Batch-Wise Inventory Management
In ERPNext, a Batch is used to group multiple units of the same item that share common properties such as manufacturing date, expiry date, or production lot. This helps businesses track inventory in a structured and controlled manner.
Batch tracking is especially important for industries like pharmaceuticals, food processing, chemicals, and FMCG, where traceability and expiry management are critical.
1. Prerequisites for Batch Tracking
Before using batch-wise inventory, the item must be configured properly in the Item Master.
- Enable “Has Batch No” in the Item Master to activate batch tracking for that item.
- This ensures that every stock transaction involving the item requires a valid batch reference.
- Once enabled, ERPNext enforces batch selection across all stock movements for that item.
Once batch tracking is enabled, every incoming and outgoing stock entry must reference a Batch No. This ensures full traceability of inventory movement.
2. Creating a Batch
A Batch can be created manually or automatically depending on system configuration.
- Navigate to Stock > Documents > Batch > New to create a batch manually.
- Enter a unique Batch ID and link it to the relevant Item.
- Once transactions are recorded against a batch, its association cannot be changed.
Each batch represents a controlled group of inventory units that move together through the supply chain.
3. Batch Usage in Stock Transactions
3.1 Purchase Receipt
During a Purchase Receipt, users must either create a new Batch or select an existing one. ERPNext ensures that every incoming stock entry is assigned to a valid batch.
If automatic batch creation is enabled, the system generates batches based on predefined naming series.
3.2 Delivery Note
When goods are sold or dispatched, the Batch No must be selected in the Delivery Note item table.
If items are part of a Product Bundle, batch allocation can also be managed in the Packing List.
Batch selection is mandatory for all stock movements once batch tracking is enabled. Transactions cannot be submitted without a valid Batch No.
4. Batch-Wise Stock Tracking
ERPNext provides dedicated reports to monitor stock at the batch level, allowing businesses to track availability and movement of each batch individually.
- Navigate to Stock > Standard Reports > Batch-Wise Balance History
- View incoming and outgoing stock movements for each batch.
- Monitor expiry dates and available quantities per batch.
5. Business Benefits of Batch Tracking
- Improves product traceability across the supply chain.
- Helps manage expiry-based inventory effectively.
- Supports compliance in regulated industries like pharma and food.
- Enables better stock control and recall management if required.
6. Key Summary
Batch-wise inventory ensures that identical products are tracked as distinct groups, enabling better control, traceability, and compliance. ERPNext enforces batch selection in all relevant stock transactions to maintain accurate inventory records.
