Simplify batch tracking and boost your manufacturing efficiency

What is a batch inventory management system?

Before we get into the management system, let’s go over the batch inventory definition. Inventory batches are groups of products that are manufactured or procured together and share the same expiration date.

Batch management systems are tools that enable you to group and monitor products that were manufactured under the same conditions and used the same materials – otherwise known as a batch.

However, production tracking isn’t just needed for batch manufacturing but also for discrete manufacturing and businesses that follow a different manufacturing process but still handle perishable inventory.

Using batch management software with batch code tracking allows you to:

• Track the expiry date of items
• Track defective items back to the batch it was produced alongside
• Enable an efficient product recall process
• Comply with legislation and requirements for your industry

A scenario where batch tracking is useful

An example of a business or industry that uses the batch and make-to-stock flow is a company that makes beauty products.

Let’s use a scenario where a cosmetics manufacturer produces a face cream that fights off the onset of wrinkles. It’s wonderful! But one day, a customer contacted them saying they bought a cream that was outdated.

As they wait for the cream to be returned, they use the cosmetics production software to track down the batch and remove it from inventory, to avoid more faulty products going into circulation and damaging their reputation.

How to use batch management in manufacturing efficiently?

Now that we know what a batch inventory management system is and which industries can benefit the most, let’s look into how to track production in manufacturing and the tips you can follow to ensure quality and efficient production tracking.

1. Batch number tracking

Batch numbers, also known as lot numbers, are used to track goods along the production chain. This means that you’ll have the ability to have end-to-end traceability over your products. Batch number tracking allows you to track:

• Components and raw materials
• Manufacturing processes
• Supply chain
• Manufacturing
• Delivery
• Service phases

Why is it important to have batch numbers? Because having batch numbers is crucial for quick and effective investigations of customer complaints and organizing product recalls.

However, given the complexity of using batch numbers, you will need a system that can help you store and easily track your batch management.

2. Using smart manufacturing to centralize your business

Smart manufacturing is the process of creating an ecosystem that connects your machinery and tools via the internet, which is essential when learning how to track production in manufacturing.

The most significant benefit to using smart manufacturing for production tracking is that it’s going to give you access to the following:

• Automated data
• Predictive maintenance
• Reduced costs
• Reduced workflow challenges
• Barcode scanning tools
• Integrations
• Greener processes

Essentially, smart manufacturing is going to be the best way of introducing the previous points in this article and more.

3. Linking your sales orders to manufacturing orders and raw materials

One surefire way to improve how you track production in your manufacturing is to create a link between your sales and production flow.

The best way to do this is to implement manufacturing inventory software. This is a real-time solution for managing your resources. However, just be sure you find software that can link your sales to your manufacturing, as some solutions only focus on manufacturing.

Cloud manufacturing software like Katana lets you understand immediately if you have enough products in your batch to satisfy your sales orders.

Having these linked will drastically improve your production planning and scheduling, so if your demand planning doesn’t account for a spike in sales, you can quickly change your production to fulfill the new orders.