Frequently Asked Questions about Serial/Lot Numbers and Expiration Dates

Frequently Asked Questions about Serial/Lot Numbers and Expiration Dates

1. How to Enable Tracking by Serial/Lot Numbers and Expiration Dates

There are two ways to enable tracking for an inventory item:

  • Via the Edit Item Page:

    • Open the item for editing.

    • Check the Tracking box.

    • Select the appropriate tracking method from the dropdown list (e.g., serial number, lot number, expiration date).

  • Via the Serial/Lot Numbers Page:

    • Navigate to Inventory → Serial/Lot Numbers.

    • Select the item from the list on the left panel.

    • In the right panel, choose the desired tracking method and click Enable Tracking.


2. Can I Change the Tracking Method for an Item?

Generally, changing the tracking method for an item is not allowed once tracking has been enabled.

  • If no transactions involving serial/lot numbers have been created for the item, you may contact HandiFox Support to request a change in the tracking method.


3. What Is "Unassigned Quantity"?

Unassigned Quantity refers to the portion of an item's on-hand stock that does not have tracking information assigned (i.e., no serial/lot number or expiration date).

This can occur when:

  • Tracking is enabled for an item that already has stock on hand.

  • An item is received or sold without assigning serial/lot numbers or expiration dates.


4. How to Assign Serial/Lot Numbers After Enabling Tracking

To add tracking information to existing stock:

  1. Go to Inventory → Serial/Lot Numbers.

  2. Select the item from the left panel.

  3. Click Assign Numbers (or Edit Numbers) in the right panel.

  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter serial/lot numbers and expiration dates (see Initial Entry of Tracking Information for more information).


5. Why Is the Quantity for a Serial/Lot Number (Expiration Date) Negative?

A negative quantity indicates that a serial/lot number was used in a sales transaction (e.g., invoice) before it was received into inventory.


6. How to View Transactions for a Specific Serial/Lot Number or Expiration Date

There are two ways to view transaction history:

  • If the serial/lot number is currently in stock:

    • Go to Inventory → Serial/Lot Numbers.

    • Select the item in the left panel.

    • Locate the serial/lot number (expiration date) on the right and click on it to view the last five related transactions.

  • To run a full report:

    • Navigate to Reports → Serial/Lot Numbers.

    • Run the Transactions by Serial/Lot Number report.

    • Select the item and enter the serial/lot number or expiration date in the filters.


7. How to Correct an Incorrectly Entered Serial/Lot Number

If a serial/lot number or expiration date was entered incorrectly during receiving (Item Receipt):

  • Preferred method: Locate and edit the original Item Receipt transaction.

  • Alternatively:

    • Go to Inventory → Serial/Lot Numbers.

    • Select the item and click Edit Numbers.

    • Update the serial/lot number or expiration date.

⚠️ Note: This change will not retroactively update previously recorded transactions.


8. How to Find Transactions Missing Serial/Lot Number (Expiration Date) Information

To identify transactions that lack tracking details:

  • Go to Reports → Serial/Lot Numbers.

  • Run the Transactions Missing Serial/Lot Numbers report.


9. Can I Prevent Transactions Without Serial/Lot Numbers?

Yes. To enforce this restriction:

  • Navigate to Settings → Inventory.

  • Enable the option: "Do not allow saving transactions with unassigned serial/lot numbers."


10. How to Find Expiring Products

To identify products with upcoming expiration dates:


11. How to Change Quantity for a Serial/Lot Number

To adjust the quantity for a specific serial/lot number:

  1. Go to Inventory → Serial/Lot Numbers.

  2. Select the item in the left panel.

  3. Locate the serial/lot number and click on it.

  4. In the pop-up window, open the Adjust Quantity tab.

  5. Enter the new quantity and reason for adjustment.

💡 This action will also affect the total quantity on hand (QOH) for the item.

Alternatively, you can:

  • Create a Counting Session and update the quantity through the count.


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