- Improves accountability by linking each unit to production, purchase, or sales records
- Simplifies handling of recalls, returns, and repairs
- Provides detailed reporting for audits, inventory accuracy, and maintenance schedules
- Reduces losses and fraud by tracking individual units
Serial numbers can be generated manually or automatically depending on your system. Common methods include:
Sequential numbering: Each new unit receives the next number in a sequence (e.g., SN0001, SN0002).
Date or batch coding: Numbers include production date or batch information for easier traceability.
System-generated unique IDs: ERP or inventory tools like Ragic can automatically create unique serial numbers for each unit, ensuring no duplicates and easy tracking across workflows—from production and procurement to sales and after-sales service.
Serial numbers: A unique identifier assigned to each individual product unit. Used to track a product’s full lifecycle, including warranty, repairs, and ownership. Common for high-value or regulated items.
Lot numbers: An identifier assigned to a batch of products produced or received together. Used for quality control, recalls, and batch-level traceability rather than individual units.
SKUs (Stock Keeping Units): A code representing a product type or variation for inventory and sales management. All identical products share the same SKU, regardless of lot or serial number.
