Batch number

Batch number is assigned to raw materials, components, and other supplies for the purpose of clearly identifying the material. Different physical or chemical forms of the material should be identified by different numbers. An suffix to an existing number is usually used when the text of the packaging label is changed. "Sometimes a different number, a control number, is as signed to a bulk batch after it has been released by quality assurance. This serves as an additional check that unreleased bulk product cannot be used in the packaging cycle".

Depending on the individual batch number of the product or group of products, it is possible to identify "all shipment, receipt, and checkin type information, including associated project, contact person, brief description, when received, who inspected, how many packages, number of samples, how packaged, transportation mode, preservation, sample condition upon receipt, cover letter and inventory, listing documents, analyses requested, location of batch upon receipt, etc".

Batch number levels

There are several distinct levels where you can configure the batch number:

• Client level - When configuring batches at customer level, you only need to assign a batch number once for the whole customer. For each material assigned at this level, there is only one batch number.
• Material level - At this level, products are assigned material numbers. The material number helps to distinguish between two products when their batch numbers are the same.
• Plant level - At the plant level, the batch number is unique to the plant and material. As a result, the same batch number can be in another plant within the same company. In SAP, for example, the plant level can also be the default level for the batch number.

According to M. F. Amir "...plant operations are in many cases limited (finite). The cyclic behavior of the production system is usually limited by the ordered batches denoted by a fixed number. The batch number that corresponds to the market demand and material supply determines how many times products must be produced within a time period".

In the case of finished products which are managed in batches, the batch number must be exceptional. The same batch number should not be assigned to any other material. For example, finished food and pharmaceutical products must have a unique batch number. The same batch number should not be assigned to any other material. In such circumstances, the batch number should be at customer level. However, in the case of semi-finished materials, two different materials may have the same batch number. For all other materials that do not require a unique batch number in different plants or company codes, a batch number at plant level is enough.

Batch management is primarily used in process industries. The production process takes place when a batch of material is produced continuously with the same machine settings and raw material feeding. Parts of the material in this production batch are highly similar to each other. In case of any problems with the quality of the material, they can be easily traced by batch number.

There are more examples of batch-managed materials such as foodstuffs, chemical products, hygiene products etc. In most cases, these materials are distinguished on the basis of characteristics such as expiry date, colour shades, chemical composition and physical appearance.

Examples of Batch number

• A batch number is often printed on the product label of a package of medication. This number is used to identify the medication's source and manufacturing date.
• A batch number may also be printed on the packaging of groceries such as cereals, snacks, and other food items. This number is used to identify the batch of food that was manufactured, as well as its source and expiration date.
• A batch number is often printed on the packaging of electronics such as phones, computers, and other electronic devices. This number is used to identify the batch of devices that were manufactured, as well as their source and expiration date.
• A batch number is also used to identify batches of chemicals and other materials used in industrial processes. This number is used to identify the source of the material and the date that it was manufactured.

Advantages of Batch number

Batch numbers are beneficial in many ways, including:

• Tracking and tracing the supply chain of goods and materials, which makes it easier to identify any issues with the quality of the products or materials. This allows companies to take corrective action quickly and prevent further issues.
• Reducing the risk of product recalls, as batch numbers can be used to easily identify any affected products and take necessary steps to recall them.
• Improving the accuracy of inventory management, as batch numbers can be used to track different batches of goods and materials. This allows companies to know exactly what goods and materials they have in stock and when they need to be replenished.
• Ensuring that products are consistently produced with the same quality, as batch numbers can be used to identify any differences between batches. This allows companies to take corrective action if necessary.

Limitations of Batch number

Batch number is an important tool for tracking materials, components, and other supplies. However, there are certain limitations associated with it:

• Batch number can be difficult to track if not properly maintained. For example, if the same batch number is used multiple times, it can be difficult to accurately track the material.
• It can be difficult to ensure that all material has the same batch number. This can be especially difficult if the material is coming from different suppliers or sources.
• Batch numbers can be duplicated or changed without the knowledge of the receiving party. This can lead to confusion and potential misidentification of material.
• Batch numbers can also be difficult to track in cases where there are multiple batches of a material, as it can be difficult to determine which batch number is associated with which batch.

Other approaches related to Batch number

In addition to assigning Batch numbers, there are also several other approaches that can be used to ensure that raw materials, components, and other supplies are properly identified:

• Labelling - Labelling products with informative and clear labels that identify the material, including the use of barcodes or QR codes, can help ensure the correct material is being used.
• Traceability - Through the use of traceability systems, it is possible to track products from the raw material stage to the finished product stage, making it easier to identify potential problems.
• Quality Assurance - Quality assurance processes can be used to verify that the materials used in a product meet the required specifications.
• Process Control - Process control systems can be used to ensure that the processes used to create the product are efficient and effective.

In summary, there are several approaches that can be used to ensure that raw materials, components, and other supplies are properly identified, such as labelling, traceability, quality assurance, and process control.

Footnotes

Batch number — recommended articles

Single minute exchange of die — Inventory record — Bin card — Goods received note — Master production schedule — Pull system — Final inspection — 7 wastes of lean — Inventory adjustments

References

• Ahmed A. (2015), The SAP Materials Management Handbook, CRC Press
• Amir M.F. (2011), Modeling and Analysis for Optimal Scheduling of Biodiesel Batch-Plants,Tom 8 z Hallenser Schriften zur Automatisierungstechnik, Logos Verlag Berlin GmbH
• MM Questions and Answers (2010), Jones & Bartlett Learning
• Willig S.H. (2001), Good Manufacturing Practices for Pharmaceuticals: A Plan for Total Quality Control from Manufacturer to Consumer: Fifth Edition, Revised and Expanded, Marcel Dekker, Inc, New York
• Worthington M.A. (1988), Computerization and Data Management in the Metals Analysis Laboratory, ASTM International

Author: Dominika Kania