What is a Batch Number and Why Does it Matter for Product Labeling?
Thousands of businesses all over the world rely on batch numbers and batch management to handle and track their products as they move through different stages of the production and distribution process. Let’s discuss batch numbers, the type of information they include, why they’re important, best practices, and how you can add them to labels.
Understanding Batch Numbers
According to the FDA’s Code of Federal Regulations, a product batch number is a distinct combination of numbers, letters and symbols detailing a product’s manufacturing, processing, and distribution history.
With batch numbers, you assign a code to a group of products that were manufactured together during a single production run.The data in a batch number allows manufacturers and distributors to keep track of products as they move through the supply chain.
Information That Batch Numbers Typically Include
Your batch number should contain information that allows distributors and manufacturers to uniquely identify products in one production run. That means each code needs to include information like:
- Manufacturing Date: When was the product manufactured? Most batch numbers use the Julian Date format, which is written as YYDD. This helps you trace when the product was manufactured, which is important to know during recalls.
- Production Time: Some industries, like the food and beverage industry, mention the production time in batch numbers. This detail allows them to maintain better quality control while managing shelf life and expiration dates.
- Location: Companies that have different production sites commonly include the location in batch numbers. Adding this information allows precise traceability for product batches at different stages of the manufacturing process.
- Product Code: Batch numbers often include a product code, which corresponds to a specific Stock Keeping Unit (SKU). It helps distributors distinguish between different product varieties and types, such as regular and sugar-free versions.
- Serial Number: In industries where several batches are made in a single day, serial numbers are added to batch numbers. It helps manufacturers and distributors distinguish batches produced on the same day or during the same shift.
- Expiration Date Or Shelf Life Code: Batch numbers in some industries like cosmetics and food and beverage often include codes for shelf-life and expiration dates.
Why Batch Numbers Matter For Labeling Products
So, why add batch numbers to your product labels? The ISO 9001:2015 lays out best practices for traceability. It requires businesses to use batch numbers to track products and ensure quality control across different production stages.
Here are some of the reasons to use batch numbers:
Improves Traceability
When you’re adding batch numbers to product labels, you get precise traceability for your products. You can trace the lifecycle of an entire batch from manufacturing and processing to distribution and store shelves.
Ensures Regulatory Compliance
When you operate in an industry that’s exposed to strict regulations, such as food and pharmaceuticals, you need precise record-keeping. Not to mention, regulatory bodies like the FDA require batch numbers for food products, beverages, infant formula, and pharmaceuticals.
Allows Better Inventory Management
Your business can keep an accurate track of current inventory and anticipate demand. This reduces the risk of stockouts or overstocking.
Efficient Product Recalls
In the event of defects or safety concerns, your business can quickly identify the issue affecting a specific batch. You’ll be able to implement recalls much faster.
Best Practices For Batch Number Placement And Printing
Regulations surrounding the placement and printing of batch numbers can depend on your industry. However, guidelines usually include printing the batch number in a clear and prominent location. For instance, the FDA requires that you print the batch number somewhere it’s accessible, like the information panel on the label. The font size should be big enough to ensure readability, so about 1/16th of an inch for smaller labels, as detailed by 21 CFR §201.15.
Creating And Managing Batch Numbers
Whether you’re managing operations at a small or large scale, most companies leave managing batch numbers to specialized software.
For smaller-scale operations, common options include Craftbase, Unleashed Software, and QuickBooks Enterprise. For larger-scale operations, common options include NetSuite, SAP’s ERP suite, BatchMaster ERP, and Inciflo.
Integrating Different Batch Numbers Into One Label Run
For businesses that print batch numbers onto labels, integrating different batch numbers into a label run is a common scenario. That’s where labeling solutions like variable data printing comes in.
Variable data printing allows you to change elements like graphics or text for labels quickly adding several different batch numbers into a single run for a cost-effective and efficient solution.
Add Batch Numbers to Labels for Better Traceability and Compliance
Ready to put together a strategy for printing batch numbers in a single label run? Our experts can help. Learn more about variable data printing, get a sample pack, or request a quote!