What is Serial Number Tracking?

Serial number tracking assigns a unique identifier to each individual unit of a product, enabling precise tracking of that specific item through every stage of the supply chain—from supplier receipt to warehouse storage to customer delivery and potential return. Unlike SKU-level tracking, which treats all units of the same product as interchangeable, serial number tracking differentiates every single unit.

Why It Matters

Serial number tracking is essential for businesses selling high-value items (electronics, luxury goods, machinery), regulated products (medical devices, firearms), or products with warranty obligations. It enables precise recall management, warranty validation, theft prevention, and chain-of-custody documentation. When a customer reports an issue, serial tracking lets you trace exactly when and where that specific unit entered your system, how it was handled, and when it shipped.

How It Works

• Inbound Recording: When products arrive from suppliers, each unit’s serial number is scanned and recorded in the inventory system, linked to the purchase order and receiving date.
• Storage Assignment: The serial number is associated with a specific warehouse location, enabling precise locating during picking.
• Order Association: When an order is fulfilled, the specific serial number shipped is recorded against the customer’s order, creating a permanent link between customer and unit.
• Warranty and Returns: Serial numbers enable warranty validation (confirming the unit was purchased legitimately) and return verification (confirming the returned unit matches what was shipped).
• Recall Management: If a product defect is discovered, serial ranges can identify exactly which units are affected and which customers received them.

How Nventory Helps

Nventory supports serial number tracking across all inventory operations, from receiving to shipping. The system captures serial numbers during inbound processing, associates them with specific orders during fulfillment, and maintains a complete audit trail for each serialized unit. This enables precise warranty tracking, return validation, and recall management across all your sales channels.