Getting Started
Before using Squirrel for automatic lot allocation, you need to configure Item Tracking Codes, set up locations, and verify item settings. This guide walks you through each configuration step.
Important
Ensure that Item Tracking functionality is enabled in Business Central and that items are configured with Item Tracking Codes that support lot/batch tracking.
Prerequisites
Before configuring Squirrel, ensure the following are in place:
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central version 26.0 or later
- Item Tracking functionality is enabled
- Items are configured with Item Tracking Codes that support lot/batch tracking
- Lot-tracked items have available inventory with assigned lot numbers
- Sales orders or transfer orders are in Released status
Step 1: Configure Item Tracking Codes
Item Tracking Codes control how lot numbers are automatically selected for each item.
- Choose the search icon (ALT+Q), enter Item Tracking Codes, and then choose the related link.
- Open the Item Tracking Code card for items you want to enable automatic lot allocation.
- In the Picking Lot Selection field, select one of the following
options:
- Oldest Batch - For FIFO lot selection
- Smallest Batch - To prioritize depleting smaller lot quantities
- Leave blank to exclude items from automatic lot allocation
Note
The Picking Lot Selection field specifies the method for automatically selecting lots when processing the Lot Allocation report.
Step 2: Configure Locations
Locations must be configured to enable lot allocation and specify the allocation method.
- Choose the search icon (ALT+Q), enter Locations, and then choose the related link.
- Open the Location Card for each location where you want to use automatic lot allocation.
- Locate the Picking Lot Settings FastTab at the bottom of the page.
- Fill in the following fields:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Use Lot Allocation Picking | Check this box to enable lot allocation for this location. |
| Picking Lot Allocation Method | Select the allocation strategy: Per order Increasing Qty. - Process each order separately, smallest lines first. Per order Decreasing Qty. - Process each order separately, largest lines first. Increasing Quantity - Process all lines across orders, smallest first. Decreasing Quantity - Process all lines across orders, largest first. |
| Only Pick Allocated Lines | Check this box to prevent warehouse picks from including lines without allocated lot numbers. |
Note
The Picking Lot Allocation Method field requires Use Lot Allocation Picking to be enabled before you can select a method.
Tip
Enable Only Pick Allocated Lines to ensure warehouse staff only pick lines that have been allocated lot numbers, preventing errors and ensuring consistent lot selection policies.
Step 3: Verify Item Setup
Ensure items are properly configured for lot tracking.
- Choose the search icon (ALT+Q), enter Items, and then choose the related link.
- Open the Item Card for each lot-tracked item.
- Verify that the Item Tracking Code field is populated with a tracking code configured in Step 1.
- Ensure the item has lot-tracked inventory at the relevant locations.
Note
Only items with an Item Tracking Code that has a Picking Lot Selection method configured will be included in automatic lot allocation.