What is Serial Number Tracking?
Assigning a unique identifier to each individual unit so it can be traced through production, sale, warranty, and service.
Definition
Serial number tracking gives every individual unit a unique identifier, enabling traceability of a single item rather than a lot or batch. It is used for high-value, regulated, or serviceable products such as machinery, electronics, medical devices, and vehicles, where each unit's history, configuration, and ownership must be known. Serialization supports warranty validation, field service and repair history, regulatory compliance, and protection against counterfeiting and gray-market diversion. Unlike lot tracking, which groups many units under one lot, serial tracking follows each unit individually, often combined with as-built configuration records that capture exactly which components and revisions went into that specific unit.
How Serial Number Tracking Works in ERP
A serial-enabled ERP assigns or captures serial numbers at production or receipt and maintains each unit's transaction and as-built history through stocking, shipment, and service. The system can link a serial number to the specific component lots and serials installed, the BOM revision built, warranty terms, and subsequent service events. This lets support and quality teams pull a complete genealogy for any individual unit and target recalls or field actions precisely.
ERP Vendors with Strong Serial Number Tracking
Epicor Kinetic
ERP built for manufacturers — from job shop to enterprise
Rootstock Cloud ERP
Cloud ERP built on the Salesforce platform for manufacturers and distributors
Genius ERP
Purpose-built ERP for engineer-to-order and custom manufacturers
Global Shop Solutions
All-in-one ERP for small to midsize manufacturers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between serial and lot tracking?
Serial tracking assigns a unique identifier to each individual unit, allowing one specific item to be traced through its entire life. Lot tracking groups many units produced together under a single lot or batch number. Serialization is used for high-value, serviceable, or regulated items needing per-unit history, while lot tracking suits bulk or homogeneous goods where individual identity is unnecessary.
What is an as-built configuration?
An as-built configuration is the record of exactly which components, lots, serial numbers, and design revisions went into a specific serialized unit when it was manufactured. It lets service and quality teams know the precise makeup of any individual unit years later, even after design changes. This is invaluable for warranty, field service, recalls, and engineering change traceability.