Seriennummer
Also: Seriennummern, Serial Number, S/N, SN, Seriennr., Serien-Nummer
AI-generated
A serial number is a unique identifier assigned to an individual unit of a product, distinguishing it from all other units of the same item. It forms the basis for unit-level traceability across production, warehousing, and after-sales.
Key facts
- A serial number uniquely identifies a single physical product unit, distinguishing it from all other units of the same item type.
- Unlike a batch number, which identifies a production group, a serial number enables unit-level traceability.
- Typical use cases include warranty processing, product recalls, repair workflows, and asset tracking.
- The capture effort per unit is significantly higher than with batch-based management, which is why serial numbers are generally used only for high-value or regulated items.
- A complete serial number history requires the identifier to be carried seamlessly across WMS, ERP, and TMS systems.
What is a serial number?
A serial number is an alphanumeric string assigned to exactly one physical unit of an item. Unlike a part number, which describes a product type, a serial number identifies a specific individual unit. Two products of the same type never share the same serial number — at least within a single assignment system. Serial numbers are typically assigned by the manufacturer, but can also be assigned by the distributor or logistics service provider at goods receipt.
A serial number should be distinguished from a batch number: a batch groups together units produced under the same conditions. A serial number goes one step further, making each individual unit within a batch uniquely identifiable.
How does serial number management work in practice?
In intralogistics, serial numbers are captured at defined process steps and passed to the warehouse management or ERP system. Typical capture points include:
- Goods receipt: When goods are received, the serial number is scanned and linked to the purchase order line.
- Putaway and relocation: The system records which storage location holds the unit.
- Picking and shipping: The picked serial number is assigned to the customer order and the delivery note.
- Returns (RMA): The returned unit is uniquely identified by its serial number and matched to its transaction history.
Capture is typically carried out via barcode or DataMatrix code, and in some industries via RFID. The key requirement is that the serial number is carried seamlessly through all system layers — WMS, ERP, TMS — to prevent any breaks in the data chain.
What matters when selecting and implementing serial number management?
Not every product justifies the effort of unit-level serial number tracking. The administrative overhead is considerable: every movement must be booked individually, and every serial number recorded separately. It is most worthwhile for high-value goods, regulated products (e.g. medical devices, electronics), items with long warranty periods, or products that may be subject to recalls.
When selecting a system, you should check whether the WMS or ERP natively supports serial number management or whether add-on modules are required. Also relevant: can the system pass serial numbers across system boundaries, for example via EDI or API to customer systems? Vendors differ considerably in terms of functional scope and configuration effort.
Related terms
- Artikelnummer
The item number is an internally assigned, unique identifier that unambiguously identifies an article within the inventory management and warehouse system. It forms the basis for postings, purchase orders, and communication between purchasing, warehousing, and production.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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…
- Charge
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.
- Chargenrückverfolgung
Batch traceability refers to the complete and uninterrupted trackability of products and materials along the supply chain based on their batch assignment. It enables companies to quickly identify and selectively block all affected quantities in the event of a quality issue or recall.
- DESADV
DESADV (Dispatch Advice) is a standardized EDI message in EDIFACT format that electronically announces an upcoming delivery. It transmits structured information on packaging units, items, quantities, and identifiers such as the SSCC to the goods recipient.
- Data Matrix
Data Matrix is a two-dimensional barcode that stores significantly more information in a very small area than conventional 1D barcodes. Thanks to integrated error correction, it remains reliably readable even when partially damaged or soiled.