Why lots matter
Admixtures, epoxies, oils and some filters arrive with expiry or batch numbers. Different lots share one item code; ledger quantity without lot detail hides which batch is on the shelf.
Audits and warranty claims need receipt lot to match issue lot. Excel rows without lot force crews to hunt the oldest bag on site.
Tracking modes
Part cards use tracking can be none, lot or serial; expiry can be mandatory on the part card. Lot columns are ignored on NONE; LOT and SERIAL need lot lines on movements.
Serial receipt lines split by quantity—one serial each. Lot-tracked consumables capture lot number and expiry on one line.
FEFO issue logic
FEFO allocation sorts AVAILABLE lots by expiry; null expiry sorts last. Issues without lot split by FEFO; strict mode errors if a newer lot is chosen.
Work-order reserve, pick lists, transfers, custody and manual issues use lot movement engine. Transfers needing multiple lots split lines.
GS1 labels and scanning
Labels use kind LOT; GS1-128 and DataMatrix (240)code(10)lot(17)YYMMDD(21)serial are supported. Without GTIN, test scanners against your label template.
Print from the part card—handwritten lot tags fail scans. Label at receipt before putaway validates lot early.
Quarantine and lot status
StockLot statuses include QUARANTINE and BLOCKED. Quarantined quantity is not available; FEFO must skip until quality release.
Receipt can create lots in QUARANTINE until QC posts release—see the goods-receipt quarantine guide for saved rules.
Expiry warnings
expiryWarnDays defaults to thirty; expiry report and dashboard list upcoming lots. expired lots are marked daily runs daily and marks EXPIRED lots non-issuable.
Low-stock digest includes an expiry section; digest is sent in the recipient's language today—plan communications accordingly.
Field discipline
Physical segregation backs FEFO for bags and drums; mixed stacks defeat software. Reprint labels instead of overwriting bags.
Note oil lot changes on the machine record; issuing to the work-order line ties cost to the batch.
Lot screens in Mass
Lots and Serials page offers filters, expiry badges and status changes; part detail shows tracking fields and lots; bin panel shows lot breakdown.
warehouse and inventory management lot module automatic rollouts to materials license roles. lot on count lines is required for tracked parts; count UI lot picker is limited—plan cycle counts accordingly.
Roles and field rhythm
Receipt operators read lot from the delivery note; QC decides QUARANTINE. The warehouse lead prints labels before the goods receipt is saved and approved; no putaway until lot is AVAILABLE.
Workshop leads do not pick lots on work orders under FEFO; strict mode blocks newer bags.
Procurement reviews the expiry report weekly and plans priority consumption within thirty days.
Before audits prepare lot status lists, quarantine wait times and EXPIRED scrap records.
Additional practical notes
lotKey combines partId and lot number; still show vendor code on the label.
Serial mode splits receipt lines; scanning speeds capture.
Transfers needing multiple lots auto-split lines; do not merge totals manually.
Low scanner power fails on dark bags; run a test print.
After expired lots are marked daily cron EXPIRED lots cannot issue; scrap needs separate approval.
Open a separate count session for tracked SKUs while lot picker UI is limited.
Attach QC photos and measurements before releasing lot to AVAILABLE.
Logging oil lot changes on the machine record supports warranty claims.
Audit readiness
Expiry report, quarantine wait averages and EXPIRED lot lists belong in the audit pack; label photos must link to receipt lines.
FEFO complaints review lot movement engine logs and lot chain; even with strict FEFO off, root cause points to training.
Storage instructions attach to lot cards; tune expiry warning threshold to project risk class.
GS1 scan failures allow manual lot entry only with named approval logged in audit trail.
Lot module is hidden without materials license; verify role templates before cutover.
Sustainable improvement cycle
At month-end, review replenishment, invoice match, lot expiry and kit/consignment reconciliation together—if one module KPI breaks another, root cause is joint. Mass feeds this from one movement ledger.
Name approvers for each exception type: variance invoice notes, quarantine lot release, kit assembly shortages, consignment period invoices. Track exception rate monthly.
Negative stock, unmatched invoice lines and EXPIRED lots clustering on one warehouse code in the same week triggers bin or unit review before blaming software.
External audit pack: saved count session summary, matched/variance mix, FEFO strict violation sample, kit cost tie-out, consignment consigned quantity closure—PDFs linked to supplier invoice record and receipt lines.
Onboard staff with fifteen-minute demos of import templates, Order Suggestions page filters, invoice wizard and lot labels; supervised first week instead of certificate-only training.
At project close, clear draft purchase order, unmatched invoices, QUARANTINE lots and open consignment usage record before team disperses—checklist mirrors Mass onboarding card on the dashboard.