Lot Numbers
Lot numbers are used for tracking stock from the point of receipt through to the point of sale, and can be used to track returned items from the customer and back to the vendor. For example, a food distribution company can use lot numbers to record purchases and sales of unique lots.
Some industries, such as pharmaceuticals and meat-packing, are legally required to track the items that they purchase, manufacture, and ship.
Unlike serial numbers, many different items can share the same lot number.