This guide shows how to receive serialized items against a purchase order using Finale’s mobile barcode scanner. You’ll enable Lot ID tracking, set the correct scanner options for serials, scan part numbers and serial numbers efficiently, and verify results in Finale.
Prerequisites (Enable Lot ID / Serial Tracking)
Before receiving serial numbers, turn on Lot/Serial tracking in Finale:
Go to Application Settings (or click your company name > Product tab).
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Enable Use Lot identifiers for tracking.
Finale stores serial numbers in the Lot ID field.
You may use “Serial numbers” or “Plain text” formatting per your preference.
2. Scanner Settings for Serial Numbers
On the mobile scanner, set the following (Menu: More ? More ? Settings):
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Receive: Type Quantity = No
Serialized items are always quantity 1, so skip quantity prompts.
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Receive Learn Mode = On
Learns each scanned serial as a recognizable barcode for future transfers, moves, and picks.
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Serial Number Mode = Auto
Scanner prompts for Part Number once, then lets you scan multiple Serial Numbers for that part without re-entering the part number.
? These three settings streamline serial receiving and reduce keying errors.
3. Prepare the Purchase Order
Open the Purchase Orders screen and select the PO to receive (e.g., PO #100007).
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(Optional) From the Action menu, Print Purchase Order with Barcodes.
The top barcode is the Order ID (for loading the PO on the scanner).
Line-item part number barcodes help if products are unlabeled.
You typically won’t have serial barcodes yet—that’s what you’ll capture during receiving.
4. Sync the Scanner
On the scanner, run Sync to download the latest account data.
Once synced, you can work offline in the warehouse during receiving.
5. Start Receiving with Serials
On the scanner, choose Receive.
Scan the Order ID (from the printed PO) or select the PO from the list.
Select/scan the storage location where items will be received (e.g., A3).
The scanner will prompt for the Product (Part) ID and then for the Serial Number.
Efficient Scanning Flow (serial Number Mode = Auto)
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First unit of a part:
Scan Part Number ? 2) Scan Serial Number.
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Additional units of the same part:
Just scan the Serial Number(s)—no need to rescan the part number.
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Switching to a different part:
Press Enter to move to the next part prompt, then scan that part’s Part Number once, followed by its serials.
If a Serial Barcode Is Missing
Tap the keyboard on the scanner and type the serial manually (then hide the keyboard to continue).
6. Review Your Progress
Tap Menu ? Review on the scanner to see each line’s progress (e.g., 5/5, 4/4, 2/2).
When all required serials are recorded, tap Done to exit the receive operation.
7. Sync Back to Finale (commit the Receipt)
From the scanner’s main menu, run Sync to upload the receipt.
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In Finale (web):
The PO status updates to Fully Received (or Partially Received, as applicable).
Go to the PO’s Shipment tab, expand line items to view the serial numbers captured.
You can also see serials under Stock for the received product(s).
Tips
Always sync before starting and after finishing the receipt.
Keep Receive: Type Quantity = No to avoid unnecessary prompts for serialized items.
Use Learn Mode so the scanner recognizes serial barcodes in future operations.
If items have two barcodes (part + serial), cover one with your finger while scanning to ensure the correct code is read.
For unlabeled products, use the printed PO’s line-item barcodes for the part number and type the serial if needed.
Need Help?
If you have questions about serialized receiving or scanner setup, reach out to service@finaleinventory.com.