What is a Lot? (Batch Tracking Explained)
What is a Lot?
A lot (or batch) is a group of products that share the same manufacturing or sourcing details. Instead of tracking every unit individually, products are tracked in batches using a Lot Code.
This is commonly used for:
• Perishable goods
• Regulated products
• Items requiring traceability
Why Batch Tracking is Used
Batch tracking allows you to:
• Track product history (manufacture and expiry)
• Manage stock rotation (FIFO / FEFO)
• Identify affected batches quickly
• Reduce waste from expired stock
This is especially important for products with expiry or sell-by dates
How Lots Work in Pimento
In Pimento, each lot is linked to a specific product SKU
Each lot contains:
• A Lot Code
• Associated dates (expiry, sell-by, manufacture)
• Inventory levels (stocked, sellable, damaged)
Inventory is tracked at the lot level, not just the product level. This allows for more accurate fulfilment and stock control.
Expiry and Date Tracking
Lots can include multiple important dates:
• Expiry Date → When the product is no longer usable
• Sell By Date → Recommended last sale date
• Manufacture Date → When the batch was produced
These dates help control stock usage and availability.
Important Notes
• Lots are tied to a specific product SKU
• Lot Codes must be unique per product
• Expired lots may become unavailable for fulfilment
• Proper date tracking helps avoid shipping expired products
FAQs
Do all products need lots?
No — lots are typically used for products requiring batch tracking
What happens when a lot expires?
It may no longer be available for fulfilment depending on configuration
