Serialization Inventory
The Serialization Inventory feature enables GS1-compliant quantity serialization during picking. For each picked packaging unit (master cartons, inner cartons, or individual items), a unique serialization number is recorded and assigned to the outbound stock posting lines. With an external database, it is possible to trace exactly which packaging units were delivered to which customer.
Quantity Serialization vs. Individual Serialization
SIEVERS WMS supports two approaches to item-level traceability:
| Quantity Serialization (Serialization Inventory) | Individual Serialization (Serial Numbers) | |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable for | Large or varying quantities where recording all serial numbers during goods receipt is not feasible | Smaller quantities, high-value items, full transparency from goods receipt to warehouse shipment |
| External database required | Yes | No |
| Recording during goods receipt | Not required | Yes (e.g., in SWMS Mobile or item tracking lines) |
| GS1 QR code scanning | Yes (AI 00 = SSCC, AI 21 = serial number, AI 37 = quantity) | Optional |
Wichtig
Quantity serialization and individual serialization via serial number management cannot be active at the same time on the same item.
Setup
Full activation requires settings in three places:
1. SWMS Feature Setup
Enable the Serialization Inventory feature in the SWMS Feature Setup. This makes all related fields and pages visible.
2. GS1-SSCC Data Identifier Field Assignments
The GS1-SSCC data identifiers must be configured so that scanning a GS1 QR code populates the correct fields. The following application identifiers (AIs) are relevant:
- AI 00 (SSCC): Unique ID of a packaging unit (master carton, inner carton). Written to the Serialization No. Inventory field of the outbound stock posting line.
- AI 21 (Serial Number): Used for individual items; also written to the Serialization No. Inventory field.
- AI 01 / AI 02 + AI 37: GTIN of the trade item and quantity of contained units. The system uses these for validation against the item reference and for automatic quantity transfer.
For more details on the GS1 configuration, see GS1-SSCC Setup.
3. Master Data
Quantity serialization is configured per combination of customer and item. Both of the following fields must be set to Yes:
- On the customer (customer card): Activate Serialization Inventories in Warehouse Shipment
- On the item (item card, tab SWMS Outbound Stock Post) or on the item category: Serialization requirement for Inventory
Only when both fields are set will the serialization mask be shown during picking of this item for this customer. For all other combinations, picking proceeds as usual.
Hinweis
The Serialization requirement for Inventory field cannot be active at the same time as Serial No. Necessary on the item. The system checks for this conflict when activating the field and displays an error message if a conflict exists.
Picking Process
Once all setup prerequisites are met, a special serialization mask appears during picking (process A4.3) instead of the regular confirmation mask:
- The inventory (SU) is scanned for pick validation.
- The picker scans a GS1 code of the packaging unit:
- AI 00 for a master carton or inner carton (SSCC)
- AI 21 for an individual item (serial number)
- The system reads the quantity contained in the code (AI 37) and automatically adopts it as the picked quantity.
- If the scanned quantity is less than the remaining line quantity, the line is automatically split. Each outbound stock posting line thus receives exactly one serialization number.
- If the scanned quantity would exceed the remaining line quantity, an error message appears. The picker must scan a smaller packaging unit.
- Once the full quantity has been serialized, the process is confirmed. F7 can be used to request a new picking location.
Hinweis
Items with Serial No. Necessary enabled (individual serialization) follow the regular serial number-based picking mask, not the quantity serialization mask.
Storage of Serialization Numbers
The recorded serialization numbers are stored in the Serialization No. Inventory field:
- In the outbound stock posting lines (during picking)
- In the posted outbound stock posting lines (after posting the warehouse shipment)
The link between the scanned serialization number and the outbound stock posting line enables an external database to trace exactly which packaging unit was delivered to which customer.
Duplicate Detection
The system prevents the same serialization number (SSCC or serial number) from being scanned twice within the same picking document. A duplicate scan triggers an error message.