Charge
Also: Chargennummer, Los, Produktionslos, Lieferlos, Batch, Lot, Charge (Logistik), Chargen
AI-generated
A batch is a uniquely identifiable quantity of products manufactured or processed under identical conditions. It forms the basis for traceability, quality control, and legally required recall processes throughout the entire supply chain.
Key facts
- A batch is a uniquely numbered production quantity that is fully documented and traceable across all warehouse movements.
- Batch management forms the basis for FEFO control, quality blocks, and legally required recall processes.
- Batch mixing in the warehouse compromises traceability and must be actively prevented through WMS-side rules.
- Unlike a serial number, a batch always identifies a quantity, not an individual unit.
- For complete traceability, the batch number must be included on labels, delivery notes, and electronic delivery data (ASN).
What is a batch?
A batch refers to a defined production quantity manufactured or processed at a specific point in time under identical conditions. Each batch is assigned a unique batch number, which is used to fully document all information relating to production, quality inspection, raw material origin, and processing. In regulated industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, or chemicals, batch management is required by law; in other sectors, it is considered best practice for robust quality assurance.
How does batch management work in practice?
Batch recording typically begins at goods receipt or in production. At goods receipt, the supplier's batch number is adopted or an internal number is assigned and linked to the goods receipt document. In the enterprise resource planning or warehouse management system (ERP or WMS), the batch is managed as its own inventory level below the article and storage location. This means that for every storage location and every movement — putaway, transfer, picking, shipping — a record is kept of which batch was moved.
Batches are often combined with additional attributes:
- Best before date (BBD): Enables management according to the FEFO principle (First Expired, First Out).
- Block status: Batches can be blocked in the event of quality issues, preventing them from being picked or shipped.
- Inspection status: Batches not yet released are managed in the system as blocked or in quarantine.
- Serial numbers: For individual high-value units, a batch can be combined with serial numbers.
During shipping, the batch number is included on delivery notes, labels, and electronic delivery data (ASN) so that the recipient can continue traceability seamlessly.
What matters when selecting and configuring batch management?
The greatest operational challenge is avoiding batch mixing. If products from different batches are uncontrollably merged in the warehouse, clean traceability is no longer possible. Many WMS systems therefore enforce batch-pure storage at the storage location level. Whether this makes sense for your operation depends on product characteristics, space requirements, and regulatory requirements.
Another critical point is response speed in the event of a recall: the system must be able to identify all affected stock, open orders, and already-shipped deliveries for a batch within a short time. This requires complete movement histories and seamless system integration between ERP, WMS, and, where applicable, TMS. Depending on the vendor, systems vary considerably in how granular and performant these traceability reports can be retrieved.
Related terms
- Artikelstamm
The item master is the central data repository that permanently stores all logistically and commercially relevant features of an item. It forms the basis for warehousing, inventory planning, picking, and billing.
- Artikelstammdaten
Item master data refers to the permanently valid base data of an item – such as dimensions, weight, packaging units, hazardous goods classification, and best-before date relevance. It forms the foundation for all logistical, procurement-related, and system-driven processes along the supply chain.
- Avisierung
Pre-advice refers to the advance notification of a delivery by the supplier to the recipient before the goods arrive. It enables the warehouse to plan staffing, dock capacity, and put-away processes in a timely manner.
- Barcode
A barcode is a machine-readable optical code that represents information as a pattern of bars and spaces or as a two-dimensional matrix. It enables the automatic identification of items, load carriers, and documents along the entire supply chain.
- Bestandsführung
Inventory management refers to the system-supported administration and continuous updating of all warehouse and material stocks within a company. It forms the basis for planning, procurement and accounting – and ensures that the book inventory and physical inventory are in agreement at all times.
- Bestandsmanagement
Inventory management refers to the systematic planning, control, and monitoring of stock levels across the entire supply chain. The goal is to ensure delivery capability while keeping capital commitment and warehousing costs within economically viable limits.
- Bewegungsdaten
Movement data captures all transactions and physical goods movements in the logistics process – from goods receipt and stock transfers to dispatch. It contains timestamps, quantities, locations and the units involved, and forms the basis for transparency, control and analysis in warehouse and…
- Chaotische Lagerhaltung
Chaotic storage is a warehousing principle in which items are not stored in fixed, pre-assigned locations, but are instead dynamically placed in any available, suitable slot in the warehouse. A warehouse management system handles the control and tracking of all storage locations.
- Hochregallager
A high-bay warehouse is an automated storage facility with racking from approximately twelve meters in height, where stacker cranes automatically store and retrieve pallets.
- Kommissionierung
Order picking is the process of assembling individual items from warehouse stock to fulfill a specific customer order — the most labor-intensive step in the warehouse.