Backward Flushing on Items with Lots in Business Central

In the world of manufacturing, backward flushing is a common method for automatically consuming inventory during the production process. However, when it comes to managing items with lot tracking in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, things get a bit trickier. Many organizations face challenges when trying to automate the lot selection process, especially in scenarios where all stock moves to a Work-In-Progress (WIP) floor area.

Understanding Backward Flushing

Backward flushing involves automatically deducting inventory once a production order is completed. The system uses the bill of materials (BOM) to determine the required quantities of raw materials and deducts them automatically from inventory. However, for items that require lot tracking, Business Central cannot automatically pick specific lots without user intervention.

Challenges in Auto Picking Lot Numbers

Manufacturing companies often aim to streamline inventory management by auto-picking lot numbers via backward flushing. Here are common challenges:

• Lot Information Required: Business Central requires specific lot information to accurately post consumption, which backward flushing doesn't handle automatically.
• Manual Intervention Needed: Despite setting up reservations, the system still prompts users to select the correct lot manually upon finishing the order.
• Not Ideal for Traceability: Automatic deduction without capturing lot information undermines traceability and compliance.

Recommended Solutions

Adjust Flushing Method

To ensure proper lot management, consider adjusting the flushing method:

• Manual Flushing: Use a manual flushing method, allowing users to capture lot information during the weighing of products or other checkpoints.

Build an Extension

For organizations that require more automation in their processes:

• Custom Development: Develop a custom extension to automate lot selection based on predefined rules.
• Complex Logic: Extensions can include logic to pick lots based on expiry dates, oldest-first policies, or other criteria.

Backward flushing with lot tracking in Business Central presents challenges due to the manual intervention required for accurate lot selection. Adjusting the flushing method or developing custom solutions provides flexibility for businesses to ensure compliance and improve efficiency. Best practices in lot management, combined with technology, can help manufacturing companies achieve their desired goals.