Since version 2022 r1, a formal mechanism for pre-assigning serial numbers on a production order has been introduced.

This replaces the method previously used where an initial operation added and then a 'Move' completed for it. The new method not only saves the need to adjust the production detail, but also ensures the serial numbers are automatically used for the final Move transaction.

Setting up pre-assignment

Configuring a Production Order for pre-assignment can only be done in the 'Planning' stage of a production order. Once material has been released these settings cannot be changed.

There are two fields which control if, and how, pre-assignment is used:

Allow Preassigning Lot/Serial Numbers

Simply tick this box to enable pre-assignment of serial numbers

Require Parent Lot/Serial Number

Once the above box is ticked, this drop-down is available.

'Parent Lot/Serial number' tracking is where you specifically state specifically which serial numbered components (material) have been used on each serial numbered finished goods item you are producing.

This level of traceability may be necessary on some specific orders, however in the most part this will add a considerable administrative overhead which is unnecessary for most products, so on the whole 'Never' should be selected. This means we will know what lot/serial numbered components were used in the production order batch and what serial numbered assemblies were produced, but not the specific mapping per-item.

If 'Parent Lot/Serial number' tracking is needed there are two ways to achieve this:

1. On Issue - the allocation of which component SNs are going to which parent SN is completed for each 'Material' (issue) transaction
2. On Completion - the 'late allocation' form much be used at or before the completion of the final 'Move' transaction.

Generating the pre-assigned serial numbers

Assigning the serial numbers is done on the 'Line Details' tab.

By default this tab will contain one line for the full qty on the production order with no serial numbers generated:

Select this line, then click the X to delete it.

Now click the 'Generate' button to create the serial numbers for each item:

NOTE: The serial numbers on the final Move must match the pre-assigned serial numbers exactly, including the revision after the underscore ( _ ) so the revision must be added at this stage.

Final Move 

These instructions apply when 'Parent Lot/Serial number' tracking is set to 'Never' or 'On Issue':

The final move is completed in the normal way.

The lot/serial numbers are automatically populated from those assigned on the 'Line Details' tab. If the final move is not for the full amount of items on the Production Order then it will be the first 'x' unused serial numbers from that list.

If the final move is not for the full amount of items on the Production Order and you need to pick specific serial numbers from the list then the 'line details' can be edited accordingly, however care should be taken to ensure that the Lot/Serial numbers match up exactly with those in the 'Line Details tab' or the 'Move' transaction will throw an error on release.

Final Move with Parent Lot/Serial Allocation

When 'Parent Lot/Serial number' tracking is set to 'On Completion' the Move is completed the same way as above however the 'Late allocation' must be completed.

1. Click Late Assignment. The system opens the Late Assignment form.
2. In the Lot/Serial Nbr. box of the Summary area, select one of the serial numbers generated for the production order.
3. In the Unallocated Components table, click the first material line to be allocated.
4. On the table toolbar, click Allocate. The system allocates the material for the lot or serial number and moves the material line to the Allocated Components table.
5. Repeat the previous three instructions for each of the remaining serial numbers for the produced items.