Katana allows you to assign and track batch numbers for outsourced purchase orders (OPOs), ensuring full traceability of both products and materials. Assigning batch numbers lets you later select items from specific batches when selling or using them in manufacturing.
When you can assign batch numbers
Batch tracking must first be enabled for the item.
You can add or change batches before or after the OPO is received.
Assign batch numbers
You can add batches to an OPO row before the goods arrive, while receiving, or after the OPO is received.
Open the OPO. A traceability indicator appears next to the quantity of each batch-tracked item. It's yellow while batches are missing and turns green when the batch quantities match the row quantity.
Click the indicator, or the arrow to the left of the item name, to open the traceability row.
Enter a new batch number, or select an existing one, and add an expiry date and batch barcode if you use them.
If the delivery is split across several batches, add another traceability row for the remaining quantity.
If you track stock in bins, select the bin into which the goods should be received.
Receive the OPO. The receiving review displays quantities and batches on a single screen.
Received goods are added to the batch (and bin) you chose. If you receive without batches, you can add them later on the received PO. To stop POs from being received without batches, turn on Require traceability assignment in Settings > Inventory management > Preferences.
Assigning batch numbers when receiving an OPO
Change delivery status → set the OPO to Receive some... or Receive all.
Enter the quantity to receive (if only receiving some):
By default, the full ordered quantity is shown if receiving all.
In the To receive column, add the quantity of each received item
Assign batch details for each row:
Batch # (create new or use an existing one)
Batch barcode (optional, if using barcodes)
Expiry date (optional but recommended for traceability)
If the item does not have batch tracking enabled, the Batch # field will display Not applicable, and no batch assignment is required.
Once you're ready, click the Receive button to confirm receipt.
Note: Batches can be added at any point before or after an OPO is received.
After receiving
Batch number information is saved on the OPO.
Batches for received items are added to stock and can be viewed under Stock screen > Batches tab.
These batches are then available for:
Sales orders (SOs) – selecting exact batches when fulfilling customer orders.
Manufacturing orders (MOs) – tracking materials and products across production.
Tracking batches for ingredients in OPOs
If your outsourced purchase order involves processing ingredients, you can also track the ingredient batches used.
Ingredient batches and storage bins are assigned on the recipe rows, before or after receipt
Key takeaways
You can split items across multiple batches by adjusting received quantities.
Expiry dates and barcodes can be added for better traceability.
Received batches are available for both sales and manufacturing workflows.
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