Assign batch numbers to “unbatched” items in Katana to ensure complete traceability and accurate inventory tracking.
“Unbatched” stock refers to items with batch tracking enabled after stock has already been received or manufactured, and no batch was assigned to those existing quantities.
Methods for assigning batch numbers
You can assign batch numbers to unbatched items in two ways:
Using a stock adjustment
Editing completed manufacturing orders (MOs)
Method 1: Assign via stock adjustment
Use this method to move stock quantities from “Unbatched” to a new or existing batch.
Steps:
Go to the Stock screen > Stock adjustments tab and click + Stock adjustment.
Add the item you'd like to assign to a batch.
In the Adjustment +/- column, click the field to open the batch tracking popup.
In the popup:
Row 1: Enter a negative or positive quantity and select Unbatched from the Batch # dropdown.
Row 2: Enter the quantity and assign a new batch number (or select an existing batch).
Ensure the total Adjustment +/- equals 0 to keep stock quantity unchanged.
This reassigns items from the unbatched group to a tracked batch without affecting overall stock levels.
Method 2: Assign via completed manufacturing orders
If you enable batch tracking after completing MOs, any ingredients consumed will default to “Unbatched.” You can retroactively assign batches to these ingredients.
Steps:
Go to the Make screen > Schedule tab.
Switch to the Done view to see completed MOs.
Click into the relevant MO.
Locate ingredients labeled Unbatched.
Click the Edit icon next to the ingredient.
In the popup, select a batch to assign to each ingredient.
This ensures backward traceability for items already used in production before batch tracking was enabled.
Summary
Assigning batch numbers to unbatched stock is essential for:
Ensuring consistent batch history
Achieving full traceability for audit or compliance
Correctly identifying ingredients in past or future reports
You can do this with zero stock movement by balancing positive and negative adjustments or by editing Done MOs.
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