Serialisation (serial number tracking)
Quick answer
Assigning a unique identifier to each product unit for individual tracking, warranty and anti-counterfeiting.
Key takeaways
- Batch - a group of products made/received together
- Serial - a unique identifier per unit
What serialisation is
Serialisation means assigning a unique serial number to each individual product unit, not just the batch. It enables tracking every single item - critical in electronics, pharma, equipment, high-value goods.
Serial vs batch
- Batch - a group of products made/received together
- Serial - a unique identifier per unit
Serialisation is the higher granularity level: you know exactly where each unit is and its full history.
Use cases
- Warranty and service by serial number
- Anti-counterfeiting (pharma - FMD directive, aggregation)
- Returns and RMA on the exact unit
- High-value assets (IT, equipment)
How CRMconnect helps
The CRMconnect WMS captures the serial at receipt and tracks it through picking, shipping and returns, linking it to order, customer and warranty - with serial→case→pallet (SSCC) aggregation for full reporting.
Real-world example
An electronics distributor managed warranties by invoice, with frequent disputes. With serialisation in CRMconnect WMS, each unit is linked to the exact customer and delivery date; warranty validation is instant on the scanned serial number.
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Frequently asked
Difference between serialisation and batch traceability?+
Batch traceability tracks groups of products. Serialisation tracks each unit individually, with a unique identifier - maximum granularity, needed for warranty, pharma and anti-counterfeiting.
Do all products need serialisation?+
No. Serialisation is justified for high-value, warrantied or regulated products (pharma). For high-volume FMCG, batch traceability is sufficient and more efficient.
What is aggregation?+
The hierarchical link serial → case → pallet (SSCC), so scanning a pallet reveals all serialised units inside - a pharma requirement and useful in logistics.
Where CRMconnect fits
Related terms
Batch traceability
The ability to track a product batch across the whole chain, from supplier to end customer, for recall and compliance.
TechnologyGTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
Global product identification code - base for EAN-13, UPC, marketplaces.
LogisticsSSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code)
Unique 18-digit code identifying an individual transport unit - pallet, case, container.
LogisticsWMS (Warehouse Management System)
The system orchestrating physical warehouse operations: receiving, putaway, picking, packing, shipping.