Traceability · Odoo glossary
Serial Numbers
Understand serial numbers as individual item identifiers, how Odoo records their movements, and how serial tracking differs from tracking quantities by lot.
Definition
In general ERP practice
A serial number identifies one individual item so that it can be distinguished from other items of the same product. It provides continuity when following a specific unit through receipt, storage, delivery, return or servicing.
A product code identifies the kind of item. A serial number identifies the particular instance. The distinction matters whenever a business needs to know which exact unit a customer received.
In Odoo
Odoo tracks individual products by unique serial number. Users enable Lots & Serial Numbers, configure the product’s tracking and set whether operation types allow creating new identifiers or using existing ones.
Serial identifiers are recorded in detailed inventory operations, allowing the movement history of an individual item to be followed. This supports locating a specific unit for after-sales service or a recall. It is different from lot tracking, where multiple units share a batch identifier.
Three different identifiers
Product or variant
The type of item, such as a specific model and configuration.
Serial number
The identity of a particular physical unit.
Lot number
The identity of a batch that may contain many units.
Illustrative return
Two identical devices were delivered, but the customer returns only one. The serial number identifies the unit involved and lets the business compare it with the original delivery history. A model name alone cannot establish which device came back.
Official Odoo documentation
The Odoo-specific explanation above is based on the documentation for Odoo 19. Features and workflows can differ in other versions.
Related glossary terms
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