Odoo Inventory Tracking: Serial Numbers vs Lot Numbers
In inventory and manufacturing, accurate product tracking is essential. Whether you’re managing electronics, pharmaceuticals, or food products, Odoo offers two robust tracking methods to ensure full traceability: Serial Numbers and Lot Numbers.
While both are used to track items through their lifecycle, they serve distinct purposes and are applied differently in Odoo. In this blog, we’ll break down the difference between serial and lot numbers in Odoo, when to use each, and how they impact your business operations.
What Are Serial Numbers in Odoo?
Serial Numbers are unique identifiers assigned to individual items. Each product has its own serial number, allowing it to be tracked independently throughout its movement—from procurement to delivery and even return or maintenance.
When to Use Serial Numbers:
- Products that require individual tracking
- High-value items like electronics, medical equipment, or luxury goods
- Items under warranty or service agreements
- When regulatory compliance demands individual traceability
Example:
If you’re selling laptops, each device will have its own serial number. Even if you purchase 10 units, Odoo will treat them as 10 separate items, each with a unique serial.
What Are Lot Numbers in Odoo?
Lot Numbers (also called Batch Numbers) are used to identify groups of products that were produced or received together. All items in the lot are treated as identical, and they share the same tracking reference.
When to Use Lot Numbers:
- Products manufactured or received in bulk
- Perishable goods like food, chemicals, or cosmetics
- Quality control and recalls based on batch
- When expiry dates are managed in groups
Example:
If you produce 100 bottles of shampoo in one manufacturing run, all bottles can be assigned a single lot number. They are considered the same in terms of quality and production details.
Key Differences Between Serial Numbers and Lot Numbers
| Feature | Serial Numbers | Lot Numbers |
| Uniqueness | One serial per item | One lot per group of items |
| Tracking Level | Individual product | Group of identical items |
| Use Case | Electronics, machinery, warranty items | Food, beverages, pharmaceuticals |
| Stock Valuation Impact | More detailed tracking | Simplified valuation |
| Maintenance/Warranty | Easier to manage | Harder to pinpoint one item |
How to Enable and Use Serial/Lot Numbers in Odoo
Odoo makes it simple to enable and configure product tracking through serial or lot numbers.
Step 1: Activate Tracking
- Go to Inventory > Configuration > Settings
- Under the Traceability section, enable Lots & Serial Numbers
Step 2: Define Product Tracking
- Go to Inventory > Products
- Select your product and set the Tracking field to either:
- By Unique Serial Number (for serial tracking)
- By Lots (for lot tracking)
Step 3: Use in Transactions
- During incoming shipments, Odoo will prompt you to assign serial/lot numbers
- Same applies to manufacturing, delivery, and returns
- You can easily trace the entire lifecycle via Traceability Reports
Benefits of Using Serial and Lot Numbers in Odoo
- Full product traceability
- Easier recall management
- Improved warranty and service tracking
- Enhanced compliance with industry regulations
- Better quality control and stock accuracy
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between serial numbers and lot numbers is crucial for efficient inventory management in Odoo. Whether you’re tracking products individually or in batches, Odoo’s flexible tracking features provide the visibility and control your business needs.
Want to implement smart product traceability in your Odoo system?
Let Odiware Help You Optimize Your Inventory in Odoo
At Odiware, we specialize in Odoo implementation, customization, and training. Whether you need help configuring lot/serial tracking, automating your warehouse, or ensuring full traceability—we’ve got you covered.
Contact us today to streamline your inventory with Odoo.
📞 Call Us: +91 86608 65440
📧 Email: sales@odiware.com
🌐 Visit: www.odiware.com
