Product tracking

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Introduction

In Odoo, efficient product tracking is made possible through two key methods: lots and serial numbers. While both serve the purpose of tracking inventory, they have distinct applications and benefits depending on the type of product and the business process involved.

 

Understanding Lots and Serial Numbers

 

Lots refer to a batch or group of items that are received, produced, stored, or shipped together. These are especially useful when dealing with large quantities of similar products, such as garments, packaged food, or raw materials. Lots can also represent in-house manufactured batches.

On the other hand, a serial number is a unique identifier assigned to a single item, allowing it to be tracked individually throughout its lifecycle. This method is ideal for products that require detailed tracking—such as electronics, appliances, or any items with warranties and after-sales services.

Enabling Lots and Serial Numbers in Odoo

 

To begin tracking products using lots or serial numbers, this feature must first be enabled in the system:

  1. Navigate to the Inventory app.
  2. Go to Configuration > Settings.
  3. Scroll down to the Traceability section.
  4. Check the box next to Lots & Serial Numbers.
  5. Click Save to apply the changes.

 

Once activated, this feature allows you to assign tracking numbers to products during receipts, transfers, and deliveries.

 

When to Use Lots

 

Lots are especially useful for businesses that deal with bulk goods. For example, a clothing retailer might receive 1,000 identical shirts from a supplier, all under one lot number. These products share common properties like production date or material source, making group tracking easy.

Lots are ideal for:

  • Tracking expiration dates
  • Managing recalls
  • Simplifying warehouse operations

This grouped tracking system improves traceability and accountability at every stage of the supply chain.

 

When to Use Serial Numbers

 

Serial numbers provide precise tracking for individual units. Each product receives a unique code, which can include letters, numbers, or symbols. This allows businesses to track each item from production to delivery—and beyond.

Serial numbers are particularly useful for:

  • After-sales support
  • Warranty tracking
  • Repairs and returns

For instance, a smartphone manufacturer might assign a serial number to each device so that its origin, service history, and destination are fully documented.

 

Traceability Reports in Odoo

 

Odoo provides robust reporting tools to view the full lifecycle of a product via lot or serial number tracking. These reports show critical details such as:

  • Where the product came from
  • Storage locations
  • Delivery history

To access these insights:

  1. Go to Inventory > Products > Lots/Serial Numbers.
  2. The dashboard will display all products with assigned lots or serial numbers.
  3. Click on any entry to view details such as quantity, movement history, and storage location.

To group items by lot or serial number:

  • Remove any existing filters in the search bar.
  • Click Group By > Add Custom Group.
  • Choose Lot/Serial Number and click Apply.

This reveals a grouped view of all items and their associated tracking information. Each lot or serial number can be expanded to see the specific products linked to it.



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