Assigning serial numbers to items on a sales order helps maintain precise traceability and compliance. This ensures each sold item is uniquely identified and tracked through your supply chain.
Why assign serial numbers on SOs?
Essential for serial-tracked products: Items with serial tracking must have numbers assigned during the sales process.
Maintain data compliance: Especially important when managing warranties, service, or recalls.
E-commerce imports: Imported orders might be marked Done before serials are set; Katana flags these cases for follow-up.
Three scenarios for assigning serials
Order type | Auto assignment? | Manual required? | Notes |
Make-to-Order | ✅ Yes (auto) | Not needed | The SO pulls items from its linked MO, so serials are assigned automatically. |
Make-to-Stock | ❌ No | ✅ Manual when packing or delivering | On packing/delivery, click the warning icon to open the serial picker. |
E-commerce Import | Depends on config | ✅ If missing (reverting SO needed) | Imports marked Done may emit a yellow warning until serials are added. |
Step-by-step: Assigning serials on Make‑to‑Stock SOs
After marking Packed or Delivered, click the yellow warning icon or serial number field in the SO.
A serial selection window opens—select the needed serial numbers from the inventory.
Click Done to confirm.
To edit, click the green checkmark to open the selector again; adjust serials or quantities as needed.
Handling e-commerce imports
Imported SOs may skip Katana serial prompts if already marked Done in the storefront.
Katana flags these with a yellow icon—click to open and assign serials manually.
On the Sell screen:
On a sales order:
If serials are added post-completion, revert the SO before assignment.
Note: Reverting does not sync back to the online platform.
Your feedback is invaluable. Let us know your thoughts on this article or anything in Katana you'd like to see improved: [email protected]