In Dynamics 365 Business Central's Dynamic Ship module, managing items that require tracking through serial or lot numbers is crucial for accurate inventory and shipment tracking. Assigning outbound serial numbers at the time of shipping is particularly important for items that are tracked not only upon receipt (inbound tracking) but also when they are sent out (outbound tracking). Here’s a detailed explanation of how to handle serial and lot number assignment at shipping time, with an example scenario.
Understanding the Need for Outbound Serial Number Assignment
Some items in inventory require tracking through serial numbers for both inbound (when items are received into inventory) and outbound (when items are shipped to customers) processes. This dual tracking ensures that the specific items shipped can be accurately identified and traced throughout the supply chain.
Scenario: Assigning an Outbound Serial Number
Imagine a company that sells high-value electronics, each with a unique serial number for warranty and support purposes. These items require tracking both when they are received into inventory and when they are shipped out. Here's how outbound serial numbers can be assigned at shipping time within the Dynamic Ship module:
1. Setup for Outbound Tracking:
- Before Posting Shipment: Ensure that all items that require tracking have their item tracking numbers assigned before the shipment is posted. This is crucial for serialized or lot-tracked items.
2. Handling Unknown Tracking Numbers:
- If a tracking number is scanned in the package worksheet that doesn't exist in the system, an error message like “unknown scan: 12345678” will display. This indicates the need for the tracking number to be assigned or recognized in the system.
3. Configuring Tracking Behavior:
- Skip Option: If Tracking Behavior in Dynamic Ship Setup is set to “Skip,” tracking numbers assigned on the sales order or warehouse pick are considered ready for use and do not require re-entry during shipping.
- Immediate Assignment: If tracking numbers are assigned at shipment time, modify the barcode rule to bypass validation against existing numbers.
Creating a Serial Number Assignment Barcode Rule
To allow for the assignment of tracking numbers at shipping time without validation against existing numbers, follow these steps to adjust barcode rules:
1. Access Barcode Rules: Navigate to the Barcode Rules page, which may require personalization to display relevant fields for this process.
2. Modify for Serial Numbers:
- Duplicate the existing Serial No. line to create a new rule.
- Assign a unique Rule ID to this new line.
- Adjust the Run Order to be smaller than the original line to prioritize it.
- Uncheck “Validate Serial No.” to skip checking against existing serial numbers in the system.
- Check “Persistent Item” if applicable (noting that customization may be required if this field is not available).
Example: Electronics Shipment
For a shipment containing ten high-value electronic items, each requiring a unique serial number:
- Upon preparing the shipment, the warehouse staff scans the serial numbers of the items.
- The modified barcode rule, with validation turned off, allows the system to accept these serial numbers without cross-referencing existing entries.
- This ensures each electronic item's outbound tracking is updated with the correct serial number at the time of shipping, enhancing traceability and customer service.
Conclusion
By correctly configuring the Dynamic Ship module to handle outbound serial number assignments, businesses can streamline their shipping processes, ensure accurate tracking, and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction through improved order accuracy and traceability.
