Business Central tracks your serial numbers and lot numbers through item ledger entries by default. If you need a separate place to store and search information about specific serial numbers or lot numbers, Business Central includes two dedicated lists for this: the serial number information list and the lot number information list. These lists are hidden by default, but your Business Central partner can enable them for you.
You do not need a custom development to get this functionality. The lists already exist in the system. They just need to be made visible.
How serial numbers and lot numbers work in item ledger entries
By default, serial numbers and lot numbers apply to your item ledger entries. When you have an item set up with serial number or lot number handling, you can navigate into its ledger entries and see all the entries with quantities and remaining quantities.
This view also shows all the lines where the remaining quantity is zero, so you get the full history rather than just what is currently in stock.
The serial number information and lot number information lists
In previous versions of Business Central, as well as in current versions, there are two separate lists called the serial number information list and the lot number information list. These are designed to let you add information about a specific serial number or lot number directly in a dedicated list, separate from the ledger entries.
The advantage is that you can search for and control this information in one place. Instead of digging through ledger entries, you keep details tied to each serial number or lot number in a list built for exactly that purpose.
How to enable the lists in your system
These two lists are hidden by default. They are part of the standard functionality, whether it comes through an add-on or as a customer extension, but they are not visible until someone turns them on.
If you want to use them, ask your Business Central partner to bring them back into the system. There is no need to build anything new. The lists are already there waiting to be displayed.
Q&A
Where does Business Central store serial numbers and lot numbers by default?
By default, serial numbers and lot numbers are tied to item ledger entries. You can open an item with serial or lot number handling and navigate into its ledger entries to see all entries, including quantities, remaining quantities, and lines where the remaining quantity is zero.
What are the serial number information and lot number information lists?
They are two dedicated lists in Business Central where you can add and store information about specific serial numbers and lot numbers, separate from the item ledger entries. They let you search for and control that information in one place.
Why can’t I see these lists in my Business Central?
The serial number information and lot number information lists are hidden by default. They exist in the system but are not visible until enabled.
How do I get access to these lists?
Ask your Business Central partner to enable them. The lists are part of the standard functionality, so no new development is required to make them available.