Capture the correct identifier at receipt
Connect the batch number with the product, delivery and received quantity. If several batches arrive together, avoid combining them into an indistinguishable record.
Where expiry matters, associate the date with the batch. A date held only against the general product record cannot describe every subsequent delivery.
Preserve continuity through movements
Transfers, picking and issue should retain the relationship between quantity and batch. Otherwise, information recorded at receipt disappears before it is needed to identify recipients.
The same applies to returns. Recognising the product does not establish its batch of origin. If that cannot be verified, preserve the uncertainty rather than assigning a batch through guesswork.
Test the history in both directions
Choose one receipt and trace its later issues. Then start with an issue and check whether it leads back to the receipt and any remaining stock.
This information is particularly useful to quality teams investigating complaints. WMS can retain batch history, but completeness depends on data continuity through actual operations. A field labelled “batch” does not establish traceability by itself.