Finale Knowledge Base

Receiving Purchase Orders with Lot IDs Using the Mobile Barcode Scanner

This guide shows how to receive items with lot IDs (batch numbers) against a purchase order using Finale’s mobile barcode scanner. You’ll learn how to prepare barcoded documents, scan lot IDs (either from labels or by typing), and record multiple lots against a single line item.

https://youtu.be/2y939HrvdFk


Prerequisites (enable Lot ID Tracking)

To receive with lot IDs, you must first enable the feature:

  1. Go to Application Settings (or click your company name > Product tab).

  2. Enable Use Lot identifiers for tracking.

    • This allows you to enter and track lot numbers on received items.


Prepare the Purchase Order

  1. Open the Purchase Orders screen.

  2. Select the PO to be received.

  3. From the Action menu, choose Print Purchase Order with Barcodes.

    • The printed PO includes:

      • Order ID barcode (used to load the PO on the scanner).

      • Product barcodes (useful if items arrive unlabeled).

While printing the PO is optional, it’s often helpful in warehouse operations.


Sync the Mobile Scanner

  1. On the scanner, run Sync to download the latest data from your Finale account.

  2. Once synced, you can work offline in the warehouse during receiving.


Start Receiving with Lot Ids

  1. On the scanner, select Receive.

  2. Scan the Order ID barcode from the PO, or choose it from the list.

  3. Scan/choose the storage location where items will be placed (e.g., A02).

  4. In the Receiving screen:

    • Sublocation: Defaults to the chosen location. Lock this field if all items will go to the same spot.

    • Lot ID field: Unlock this box so the scanner prompts for lot IDs.

    • Quantity field: Remains unlocked to confirm quantities as items are scanned.


Entering Lot Ids

  • If items have lot barcodes > scan the lot barcode.

  • If items do not have lot barcodes > tap in the Lot ID box and:

    • Type the lot number using the scanner’s on-screen keyboard.

    • Enter letters, numbers, or a mix, depending on your lot coding system.


Handling Multiple Lots

  • All units with the same lot ID:

    • Enter the lot once, then confirm the full quantity.

  • Units split across different lot IDs:

    1. Use the down arrow to adjust the quantity (e.g., 2 units with Lot A, 1 unit with Lot B).

    2. Scan or type the next lot ID.

    3. Repeat until all items are recorded.


Review and Sync

  1. Tap Menu > Review to verify received quantities and lot IDs.

  2. Exit to the main menu.

  3. Sync the scanner to upload receipts to the Finale cloud.


Verify in Finale

  • In the PO’s Shipment tab, you’ll see:

    • Status updated to Fully Received (or Partially Received).

    • Lot IDs displayed under the received line items.

  • In the Stock screen, each product shows inventory by lot ID.


Tips

  • Always sync before starting and after finishing the receipt.

  • Use printed lot barcodes when possible; if not, enter them manually.

  • Split lots carefully to maintain traceability.

  • Make sure Lot ID tracking is enabled in Application Settings, or lot information will not display in shipments/stock.


Need Help?

For more details on receiving workflows (including serial numbers), see our related help articles or contact us at Descartes Customer Support.


Frequently Asked Questions

What plan level is required for access to the mobile barcode scanner?

The mobile barcode scanner is available on Gold Plans and above

Is the physical scanner included with my Finale Inventory subscription

We do not provide or sell any hardware. If you are upgrading your plan for access to Finale's Mobile Barcode Scanning features, you must purchase a scanner on your own, and can use one of our preferred vendors if you wish.

What are the hardware requirements for the mobile barcode scanner?

ANDROID-OS Based Minimum hardware requirements:


Operating system version: Android OS 8.1 or greater


Hardware specifications:

• WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n

• Touch Display

• 1GB RAM / 8GB Flash

• 1D/2D barcode scanner or embedded camera

I am using the free trial of Finale Inventory, how do integrate my mobile scanner with my trial account?

Please contact Descartes Customer Support or your Implementation Consultant directly to enable access.

How do I change the Orientation of the barcode scanner screen?

The mobile barcode scanner software has a toggle screen hot spot on the top of every screen in the app. Click the area under the title bar to swap your orientation.

How do I type a quantity on the scanner?

Press the UP arrow, on the bottom-of your screen in the app, BEFORE you scan the items you intend to receive or count. That will open up a quantity box for you to type into.

How do I use my own scanner with the Finale Inventory scanner app?

Ensure that your scanner is running on Android-OS 8.1 and that you are on the appropriate plan level to access Finale's barcoding features. The barcoding app can be downloaded directly from the Google Play Store.

Where do I purchase the scanner?

We have two preferred vendors that are recommended to purchase your scanner with however you may ultimately purchase a scanner from anywhere you wish. Our preferred vendors are Barcode-Arena and AML. Please note that Finale's Mobile Barcode Scanner app is only compatible on Android devices.

How do I know what version my scanner is running?

From the main screen of the Finale IMS Barcode Scanner app, click "More" until you reach option #18 "About." Selecting this option will tell you exactly which version of the app you're running on that device.

What is the difference between a USB/Bluetooth scanner and a Mobile Scanning device?

USB/Bluetooth scanners can plug directly into a phone or computer for the purpose of scanning a barcode, whereas a Mobile Scanning Device acts as one handheld tool to run Finale's Mobile Barcode Scanner app and scan barcode information simultaneously.

Back to Top