If you’ve ever wondered whether you should use lot numbers or serial numbers to track your inventory, this episode breaks it down in a clear, practical way.

We cover what each system is, what information it stores, which industries rely on it, and when to use one over the other. You’ll also learn best practices and how inventory software can make tracking more scalable and accurate.

Whether you’re improving your current process or building one from scratch, this episode will help you make better decisions about how you track your products!

0:00 - Teaser
0:15 - Intro
1:27 - What is a lot number?
2:14 - What information is stored inside a lot number?
3:13 - What does a lot number look like?
3:42 - Which industries rely the most on lot number tracking?
4:15 - What are the benefits of tracking by lot numbers?
8:05 - What are the best practices for lot number tracking?
10:30 - How do you track products by lot number with inventory software?
11:56 - What are serial numbers? How are they different?
13:05 - What other information is stored inside a serial number?
13:25 - What are the benefits of serial number tracking?
16:13 - What are the best practices for serial number tracking?
18:08 - When to use lot numbers versus serial numbers?
19:28 - Outro

Podcast Produced by: inFlow Inventory
Hosted by: Jared Plumb & Melinda Tse

✅ Try inFlow Inventory for free and never run out of stock:
https://www.inflowinventory.com/

🎙️ Visit our website for show notes:
https://www.secretlifeofinventory.com/

🎧 Stream our Secret Life of Inventory podcast:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZPdD9vxalF-TD_uxHmFsPkP5638NrU8-&si=7YIruVL0daUgxCBt

Stay connected:
https://www.facebook.com/inFlowInventory/
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/5276148/admin/feed/inflowinventory
https://www.instagram.com/inflow.inventory/
https://www.tiktok.com/@inflowinventory
https://twitter.com/inflowinventory

#inventory #inventorymanagement #inflow #inflowinventory #batchtracking #lottracking #lotnumbers #serialnumbers

What does it really take to build, scale, and sustain a modern manufacturing business? How do leaders balance operational efficiency, workforce challenges, and long-term succession planning in an industry that’s constantly evolving?

In this episode, we sit down with Jim Vinoski to unpack 16 years at General Mills and explore what it takes to navigate today’s manufacturing landscape. From overcoming food production challenges to understanding the root causes of inefficiency, we break down practical strategies that manufacturers can apply right away. We also dive into the human side of operations—building strong talent pipelines, embracing second-chance hiring, and addressing age bias to create more resilient, high-performing teams.

We’ll also explore leadership, capital, and the future of manufacturing—covering everything from raising funds and navigating family business succession, to evaluating private equity vs. ESOPs to prepare your business for a successful exit.

If you're thinking about scaling your operations, strengthening your workforce, or planning for the future, this episode offers a grounded, experience-driven perspective on what actually works.

🎙️ Visit our website for show notes:
https://www.secretlifeofinventory.com/

⬇️ Follow Jim!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@manufacturingtalks5250
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimvinoski/
Substack: https://manufacturingtalks.substack.com/
https://www.manufacturingtalks.com/

📖 Resources:
The E-Myth Revisited: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/81948.The_E_myth_Revisited

✅ Try inFlow Inventory for free and never run out of stock:
https://www.inflowinventory.com/

Podcast Produced by: inFlow Inventory
Hosted by: Jared Plumb & Melinda Tse

0:00 - Teaser
0:24 - Intro and welcome to Secret Life of Inventory
1:49 - Lessons from 16 years at General Mills
2:42 - Overcoming food manufacturing challenges
3:37 - Most valuable lessons
6:09 - Modern tech trends & industrial evolution
7:30 - Jim’s earliest memory that defined his perspective on manufacturing
8:52 - How Jim's experiences influenced his consulting approach
9:53 - The root cause of operational inefficiency
11:58 - The current state of onshoring & regulations
12:50 - Essential solutions for modern manufacturers
13:52 - Building a talent pipeline for small shops
17:08 - The power & success of second chance hiring
21:14 - Tackling age bias and intergenerational dynamics
25:11 - Creating a perfect work culture
30:04 - Practical leadership advice
31:07 - Hiring advantages: small business vs. big corporate
33:37 - How to raise capital for manufacturing
38:08 - Obstacles in family business succession
40:05 - Mentoring the next generation of workers
40:50 - Government programs and training grants
41:55 - Private equity vs. ESOPs
44:57 - Alternatives to exiting the space
45:42 - Key strategies for scaling and future exits
48:05 - Making your financials attractive to buyers
49:35 - Outro

