Serial and Batch Bundle
Version 15 Introduction
Users must create a separate Serial and Batch Bundle for each stock transaction. The same bundle cannot be reused across multiple transactions.
Also, Allow Negative Stock has been removed for Serial / Batch items. Even if enabled in Stock Settings, negative stock transactions are not allowed from Version 15 onward.
The Serial and Batch Bundle is a new structure introduced in ERPNext Version 15 to manage Serial Nos and Batch Nos in stock transactions in a controlled and structured way.
Earlier, Serial Nos were stored in a free-text field, which caused data integrity issues. To improve accuracy and reporting, ERPNext now uses a dedicated DocType called Serial and Batch Bundle to manage multiple serial/batch selections in a single structured record.
1. Why Serial and Batch Bundle was introduced
- Earlier Serial No field allowed multiple values in a single text field.
- This caused inconsistent stock tracking and reporting issues.
- Version 15 replaces it with a structured Link-based system.
- Since a child table cannot exist inside another child table, a separate DocType was introduced.
Serial No is now a structured Link field, and multiple selections are handled through the Serial and Batch Bundle DocType.
2. How Serial and Batch Bundle works
Each stock transaction involving Serial or Batch items must reference a unique Serial and Batch Bundle.
- A new bundle is created for every transaction.
- The same bundle cannot be reused in another transaction.
- The bundle stores all selected Serial Nos or Batch Nos.
Each stock entry creates a one-to-one relationship between the transaction and the Serial and Batch Bundle.
3. Auto Creation of Serial and Batch Bundle
3.1 Inward Transactions (Purchase Receipt / Material Receipt)
For automatic creation during inward stock entry:
- Enable Serial Number Series for Serial Items.
- Enable Automatically Create New Batch for Batch Items.
- Ensure Batch Number Series is configured (if applicable).
- Create a Purchase Receipt or Stock Entry (Material Receipt).
- On submission, the system auto-generates Serial and Batch Bundle.
3.2 Outward Transactions (Delivery Note / Material Issue)
For automatic selection during stock issue:
- Enable Auto Create Serial and Batch Bundle for Outward in Stock Settings.
- Set selection method as FIFO / LIFO / Expiry.
- Create a Delivery Note or Stock Entry (Material Issue).
- The system auto-creates the outgoing bundle on submission.
4. Manual Creation of Serial and Batch Bundle
4.1 Manual Inward Bundle Creation
- Create Serial No and Batch records first.
- Use CSV import if bulk creation is needed.
- Open Serial and Batch Bundle and manually select entries.
- Save and link it to the stock transaction.
4.2 Manual Outward Bundle Creation
- Use Serial / Batch Selector popup to pick records.
- Select based on FIFO, LIFO, or Expiry rules.
- System creates the bundle for selected serial/batch items.
5. Serial / Batch Selector
The Serial / Batch Selector is a helper interface used to pick or generate Serial and Batch records during transactions.
- It helps select available Serial or Batch Nos.
- It can auto-create missing Serial/Batch records.
- Selection can follow FIFO, LIFO, or Expiry logic.
Disable Selector (Optional)
- Go to Stock Settings.
- Enable Disable Serial No and Batch Selector.
- This removes the popup-based selection UI.
6. Legacy Serial / Batch Fields Support
ERPNext still supports older Serial / Batch input fields for usability reasons.
- Enable Use Serial / Batch Fields in Stock Settings.
- Old input fields will appear in stock transactions.
- The system automatically creates Serial and Batch Bundles on submission.
Even when legacy fields are used, ERPNext internally converts them into Serial and Batch Bundles.
7. Serial No History Tracking
The Serial No Ledger report is used to track full lifecycle movement of each Serial Number.
- Purchase origin details
- Warehouse movement history
- Sales and delivery records
8. Key Points
- Each transaction must have a unique Serial and Batch Bundle.
- Bundles cannot be reused across transactions.
- Negative stock is not allowed for Serial/Batch items.
- System supports both auto and manual bundle creation.
- Legacy fields are supported but internally converted to bundles.
9. Related Topics
- Serial Number Management
- Batch Management
- Stock Entry
- Delivery Note
- Stock Settings
