# Serial Number Status Update
Serial Number Status Update lets you review the serial numbers of a serialized item and change their status — Open, Activated, or Closed. Update statuses one by one for a selected item, or update many serial numbers at once with Bulk Update.
Overview
Serial numbers are created and assigned automatically when serialized items move through stock — for example when a serial-tracked item is received. This screen does not create serial numbers; it lets you review them for a chosen item and update their status as the units are sold, activated, or retired.
Open the screen from Inventory → Serial No Status Update in the left menu.
Quick Start — Update Serial Number Status
1. Choose an item
Select an Item in the filter. Only items with serial number tracking enabled can be chosen.
2. Generate the list
Click Generate to list the serial numbers for that item. Use the filter toggle to show the Status filter (All, Open, Activated, Closed) and narrow the list.
3. Change statuses
For each serial number, pick the new status from the Status dropdown in its row.
4. Save
Click Update to save the status changes for all listed serial numbers.
Screen Layout
Filters and buttons
| **Control** | **Description** |
|-------------|-----------------|
| Item | Selects the serialized item whose serial numbers you want to review. Required before generating. |
| Status | Filters the list by status — All, Open, Activated, or Closed. Shown when the filter toggle is on. |
| Generate | Loads the serial numbers for the selected item and status. |
| Update | Saves the status changes made in the rows. |
| Bulk Update | Opens the bulk status update form. See Bulk Update. |
| Export | Exports the listed serial numbers and their statuses to Excel. |
List columns
| **Column** | **Description** |
|------------|-----------------|
| Serial Number | The serial number of the unit. |
| Serial Number ID | Unique identifier for the serial number record. |
| Status | Editable status dropdown — Open, Activated, or Closed. |
Status Values
| **Status** | **Description** |
|------------|-----------------|
| Open | The serial number is available and in stock. |
| Activated | The serial number has been activated — for example, sold or put into service. |
| Closed | The serial number is closed and no longer in active use. |
Bulk Update
Use Bulk Update to set the same status for many serial numbers at once without listing them item by item.
How to use
- Click Bulk Update to open the form.
- Choose the target Status — Open, Activated, or Closed.
- Enter the Serial Numbers as a comma-separated list.
- Click Update to apply the status to all listed serial numbers.
| **Field** | **Description** |
|-----------|-----------------|
| Status | The status to apply — Open, Activated, or Closed. Required. |
| Serial Numbers | Comma-separated serial numbers to update. Required. |
> If any serial number you enter is not found, the update is stopped and the missing serial numbers are listed so you can correct them.
Best Practices
- Generate the list for one item at a time before changing statuses so you are working on the right units.
- Use Bulk Update when you have a known set of serial numbers to close or activate together.
- Double-check serial numbers entered in Bulk Update — unmatched entries block the whole update.
- Export the list to Excel before large status changes to keep a record of the previous state.
FAQ
Can I create a serial number here?
No. Serial numbers are generated automatically when serialized items move through stock. This screen only updates their status.
Why is my item not appearing in the Item filter?
Only items with serial number tracking enabled are available. Enable serial number tracking on the item first.
What is the difference between Activated and Closed?
Activated marks a serial number as in service or sold, while Closed retires it from active use.
My bulk update failed — why?
One or more serial numbers were not found. The screen lists the missing entries; correct them and try again.
How do I update just a few units?
Select the item, click Generate, change the status in each row, and click Update.
What is the difference between this screen and Serial Number Enquiry?
This screen bulk-updates status flags. Serial Number Enquiry shows transaction history for a serial number.
Does changing status move stock?
No. Status updates lifecycle flags (for example activated or closed) without posting inventory movements.
Can I update serials from another center?
Generate the list for the item and center (or batch) you need, then update statuses in the grid.
Related documentation