Serial Number Requirements During Initial Item Entry

When you enter item information in the F4101 table, which the system transfers to the F4102 table, you must identify the requirement for serial number assignment, lot process type, commitment method, and shelf life in days. If you require a serial number, the lot process type indicates whether that assignment is optional or required and, if required, the format for system-assigned serial numbers. You must specify the shelf life for the system to calculate the expiration date of the item. You can override serial number requirements for each branch/plant. The system verifies serial number processing based on information in the Work With Item Branch form.

If you enter the lot process type that indicates that the serial number requirement is optional, you are not prompted to enter a serial number until shipment confirmation. You use this feature to use the serial number to identify a warranty for an item that you are extending to the customer.

You must enter a lot process type and the shelf life for all items for which a serial number entry is required. The system uses the lot process type and the shelf life to commit inventory. If you do not specify the shelf life, you must enter an expiration date each time you receive an item.