Novulo WMS: Serial and Batch Number Registration

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Understanding Serial Numbers in Novulo WMS

Managing stock accurately is crucial, especially when dealing with high-value or condition-based products. Novulo offers flexible ways to track products — from simple quantity tracking to strict serial number control.

This post explains:

  • The three stock registration types (collective, batch, and individual),
  • How serial numbers are scanned and tracked, and
  • Different reservation behaviors, allowing you to balance control and flexibility based on your business needs.

1. Types of Stock Registration

Novulo distinguishes between three types:

  1. Collective

    • No batch or serial numbers are used.
    • Stock is simply tracked as a quantity.

  2. Batch

    • Products are grouped under batch numbers.
    • Multiple products can share the same batch number (e.g., production lots or expiry-based batches).

  3. Individual (Serial Numbers)

    • Every product has a unique serial number.
    • Useful for high-value items, electronics, or warranty tracking.

You can configure this under: Product → Logistics Settings → Stock registration type.

2. Behavior of Serial Number Registration

When using Individual (Serial Numbers), you can determine when serial numbers are scanned:

  • Inbound and Outbound

    • The serial number is scanned when the product is received.
    • The serial number stays linked to that specific stock item throughout its lifecycle.

  • Outbound and Returns Only

    • Serial numbers are only scanned when shipping out or when processing returns.
    • Serial numbers are not visible in stock while in storage.
    • Returned items will have their serial number “reset” upon return.

3. Reservation Behavior for Batches and Serial Numbers

Novulo offers different behaviors for how batches or serial numbers are reserved:

  1. Strictly Assigned

    • When a product is sold and reserved, a specific serial number is assigned immediately.
    • Logistics will block shipping a different serial number.
    • Useful for customers who allocate and sell specific products based on serial numbers – for example, when selling pre-owned products in various conditions.

  2. Assigned with Confirmation

    • A specific batch or serial number is proposed, but during logistics processing you will receive a confirmation prompt (“Are you sure?”) if you pick a different one.

  3. Randomly Assigned (Default)

    • A serial number or batch is pre-selected automatically.
    • However, during outbound processing you may ship a different one, and the system will silently swap the reservation.
    • Common for retailers of high-value goods who prefer flexibility while still keeping an accurate stock overview.

:white_check_mark: Takeaway

By configuring these settings per product, you can fine-tune how strictly Novulo should handle batch and serial tracking.

:pushpin: When to Use Which?

Type When to Use Example Products
Collective For fast-moving stock where individual tracking is unnecessary. Bulk goods, low-value consumables.
Batch When batches are important for quality, expiry, or production tracking. Food products (expiry dates), pharmaceutical lots.
Individual (Serial Numbers) When each item must be uniquely identifiable. Electronics, medical devices, pre-owned goods.
Reservation Behavior When to Use Example Use Case
Strictly Assigned When customers buy a specific unit and you must ship exactly that one. Selling pre-owned phones in various conditions.
Assigned with Confirmation When you want a proposed serial/batch but allow manual changes with confirmation. Business-to-business sales with flexible stock allocation.
Randomly Assigned When flexibility is more important, but you still track what was shipped. Retailers of high-value goods who want accurate stock visibility but no strict allocation.