Tracking Types
Every item in the system has a tracking type that determines how the system records its inventory. The tracking type is set per item per warehouse and cannot be changed after stock has been received.
The four tracking types
Section titled “The four tracking types”The simplest option. The system tracks a total quantity for each bin — it does not care about individual units. Use this for items where individual unit identity does not matter: office supplies, bulk materials, interchangeable components.
- Inventory is represented as a number (e.g., 42 units in Bin A-01-03)
- No lot or serial information required when receiving or dispatching
- Transfers move a quantity, not specific units
Stock is grouped into lots (also called batches). Every unit belongs to a lot, and the system tracks quantity per lot. Use this for items with expiration dates, manufacturing batches, or traceability requirements: food products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals.
- Each receipt is associated with a lot number
- Lots can carry an expiration date and manufacturing date
- The system tracks quantity per lot per bin
- When dispatching, you specify which lot to draw from
SERIAL
Section titled “SERIAL”Each physical unit has a unique serial number. The system tracks each unit individually. Use this for high-value equipment, electronics, or anything that must be individually identified throughout its life.
- Serial numbers must be unique across the warehouse
- Receiving creates one record per serial number
- Transfers and dispatches move specific serial numbers, not just a quantity
- You can scan or type serial numbers during operations
Similar to SERIAL, but each unit is identified by an RFID tag (EPC code) instead of a typed serial number. Use this when you have RFID readers and want scan-based operations.
- RFID tags must be unique across the warehouse
- Operations are driven by scanning tags rather than manual entry
- Stock counts for RFID items are performed by scanning all tags present in a location
Choosing the right tracking type
Section titled “Choosing the right tracking type”| Scenario | Recommended type |
|---|---|
| Stationery, packaging, raw materials | BULK |
| Food, chemicals, anything with expiry | LOT |
| Electronics, machinery, tools | SERIAL |
| Tagged apparel, RFID-enabled assets | RFID |