Odoo’s Lot/Serial Tracking: Never Lose Items Again
Imagine this: You run a small pharmaceutical business, and a customer reports a defective batch of medicine. Without proper tracking, you’re forced to recall all your stock—costing you thousands in losses and damaging your reputation.
Now, picture an alternative: With a few clicks, you trace the exact batch, confirm it was stored correctly, and identify the issue—saving time, money, and customer trust.
This is the power of Odoo’s Lot/Serial Tracking, a game-changer for businesses dealing with perishable goods, high-value electronics, or regulated products like food and medicine.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- Why tracking inventory by lots/serials is crucial
- How Odoo simplifies traceability
- Industries that benefit the most
- Steps to set it up
By the end, you’ll see why manual tracking is risky—and how Odoo ensures accountability at every step.
Why Lot/Serial Tracking Matters
Losing track of inventory isn’t just frustrating—it’s expensive. Here’s why businesses adopt lot/serial tracking:
Compliance & Safety
- Pharmaceuticals and food must track expiry dates and batches.
- Electronics manufacturers need warranty and defect tracing.
Reduce Waste & Costs
- Avoid spoilage by using the "First Expiry, First Out" (FEFO) method.
- Stop selling recalled or defective items accidentally.
Fraud & Theft Prevention
- High-value items (e.g., smartphones, luxury goods) are prone to theft.
- Serial numbers help track stolen goods.
Without a system like Odoo, businesses rely on spreadsheets or paper logs—leading to human errors and inefficiencies.
How Odoo Makes Lot/Serial Tracking Effortless
Odoo’s inventory management system automates traceability with:
1. End-to-End Visibility
- Track items from purchase → warehouse → sales in real time.
- Scan barcodes to update stock movements instantly.
2. Smart Expiry Alerts (For Perishable Goods)
- Get warnings before batches expire.
- Prioritize stock based on shelf life (FEFO).
3. Recall Management
- If a defective batch is found, quickly identify:
- Which customers received it.
- How many are still in stock.
4. Customizable Tracking
- Use lots (for batches, like medicines) or serials (for individual items, like laptops).
- Assign expiry dates, manufacturing details, or supplier info.
Who Benefits the Most?
🏥 Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare
- Comply with strict regulations (FDA, EU-GMP).
- Track medicine batches, expiry dates, and storage conditions.
🍎 Food & Beverage Industry
- Prevent spoilage with expiry alerts.
- Quickly trace contaminated products to their source.
📱 Electronics & High-Value Goods
- Manage warranties and service requests using serial numbers.
- Reduce counterfeit products in supply chains.
🛠️ Manufacturing & Repair Services
- Track defective components back to suppliers.
- Log maintenance history for equipment.
How to Set Up Lot/Serial Tracking in Odoo
Enable Tracking in Settings
- Go to Inventory → Configuration → Settings and enable Lots & Serial Numbers.
Assign Lots/Serials During Purchase
- When receiving stock, input batch numbers or scan serials.
Automate Expiry Alerts
- Set up notifications for soon-to-expire items.
Trace Items in Sales & Deliveries
- When selling, select the specific lot/serial being shipped.
Run Traceability Reports
- Generate reports to see an item’s full journey.
Final Thoughts: Is Your Business at Risk Without It?
If you’re still tracking inventory manually, you’re risking:
✔️ Regulatory fines (for non-compliance).
✔️ Financial losses (due to spoilage or recalls).
✔️ Customer distrust (if defective products slip through).
Odoo’s Lot/Serial Tracking turns guesswork into precision—giving you control over every item in your supply chain.
So, how do you currently track your inventory? If spreadsheets or paper logs are still your go-to, maybe it’s time for an upgrade.
🚀 Want to see Odoo’s tracking in action? Try a demo and never lose an item again!
Would you like a deeper dive into setting up expiry alerts or recall workflows? Let me know in the comments! #InventoryManagement #Odoo #Traceability