🎧 Stream our Secret Life of Inventory podcast:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZPdD9vxalF-TD_uxHmFsPkP5638NrU8-&si=7YIruVL0daUgxCBt

Stay connected:
https://www.facebook.com/inFlowInventory/
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/5276148/admin/feed/inflowinventory
https://www.instagram.com/inflow.inventory/
https://www.tiktok.com/@inflowinventory
https://twitter.com/inflowinventory

#inventory #inventorymanagement #inflow #inflowinventory #secretlifeofinventory #manufacturing #jimvinoski

How do inclusion, sustainability, and innovation shape the future of supply chains? And what does it take to build a community that truly elevates underrepresented voices in the industry?

In this episode, we’re joined by Sarah Barnes-Humphrey—creator and host of Let’s Talk Supply Chain and Women in Supply Chain, founder of the non-profit Blended Pledge, and a #1 Amazon Best-Selling Author. We explore her journey as a trailblazer in the supply chain space, her work advocating for equity and representation, and why community-driven leadership is essential for meaningful, long-term change.

It’s a conversation about building more inclusive, sustainable supply chains, and the leaders pushing the industry forward.

🎙️ Visit our website for show notes:
https://www.secretlifeofinventory.com/

Follow Sarah!
Let's Talk Supply Chain: https://letstalksupplychain.com/
Blended: https://blendedpodcast.libsyn.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkSupplyChain/videos
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbarneshumphrey/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahbarneshumphrey/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/letstalksupplychain
Buy her best-selling book: https://www.amazon.ca/Buried-Her-French-Press-Finding/dp/1544549466
Join her supply chain community: https://letstalksupplychain.com/what-is-the-secret-society-of-supply-chain-with-sarah-barnes-humphrey/

✅ Try inFlow Inventory for free and never run out of stock:
https://www.inflowinventory.com/

0:00 - Teaser
0:21 - Intro
1:34 - How did you get involved in the supply chain industry?
2:49 - What are common misconceptions?
3:59 - How was the transition from sales to marketing?
4:59 - What inspired you to start your podcast?
7:56 - Why is inclusion important?
10:45 - What are the challenges for minorities in supply chain?
12:14 - How can you build more inclusive teams?
13:35 - Have you experienced any pushback or skepticism?
14:54 - Why is it important to send your team to industry events?
16:52 - Have you noticed a shift since advocating for women?
17:56 - Where does 80% of greenhouse gas emissions come from?
20:26 - How do you implement sustainability into your supply chain?
22:08 - What's a real-world example of sustainability done well?
23:36 - How are companies approaching digital transformation?
26:11 - What tech is emerging?
28:36 - How can businesses balance the human side and AI?
31:02 - What emerging tech do you think will have a huge impact in the future?
33:18 - What's your favourite thing about working in the supply chain?
35:07 - How do you be a good leader?
36:32 - How do you break into the supply chain industry?
39:37 - Outro

🎧 Stream our Secret Life of Inventory podcast:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZPdD9vxalF-TD_uxHmFsPkP5638NrU8-&si=7YIruVL0daUgxCBt

Stay connected:
https://www.facebook.com/inFlowInventory/
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/5276148/admin/feed/inflowinventory
https://www.instagram.com/inflow.inventory/
https://www.tiktok.com/@inflowinventory
https://twitter.com/inflowinventory

#secretlifeofinventory #inventory #inventorymanagement #inflow #inflowinventory #sarahbarneshumphrey #supplychain #letstalksupplychain #womeninsupplychain #inclusion