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Item tracking codes in Business Central let you control how serial numbers, lot numbers, expiration dates, and warranty dates are handled for each item. You define a code once with the exact rules you want, then assign it to the item card under the item tracking code field. Business Central then applies that tracking throughout the system.
You can require serial numbers on every transaction, or only on specific ones such as purchases or sales. The same flexibility applies to lot numbers. You can also combine serial number and lot number tracking on the same item.
If you enable required expiration date handling, you must enter an expiration date whenever you add inventory through a production order output, an assembly order output, or a purchase order. You can also set a warranty date formula so Business Central calculates the warranty date automatically when item ledger entries are created.
What an item tracking code does in Business Central
An item tracking code defines how Business Central handles serial numbers, lot numbers, expiration dates, and warranty dates for an item. You set up the code once with the rules you need, and then you assign it to the item on the item card.
On the item card, you find the item tracking code field under the Item Tracking tab. In one example, an item uses a code called SNALL, short for “serial number all”. The code is selected from a list, and you can create as many different combinations as you need and name them however you like.
Setting up serial number handling
When you open and edit an item tracking code, you see how it is defined. You give it a code and a name, and you set the parameters that control how the serial number is handled.
The check marks decide when a serial number is required. If you select all of them, you have to enter a serial number almost every time you handle the item. If you deselect some, you can skip it for specific transactions, for example when you purchase or sell the item. This lets you control the serial number behaviour at a detailed level for items that are serial number tracked.
Lot number tracking and expiration dates
You can set up a code for lot number tracking instead. A lot number code has no serial number check marks, but it has its own set of check marks that control when you assign or handle lot numbers.
You can also enable required expiration date handling. When this is checked, you have to enter an expiration date whenever you add stock to inventory, such as from a production order output, an assembly order output, or a purchase order.
The code also lets you set a warranty date formula. Business Central then calculates the warranty date automatically when item ledger entries are created on that code.
Combining serial numbers and lot numbers
You can use both serial numbers and lot numbers on the same item. In the item tracking code, you simply check the scenarios you want from both the lot number and serial number settings. This is sometimes the case for items that need both levels of tracking.
Assigning codes to items
Once you have defined your item tracking codes, you assign them to the item card in the item tracking code field. From that point, Business Central handles the item tracking for you across the system.
Q&A
What is an item tracking code in Business Central?
It is a code that defines how Business Central handles serial numbers, lot numbers, expiration dates, and warranty dates for an item. You set it up once and assign it to the item card, and Business Central then applies the tracking throughout the system.
Where do you assign an item tracking code to an item?
On the item card, under the Item Tracking tab, in the item tracking code field.
Can you require a serial number only for some transactions?
Yes. The check marks in the item tracking code control when a serial number is required. If you select all of them, you must enter a serial number almost every time you handle the item. If you deselect some, you can skip it for specific transactions, such as purchasing or selling.
When do you have to enter an expiration date?
When required expiration date handling is enabled, you must enter an expiration date whenever you add stock to inventory, for example from a production order output, an assembly order output, or a purchase order.
Can an item use both serial numbers and lot numbers?
Yes. You can set up an item tracking code that combines serial number and lot number tracking by checking the scenarios you need from both settings.
How is the warranty date calculated?
You can define a warranty date formula on the item tracking code. Business Central then calculates the warranty date automatically when item ledger entries are created on that code.