What is the purpose of recording lot or batch numbers in stock records?

• A. To identify product origin and enable traceability
• B. To set price discounts
• C. To track warranty coverage only
• D. To determine packaging size

Answer: (A)

Recording lot or batch numbers in stock records lets you identify where a specific item came from and how it has moved through the supply chain. Each lot is tied to a production run, including the plant or supplier, production date, and quality checks, which creates a traceable history for that group of items. This traceability is crucial for quickly identifying and isolating affected lots if a defect is discovered, enabling efficient recalls and investigations about origin and distribution. It also supports inventory management, helps with shelf life or expiration considerations, and ensures accountability and compliance across the supply chain. The other options miss the point because pricing discounts, warranty tracking as a primary purpose, and packaging size determination aren’t driven by batch identifiers.