Batch
The batch feature in ERPNext enables you to combine several units of an Item and give them a unique value or number, or tag known as Batch No.
It is done on the basis of the Item. If the Item is batched, then a Batch number has to be referenced in every stock transaction. Batch numbers can be managed manually or automatically.
This feature can be used to:
- Set expiry/manufacturing date for several Items
- Shift items together between Warehouses
- Ensure traceability and compliance with regulations in industries such as pharma, food, and chemicals . ERPNext Update:
Negative stock for batches is controlled by its own setting. A transaction cannot reduce the quantity of a batch below zero unless Allow negative stock for Batch is enabled in Stock Settings, or Allow Negative Stock for Batch is ticked on that Batch.
To access the Batch No list:
Go to: Desktop → Stock → Setup → Batch No
1. Prerequisites
It is recommended that you first create the following before creating and utilizing a Batch:
- Item
- Make ‘Has Batch No‘ active in the Item master
The “Has Batch No” option cannot be altered once a transaction has been posted using the item.
2. How to create a new Batch
To make an item a batch item, the “Has Batch No” field must be marked in the Item master.
You will have to manually create batches if you have not chosen “Automatically Create New Batch” during creating the Item.
- Open the Batch list, click on Add Batch
- Enter the Batch ID
- Select the Item
- Save
After a transaction is entered for the item, batch configuration (Has Batch No) becomes locked and cannot be modified.
If Batches are activated for an Item, the option to save sample stock also appears.
2.1 Batch Auto Creation
If you need automatic batch creation during Purchase Receipt or Stock Entry, activate:
Automatically Create New Batch in the Item master
Example:
If this is selected, a new batch will be automatically created each time the item is received, based on the name pattern specified in Batch Number Series.
This comes in handy when:
- You don’t receive batch information from suppliers
- You desire internal batch control
- You produce the product in-house
Note: Automatic batch creation for Subcontracting and Work Orders also works.
3. Features
3.1 Splitting and Moving Batches
When you open a Batch, you can see all the quantities that fall under that batch in various warehouses.
Move
- Press the Move button to move the whole batch or some quantity to another Warehouse
- System will generate a Material Transfer Stock Entry
Split
- Press Split to split a batch into smaller ones
- A new Batch will be generated and quantity will be split accordingly
- Useful in scenarios such as:
- Distribution of a received batch between various warehouses - Subdivision of big lots into several salesIf expiry date is specified:
- The batch shows as Expired in the Batch list once the expiry date is reached
- Otherwise it shows as Active (stock available) or Empty (no stock)
- A disabled batch shows as Disabled
3.2 Transacting Items with Batches
Unless Automatically Create New Batch is enabled, a Batch master must be created prior to the creation of Purchase Receipt or Work Order Finish. This is mandatory for items with Has Batch No enabled.
On every stock transaction (e.g.):
- Purchase Receipt
- Delivery Note
- Sales Invoice
- Stock Entry
- Work Order Finish
The corresponding Batch No must be chosen
Negative stock is not permitted for these Transactions if the stock balance of a batch would go below zero, unless Allow negative stock for Batch is enabled.
