The R/3 System allows assignment of serial numbers to serialized materials. Numbers can be assigned internally (by the system) and externally (by the user).

If assignment of serial numbers is mandatory and you enter a goods movement, a dialog box will appear where you either enter your own serial number for each serialized material or have the system assign the numbers. For example, if you post three pieces of a material, you must enter three serial numbers (or have them assigned by the system).

If assignment of serial numbers is not mandatory, you can select Goto ® Serial number from the detail screen for an item to maintain the serial numbers.

A stock transfer (plant to plant) of materials with serial number management is only possible if the same profile is assigned to the material in both plants.

For goods movements for stock transport orders with no involvement of the Shipping component, you must enter the serial numbers manually.

When goods movements for stock transport orders involve Shipping, note the following:

• When a goods issue is posted for a delivery, the serial numbers are taken from the delivery.
• When a goods receipt is posted for a delivery, the serial numbers are also taken from the delivery. If you enter the goods receipt referencing the purchase order and not the delivery, however, you must enter the serial numbers manually.