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Block or unblock lots

This article explains how to automatically block and unblock inventory lots (serial numbers and packages) using workflows and result-specific controls.

There are two main approaches for lot blocking:

  • Workflow-Based Blocking: Block lots,serial numbers and pacakges using workflows.
  • Result-Based Blocking: Document-specific blocking based on quality inspection results.

Both approaches help ensure that noncompliant inventory isn't used inappropriately, while allowing flexible quality control processes.

Workflow-based lot blocking

Workflow-based blocking creates or modifies Lot No. Information Card pages to completely block lots for all transactions (except warehouse operations when configured). You access Lot No. Information Card pages from the Lot No. Information List page. Similar for Serial No. Information Card and Package No. Informatuion Card.

Set up a block-on-fail workflow

The following procedure describes the key settings for a workflow that blocks lots when quality inspections fail.

  1. Select Search (Alt+Q) in the upper-right corner, enter Workflows, and then choose the related link.

  2. Create a new workflow. For example, name it "Block Lot Example."

  3. Configure a workflow step, as follows:

    1. In the When Event field, choose A Quality Inspection is finished.
    2. In the On Condition field, add a filter for the Result Code field, and then set FAIL as the filter value.
    3. In the Then Response field, choose Block Lot in the Inspection. This setting creates a lot information card with the status Blocked.

Set up block-on-creation, and unblock on pass workflows

The following procedures describe the key settings for workflows that block lots immediately when inspections are created, and unblock them when inspections pass.

Block on inspection creation

  1. Create a new workflow. For example, name it "Block Lot on Creation."

  2. In the When Event field, choose A Quality Inspection is Created.

  3. In the Then Response field, choose Block lot in the inspection.

    The result is that all lots are blocked immediately when inspections are created.

Unblock on pass

  1. Create a new workflow. For example, name it "Unblock on Pass."
  2. In the When Event field, choose A Quality Inspection is Finished.
  3. In the On Condition field, add a filter for the Result Code field, and then set Pass as the filter value.
  4. In the Then Response field, choose Unblock Lot in the Inspection.

Result-based document blocking

Result-based blocking provides granular, document-specific controls based on the current grade of quality inspection. Unlike complete lot blocking, this approach lets you block specific transaction types while permitting others, based on the inspection result.

The following list describes how Business Central evaluates results:

  • Multiple inspections for the same lot might have different results. The Quality inspection selection criteria field on the Quality Management Setup page specifies which inspections to consider when evaluating whether to block a document-specific transaction.
  • Result priorities determine which controls take precedence. Higher priority results override lower priority results.

Examples of result configurations

The following table shows a sample configuration for three inspection results. The INPROGRESS result restricts most transactions while inspections are in progress — you can store and move items for inspections, but not use them in business transactions. The FAIL result requires quarantine when a quality inspection fails, blocking all use and allowing only quarantine and disposal activities. The PASS result allows normal business operations when a quality inspection passes, enabling all transactions for items with confirmed quality.

Result Priority Allow Sales Allow Transfer Allow Consumption Allow Pick Allow Put-away Allow Movement
INPROGRESS 0 No
(can't sell unconfirmed quality)		 No
prevent distribution before inspection is complete		 No
can't use in production		 No
prevent picking for shipments		 Yes
allow warehouse storage		 Yes
allow movement to inspection areas
FAIL 1 No
(can't sell nonconforming items)		 No
prevent distribution of failed items		 No
can't use defective materials		 No
prevent accidental picking		 Yes
allow quarantine storage		 Yes
allow movement for disposal
PASS 2 Yes
(approved for customer shipment)		 Yes
approved for distribution		 Yes
approved for production use		 Yes
approved for warehouse operations		 Yes
normal warehouse operations		 Yes
normal warehouse operations

To learn more about quality inspection results, go to Configure quality inspection results.

Purchase Receipt Inspections without Warehouse Handling
Purchase Receipt Inspections with Warehouse Handling
Configuring Workflows
Processing Non-Compliant Items
Quality Management Overview

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