Product traceability is not only a matter of quality for many companies but also a legal requirement. Manufacturers in the USA, especially those operating in industries such as food, electronics, medical devices, or machinery, must always be able to prove where a product comes from, which materials were used, and where it was delivered.
With Odoo, serial and lot number tracking can be seamlessly integrated into existing processes – from goods receipt and production to delivery. This article explains how it works and the added value Odoo offers in terms of traceability.
Serial Numbers or Lots? The Difference Explained
Odoo provides two main options for product tracking:
- Serial Number Tracking: Each individual product receives a unique serial number. This is especially important for electronic devices, machinery, high-value components, or products with warranties.
- Lot Tracking: A group of products is assigned a common identification number (lot) – ideal for example for food, pharmaceuticals, or chemicals.
Both features ensure complete traceability in Odoo, whether you need to track a single item or an entire production batch.
Why Serial and Lot Tracking?
Companies rely on traceability to:
- Identify and contain quality issues quickly
- Comply with regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, ISO)
- Handle warranty and repair cases efficiently
- Manage returns and recalls effectively
- Increase internal transparency
With Odoo Inventory Tracking, traceability becomes an integral part of your end-to-end ERP process – from goods receipt to final delivery.
How Serial Number Tracking Works in Odoo
Serial number tracking in Odoo allows you to record each product with a unique identifier and trace its entire lifecycle – from receipt to delivery.
Step 1: Activation in the Product
In the product form, under the “Inventory” tab, select “Track by Serial Numbers.” Odoo then requires serial numbers for all stock movements of this product.
Step 2: Recording on Goods Receipt
During goods receipt, Odoo captures each serial number manually, via import, or by using a barcode scanner. This gives you a precise real-time overview of your stock.
Step 3: Tracking in Production
In manufacturing, serial numbers can be used to trace which raw materials were used in which finished products.
Step 4: Delivery and Traceability
Upon delivery, the serial number is linked to the customer. In case of questions or complaints, the entire journey of the product can be traced directly in Odoo.
Lot Tracking in Odoo – Similar but for Product Groups
Lot tracking works similarly to serial number tracking but applies to groups of identical products. This is particularly useful in industries such as food or chemicals.
Example: You produce 1,000 yogurt cups under lot “L-YG-0925.” Odoo records this lot during goods receipt, production, and shipping. You can always see when the batch was produced, which raw materials were used, and which customers received it.
Forward and Backward Traceability – Fully Integrated in Odoo
Odoo provides manufacturers with two powerful traceability features:
- Backward Traceability: From the customer back to the batch or serial number – ideal for recalls.
- Forward Traceability: From warehouse or raw material to the end customer – for full supply chain transparency.
For manufacturing companies in the USA, this is especially relevant to pass audits, reduce risks, and meet regulatory requirements such as FDA, ISO, or USDA standards.
Conclusion: Odoo for Manufacturing Companies in the USA – Traceability Made Simple
With Odoo, manufacturers have a powerful tool to implement complete digital traceability efficiently. Its seamless integration with purchasing, inventory, production, and sales ensures that you always know where a product comes from and where it goes.
Whether you need serial number tracking, lot tracking, or full traceability, Odoo gives you total control over your processes.
Choose Odoo for your manufacturing business in the USA to achieve greater transparency, improved quality, and full compliance.
Would you like to learn how Odoo can support your manufacturing company?
At OBS Solutions, we are an official Odoo Gold Partner and guide you from initial consultation to full implementation. Contact Robin Irle, President of OBS Solutions Inc.
Frequently asked questions
Serial and Lot Tracking in Odoo
Serial and lot tracking in Odoo allows manufacturers to trace products and materials throughout the entire supply chain. Each product or batch can be assigned a unique number, making it easy to track its origin, movement, and destination directly within the Odoo ERP system.
Serial number tracking assigns a unique identifier to each individual product, while lot tracking groups multiple identical products under one batch number. Serial numbers are ideal for electronics or machines, whereas lot tracking is best for food, pharmaceuticals, or chemicals.
Odoo integrates traceability into every business process, from inventory and production to sales and delivery. This ensures complete visibility, faster quality control, and compliance with standards like FDA, ISO, or USDA.
Traceability is a legal requirement in many
industries. With Odoo, U.S. manufacturers can easily track materials and
products, prove compliance, manage recalls efficiently, and pass audits with
confidence.
Yes. Odoo’s traceability functions allow you to track raw materials used in production as well as finished goods delivered to customers — ensuring full forward and backward traceability.
Odoo offers real-time visibility, reduces human
error, ensures compliance, and simplifies recall management. Its integration
across purchasing, production, and sales makes it one of the most efficient ERP
systems for manufacturing traceability.
