Netsuite lot tracking

Lot tracking in NetSuite assigns a single lot or batch number to a group of identical items received or produced together, with all units in the group sharing the same traceability record. Serial number tracking assigns a unique identifier to each individual unit, providing item-level traceability. Lot tracking is appropriate for products where batch identity matters but individual unit tracking is not required, such as food, pharmaceutical, and chemical products. Serial number tracking is suited to products where each unit has a distinct identity, such as electronics, medical devices, or high-value equipment. NetSuite supports both, and some businesses use both for different product categories within the same environment.

Yes. If your business manufactures products using components or ingredients that carry lot numbers, NetSuite can record which input lots were consumed in the production of each output lot. This creates a multi-level traceability record that links finished goods lots back to the raw material or ingredient lots that went into them, which is essential for businesses with regulatory obligations around finished goods provenance or ingredient traceability.

When FEFO is configured for a lot-tracked item, NetSuite directs picking to the lot with the earliest expiry date first. If multiple lots are on hand for the same item, the system prioritises the one expiring soonest regardless of receipt date. This is configurable at the item level, so FEFO can be applied to perishable or expiry-sensitive items whilst other items follow standard FIFO or other picking rules.

NetSuite is used by businesses of all sizes, from startups to rapidly growing companies. If you’re considering making the switch but unsure about the cost, here’s a quick breakdown.

NetSuite operates on an annual subscription model, which includes three key components: the core platform, optional modules, and the number of users. There’s also a one-time implementation fee for the initial setup. As your business expands, you can easily add new modules and users, thanks to the flexibility of cloud software.

Lot tracking is available as part of NetSuite’s inventory management capabilities, with pricing dependent on your existing licence structure and requirements. Annexa will confirm what is included in your licence during the scoping process.

Want to get a NetSuite pricing estimate? Contact us now to discuss your specific needs.

Lot traceability reports in NetSuite are generated in real time from the transaction history recorded in the system. A forward trace showing all customers who received a specific lot, or a backward trace showing the supplier origin of a specific lot, can be produced in seconds once the lot number is entered. The speed and completeness of the report depends on the quality of lot data recorded throughout the supply chain, which is why consistent lot capture at every transaction point is essential.

Yes. Quality holds in NetSuite are applied at the lot level, meaning only the specific lot placed on hold is excluded from available inventory. Other lots of the same item that are not subject to the hold continue to be available for picking and despatch without interruption. This targeted hold capability is one of the key operational benefits of lot tracking over item-level inventory management.

NetSuite maintains a complete transaction history for each lot regardless of how many times it is partially consumed, transferred, or shipped. Each transaction that draws from the lot is recorded separately, and the traceability report shows the full picture of where units from the lot have gone and in what quantities. Partial consumption in production, partial shipments to multiple customers, and transfers between locations are all captured individually with the lot number linking them together.

Yes. Lot tracking is configured at the item level in NetSuite, meaning it can be enabled for specific items that require traceability without applying to your entire inventory. Items that do not require lot tracking continue to be managed under standard inventory rules, and the two coexist within the same environment. This flexibility means businesses can apply lot tracking where it is required by regulation or commercial necessity without adding operational overhead to items that do not need it.

As NetSuite’s 2024 ANZ Growth Partner of the Year, Annexa provides comprehensive support including implementation, configuration, ongoing support, and strategic guidance, all delivered by an Australian and New Zealand-based team with direct experience implementing lot tracking for regulated industries across food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and distribution sectors.