Traceability
Inventory, Batch and Heat Traceability
Carry lot identity from GRN through issue, WIP and dispatch.
GRN → issue → dispatch genealogy
Answer
How does manufacturing ERP support batch and heat traceability?
Traceability works when receipt captures batch or heat identity, issues consume that identity, production and quality records stay linked, and dispatch can answer genealogy questions. FOS Inventory and Quality maintain batch/heat attributes across movements; steel fabricators often emphasise heat numbers — see steel fabrication.
Where identity is usually lost
Plants record heat on the GRN paper, then issue “from the pile.” Months later, a customer asks for the certificate behind a serial. The fix is process plus system: bins, forced identity on issue for critical items, and inspection holds that block dispatch.
Example: Plate heat H-441 enters stores. Nesting issues reference H-441. The finished frame retains the link when quality releases dispatch documents.
Practical rollout order
Start with purchased critical materials, then WIP lots, then finished serials. Pair with Quality gates so NCRs attach to the same identity.
Related modules
Open the FOS capabilities that map to this guide.
Related industries
See these workflows on your plant.
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What is batch and heat traceability?
It is the ability to follow lot or heat identity from receipt through issue, production and dispatch so audits and customer queries do not rely on reconstructed files.
Which FOS modules carry identity?
Inventory captures and issues batches; Quality attaches inspections and NCRs; Production and dispatch keep the genealogy on the order thread.
Do steel fabricators need heat numbers in ERP?
When customers or codes require heat genealogy, GRN and issue must retain heat references. See /industries/steel-fabrication for fabrication context.
Where do plants usually lose traceability?
Identity is recorded on paper at GRN, then ignored at issue. ERP helps only if critical items enforce identity at issue and quality gates.
Is 100% traceability guaranteed?
No. Traceability depends on process discipline and configuration. FOS provides the controls; plants decide which items require forced identity.