Understanding Lots & Batches When Working with Raw Materials

Knowledge of lot and batch tracking is essential because it forms the backbone of a production facility’s chain of custody—the documented trail that verifies every step of a product’s journey from raw material intake to final sale. In regulated industries, this traceability is not just good practice—it’s a compliance requirement.

By assigning and tracking lot or batch numbers, operators can:

• Ensure full traceability of all materials, processes, and finished products.

• Identify and isolate issues quickly in the event of a contamination, defect, or recall, minimizing risk to consumers and the business.

• Maintain integrity of the chain of custody, proving that products have been handled, stored, and transported according to regulatory standards.

This approach aligns directly with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), which require documented control over all stages of production, and with HACCP programs, which demand critical control points be monitored and recorded to prevent hazards. In both frameworks, accurate lot/batch records provide the evidence needed to demonstrate compliance, protect product safety, and ensure consumer confidence.

Watch Quick Help Video: Duration 1:22min