - [Quantity Sold]

You can also use conditional formatting to highlight batches nearing expiration or low stock.

Checking Batch numbers and Quantity

Creating Batch Numbers

This will be used in multiple places

GRV
Stock Receive
Credit Note
Bill of Materials
Job BOM

GRV Example

Batch Numbers Create

Invoicing Out

Invoicing out a warehouse

The Default Cursor is on Scan Batch No, if you scan multiple times, it will add 1 to the Doc Qty.

If you put the tick on next to the Scan Batch No, then after the scan a pop up will appear to put in a quantity.

The Warehouse filter is defaulted to the line item warehouse, if you select to search off all warehouses or other warehouse that does not match the line item warehouse.

If multiple batches are selected from multiple warehouses then a warning will pop up to say that you have selected from multiple warehouses and that this will create multiple document lines with different warehouses. After the window closes, it saves the item and closes the add line item window.

However one can click on transfer button to transfer stock from one warehouse to another.

This window allows one to select multiple batches of stock to sell.

In the first column, there is an icon which will pop up an icon if the product is about to expired, going to expiry in 30 days, in 7 days, in 3 months

Batch Serial number scan on Docs

How ERP System works

Batch Numbers are assigned automatically or manually during receiving or production.
Each batch is linked to:
- Supplier
- Purchase Order
- Expiry Date
- Storage Location
When fulfilling sales orders, you can:
- Choose specific batches (FIFO, FEFO, or manually).
- Track which customer received which batch.
Reports can show:
- Batch-level stock levels
- Expiring soon batches
- Recall traceability

You can expand it with additional features like:

Conditional formatting for near-expiry items
Drop-downs for batch status
Charts for visual stock tracking

🔄 1. Automatic Alerts

Conditional Formatting to highlight:
- Batches nearing expiration (e.g., within 30 days)
- Low stock levels (e.g., below a threshold)
Example: Highlight rows in red if Remaining Stock < 10 or Expiry Date < TODAY()+30

📦 2. Batch Status Column

Add a column like Status with values such as:
- In Stock
- Sold Out
- Expired
Use formulas to auto-update based on stock and expiry.

📊 3. Dashboard or Summary Sheet

Create a separate sheet with:
- Total stock by batch
- Number of batches expiring soon
- Graphs showing stock trends or expiry timelines

🔍 4. Search & Filter Tools

Use Excel’s Data Validation to create drop-downs for filtering by batch or status.
Add a search bar using filters or VBA for quick lookup.

📁 5. Traceability Features

Add columns for:
- Supplier Name
- Purchase Order Number
- Customer Name (for sold batches)
Helps with recalls or audits.

📅 6. FIFO/FEFO Tracking

Add logic to suggest which batch to sell next:
- FIFO: First In, First Out
- FEFO: First Expired, First Out

🔐 7. Data Protection

Lock formula cells to prevent accidental edits.
Use sheet protection with a password.