Solution
Batch management: definition, FEFO and traceability
A batch (also lot) is a quantity of an item that was produced or delivered under the same conditions and therefore shares characteristics – such as production or best-before date. Batch management means keeping stock per batch: you know which batch is where, withdraw the batch that expires first (FEFO) for goods with a shelf life, and can trace where a batch went in case of a complaint or recall.
Last updated: · Lavesy editorial team
Sound familiar?
- Goods expire on the shelf because the new delivery sits in front.
- When a manufacturer recalls a batch, nobody knows whether it is still in stock.
- Batch numbers are only on the delivery note – not in the stock records.
How Lavesy helps
Stock per batch
Quantity, storage bin and expiry date per batch instead of one total per item.
FEFO on withdrawal
First expired, first out: the batch with the earliest expiry date goes first.
Traceability
For every batch you can see when it arrived and where it went.
In Lavesy
Enable batch tracking per item, record batch and best-before date on receipt, withdraw by FEFO or pick a batch.
How it works
- 1Define batch tracking for the affected items.
- 2Record batch number and best-before date on goods receipt.
- 3On withdrawal use FEFO or pick a specific batch.
- 4Keep blocked or expired batches out of withdrawals.
Frequently asked questions
What is a batch?
A quantity of an item with shared characteristics from production or delivery, such as the same production or best-before date. It carries a batch number.
What is the difference between FIFO and FEFO?
FIFO takes the goods stored first, FEFO the goods with the earliest expiry date. For goods with a limited shelf life FEFO is usually the better rule.
What is the difference between a batch and a serial number?
A batch groups many identical units; a serial number identifies exactly one individual unit, such as a device.